Similarities Between Heroes And Monster In Beowulf

Despite the hero-villain representation usually seen in the fantasies of modern day culture, real heroes and monsters remain today. When defining the terms ‘hero’ and monster’ people often imagine made-up characters. Because of this, the view of a hero or monster in a real-world sense might seem absurd, however, looking at people who have risked their lives, or devastated the world proves their existence. Similarities between the heroes and monsters of today and those found in poetry centuries ago exemplifies how they still exist. In the epic poem Beowulf, characters Beowulf and Grendel represent the ideals of a hero and monster. Their qualities of courage and envy parallel with that of some of the most significant people today. De Vigny†¦show more content†¦Courage displayed by people of today’s times which amounts to monumental change, like that of Martin Luther King Jr, shows heroism. M.L.K Jr. embodies the characteristics of a hero through his bravery which resulted in the betterment of society. His revolutionary behavior to strive for advancements in the culture of many, and his risk in doing so, labels him a hero. Alike to Martin Luther King Jr. with his willingness to be criminally charged, Beowulf has the audacity to fight the evil that is Grendel. With his bare hands, Beowulf would â€Å"settle the outcome in a single combat† (line 426) that would rid the town of evil. The similar bravery between Martin Luther King Jr. and Beowulf depicts how people of today can be heroes. The bravery that exists in the most revolutionary people which leads to good change displays qualities of a person that can label them a hero. Envy in people that leads to evil and significant change, like that of Adolf Hitler, shows properties of a monster. Hitlers jealously of the prosperous Jewish merchant class contributed to his reason for disliking them and ultimately, the killing of millions. Alike to Hitler’s jealous attitude towards the Jew’s , in Beowulf the monsterous Grendel acts out of envy as well. Grendel is jealous of the celebrations and happiness present in the town. During the celebrations which he was left out of, it â€Å"harrowed him to hear the din of the loud banquet† (line 87-88) going on. Grendel envied the parties takingShow MoreRelatedSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1020 Words   |  5 Pagesunmatched fame because of the traits that the heroes exude. Both Sir Gawain, from â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† translated by Marie Borroff, and Beowulf, from Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, serve as heroes in different times of Medieval English Literature. 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