Grendel and Beowulf Heroism :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Intentions and HeroismA building is ablaze and a crowd of multitude st are helplessly from the streets, listening to screams approach shot from within. A single person runs in to rescues whomever he or she can find. Whether or not that person emerges with a child in their arms, empty handed, or not at all, does nothing to alter our societys perception of their heroism. Todays society would classify such an action as heroic, regardless of outcome, for maven reason intentions. During Anglo-Saxton times the interpretation of such an act, based on the tale Beowulf, would not be so understanding of what was intended, but rather of the outcome. If one perished and failed in an attempt of such a heroic act words like weakness might arise. It is here that the clash of what a hero is occurs in the midst of the Anglo-Saxton tale Beowulf and John Gardners Grendel. Beowulf in Beowulf is a hero for he defeats evil and restores order to and for the common people. Unferth in Grendel however i s unsuccessful in his adjure against evil, but like the man who emerges empty handed he is by no means any less of a hero. For heroism, as demonstrated in the Anglo-Saxton tale Beowulf, is altered in Gardners Grendel to convey the idea that intentions define a hero as opposed to actions. Beowulf is a classic hero in Beowulf for he fits the epitomized romantic mold so perfectly. His appearance is that of a hero, he is large, muscular, and intimidating. His intentions are also in the right place, he wishes to free Hrothgars people from the evil that is Grendel. He is a mature man, one who in the face of belittlement responds respectably and effectively. Then up spoke UnferthAre you that Beowulf who with Breca swam on the broad sea-swell essay together proud wave-wrestlers wagering your lives with reckless boasting risking for praise deep water-death?... Beowulf answeredand you were never known for such deeds nothing to brag of renowned as you are for killing your brothers (p.17-18 B eowulf) Beowulf doesnt put Unferth down rather he reminds him that he has no place to talk of heroic deeds and moves on. Gardners version of Beowulf is a much different person. The eyes slanted downward, never blinking, unfeeling as snakes (p. 154) The sea-pale eyes of the rum were focused on nothing (p. 155) The stranger smiled on, he downward slanting eyes like empty pits.