Analysis of Beowulf as a Mythical Hero

 

Answer the following questions thoroughly in a typed document.  Please quote extensively from the Beowulf text.  Be sure to cite the lines you use correctly. 

• Grendel is related to "monsters and elves and the walking dead, And also those giants who fought against God" ("Beowulf" 112-113).

 

1. Do you think Beowulf is a hero based on the poem as a whole? Use quotes from the Beowulf text to support your answer.

 

2. Based on your answer to question 1, show how Beowulf is or is not a hero in terms of the following qualities. Use quotes from the Beowulf text to support your answers.

 

1. Courage
2. Heroism
3. Leadership
4. Loyalty
5. Action

 

3. How do Campbell and Jung define a hero? 

1. Do you think Beowulf is a hero by their standards?
2. Explain why or why not using examples from the hero’s journey. Use quotes from the Beowulf text to support your answer.

 

4. Analyze the three fights.  Use quotes from the Beowulf text to support your answer.

1. Explain how Beowulf was the same in each fight.
2. Explain how Beowulf was different in each fight.
3. What lessons did he learn as he fought each one?

 

5. Is Beowulf’s confidence/cockiness an asset or a flaw? Use quotes from the Beowulf text to support your answers.

 

6. Compare Beowulf with a modern hero.

a.    How are the two personalities similar?  Use quotes from the Beowulf text and the modern hero’s text to support your answers.

b.    How are the two personalities different?  Use quotes from the Beowulf text and the modern hero’s text to support your answers.