Violence In Beowulf
In the epic " Beowulf," there was an immense amount of violence, that was accepted with different feelings by the other characters. The two main forms of violence were performed by Grendel, the banished monster style character, and by Beowulf- the hero of the story. The motivation, response from others, how violent acts fit into the Dane's culture and the outcome of their violent actions will be discussed in this paper. The motivation for each character's violence varied immensely. Grendel was an "unhappy creature" (p.28), this happened, "after God had condemned [him] as kin of Cain," (p.28), this lead Grendel to be a vengeful and wicked creature. When he attacked the Hall Heorot his attack was, "grim and fierce, was quickly ready, savage and cruel, and [he] seized from their rest thirty thanes," (p.28). Grendel killed to fulfill a blood lust and a deep hatred because he was alone in his situation. Beowulf, on the other hand, exercised violence for glory and to rid the evil monster. He talks big on how he will defeat Grendel, " I scorn to bear sword or broad shield, yellow wood, to the battle, but
Violence is a big attribute to the Dane's culture. The Dane's take on violence was more revolved around pay back rather than resolution, thus, violence will be a never ending aspect of the Dane's way of life. with my grasp I shall grapple with the enemy and fight for life, foe against foe," (p. The Danes rejoiced and had a tremendous feast at Hall Heorot. Now the Army is much more civilized and professional, as it is with the rest of western civilization. When they acted upon each other they both shared a common motivation for their violence, "both were enraged, he two who meant to control the hall," (p. This way of thinking is caused by ignorance. Grendel's violent acts were despised and feared, while Beowulf's violent acts were thought of as a God sent, and were a cause of festivities and rejoicing. This idea is self- destructive, as it will cause a domino effect of a long line of avenged deaths, unless a man price is paid, thus breaking the circle. If a man a slain, even by accident, the slayer must either pay a "wergild" (p. In the military for instance, in the 70's and 80's, the treatment of soldiers was much to that of what was portrayed in the movie Full Metal Jacket by Stanley Kubrick.
Common topics in this essay:
Hall Heorot,
Heorot Beowulf,
,
Beowulf Grendel's,
Kubrick Army,
violent acts,
epic beowulf,
dane's culture,
hall heorot,
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Acceptance Essays
