The story “Beowulf” is a story that has lasted throughout the
centuries as a classic heroic tale. Throughout the story Beowulf, the strong,
self confident, lord, becomes a hero when he saves a town from the terrors of a
monster. During the reading of “Beowulf” one comes to know what it means to be
a part of the community during the time, the virtues of Beowulf himself and
what it means to be good in the community. The reader also comes to realize how
the monster brings the community together in a way that it would not have
without it. In learning all of these points one comes to understand the true
significance of the story and why it has above all odds lasted throughout the
ages.
In the world of “Beowulf” it is important to be viewed as good. In
the beginning of the story one comes to learn quickly what is good and what is
bad. Some of the characteristics that are looked on as good are bravery and
doing kind things for others. For example, the king of the Danes did good
things for his people and was a nice king thus, making him good in societies
view. Because the king of the Danes is
wise enough to except Beowulf’s help with the monster in his kingdom, he is
also considered good because he longs for his people’s safety.
Another person that is considered good in this society is of
course Beowulf himself. There are several reasons he is considered good, one of
them is because he is a good lord and people respect him for the things that he
accomplished when he was younger. Another thing that makes him good are his
ancestors, his father was good and brought good things to the land, therefore
making Beowulf good as well.
The main reason that Beowulf is considered good in this society is
because he leaves his home land to go to a small community and save them from a
monster. He is not asked to; he just does it because he thinks that it is the
right thing to do. Because of his bravery and defeating the monster the town is
thankful and Beowulf is viewed even more good then he was when he first
arrived. This is because he achieved something that many men had tried to do
and could not; therefore saving the town from more suffering.
Beowulf being viewed as a good, mighty hero was of course viewed
as strong. However, his strength was not the only reason why he was a hero. He
was virtuous and physically strong. He was gracious with the people that
doubted that he could beat Grendel. He was brave for leave his homeland to save
people he did not know. His physical capability was just a small aspect that
made him a hero; the combination of the two characteristics made him a hero in
not only the eyes of the community but also the reader.
The community was a large aspect of the story “Beowulf” because it
is important to be a part of it. There are many things throughout the story
that point toward what it means to be a part of the community. One thing is
that the person is known and so are their ancestors before them. Their lineage
is a large part of what makes them a part of the community because the rest of
the people in the community understand that they have always been there and
they always will be.
Another thing that makes a person a part of a community in
Beowulf’s society is that they are willing to stand up for what the community
believes in. For example, fighting against Grendel to save the people of the
town whether they succeed or not. Also standing alongside a lord or the king
makes the person a part of the community because they are pledging their
allegiance to them.
This meaning is communicated throughout the story in a variety of
different ways. One way is when a person introduces themselves as the followers
of someone, “We belong by birth to the Geat people/ and owe allegiance to Lord
Hygelac./”(Heaney, /1995, p.
36). Another way is when the narrator is discussing the characteristics of
the character. In the description it is clear whether the person does or does
not belong. For example, when the narrator first describes Beowulf saying,
“Afterward a boy-child was born to Shield,/ a cub in the yard, a comfort sent/
by God to the nation. He knew what they had tholed,/ the long times and
troubles they’d come through/ without a leader; so the Lord of Life,/ the
glorious Almighty, made this man renowned.”(Heaney, /1995, p. 31).
An example in the story that showed the character was not welcome
in the community is when the narrator is introducing Grendel. “Then a powerful
demon, a prowler through the dark,/ nursed a hard grievance. It harrowed him/
to hear the din of the loud banquet…” (Heaney, /1995, p. 33). The
words prowler, dark, grievance and ect. make it clear that Grendel was not
welcome in the community right away.
Even though the monster or Grendel was not a part of the community
he was still are big aspect of what made the community and what virtue was in
that community. He was the driving force in bringing the community together
against a common force. This would make them strong and unite.
Grendel also is what brings the virtues out in the story. Because
he was killing all of these people unjustly and without paying a death-price he
was bad. This in turn showed what was good because without him, Beowulf would
not have shown up to save the people in the first place. Without Beowulf the
community would have continued their lives and the lines in their virtues would
not have been displayed as clearly.
Throughout the story of “Beowulf” the reader learns about the
makings of a community, what was considered virtuous, and how a bad thing can
bring out some of the best qualities in people. In the process of reading the
story about the brave hero Beowulf the reader gets a deep perception on the
society and all the things that go along with it. Making the story more than
just a heroic tale but also a small piece of history of its own.
References
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