Heathcliff, Macbeth, & Grendel
Anyone who has seen "Sleeping Beauty" or "Snow White" or any number of other Disney movies knows what a hero is. In the eyes of the everyday layman, a hero is a gallant soul who faces terrifying evil or danger without flinching, a person who cares nothing about his own life when other's are in danger. This type of hero is known as traditional. They very word 'traditional' has the connotation of the mundane and of monotony. Heroes such as Superman and Captain America become dull very quickly because they lack a vital part that keeps people interested, drama. Any hero that has drama creates a sense of wonder and curiosity. This type of hero is known as a Byronic hero. Byronic heroes can actually be seen as anti-heroes. They may have basic characteristics in common with traditional heroes, such as intelligence, confidence, and a set of moral standards, but they carry a burden through their life, whether it is a personal mission, revenge, or just a lust for power. Three classic literary Byronic heroes are: Macbeth from William Shakespeare's play, "Macbeth," Heathcliff from Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights," and Grendel from John Gardner's "Grendel." All three have archetypal characteristics demonstrating the essence of a B
He decides this with the statement: "The tyrant grinds down his slaves and they don't turn against him, they crush those beneath them" (103). In the case of the Byronic hero perhaps confidence is a negative instead of a positive attribution. The character in question must live in some sort of isolation or exile. Whether it is one reason or the other, Grendel does follow through with the plan set forth by the dragon. This self-analysis may turn to anything from existentialism to the sense of worthlessness. Hence, horrible shadow!/ Unreal mockery, hence! (3. Besides, this Duncan/ hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been/ so clear in his great office, that his virtues/ will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against/ the deep damnation of his taking-off (1. Among the three, Macbeth's guilt is shown the most obviously. Catherine blindly accepts the fact that she cannot be with Heathcliff by concluding: "It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff" (73). ' Macbeth's morals drastically alter during the play leading to Macbeth's complete abandonment of reason and his adoption of the idea that the prophecies can do no wrong. the golden round, / which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem/ to have thee [Macbeth] crown'd" (1. Grendel sees not only the futility of heroism but also the stupidity of it.
Common topics in this essay:
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Hareton Hindley's,
Lady Macbeth,
Catherine I'll,
Macbeth Banquo,
Gardner's Grendel,
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Concurrent Grendel's,
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Acceptance Essays
