Grendel and Beowulf Heroism :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Intentions and valorA building is ablaze and a crowd of people glance helplessly from the streets, listening to screams coming 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, vitiate handed, or not at all, does cryptograph to alter our high societys perception of their heroism. Todays society would classify such an action as heroic, regardless of outcome, for one contend 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 give care weakness might arise. It is here that the clash of what a hero is occurs amid 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 is un successful in his campaign 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 get hold of 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 correct 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 struggling together royal wave-wrestlers wagering your lives with reckless boasting risking for praise deep water-death?... Beowulf answeredand you were never known for such deeds nought to brag of renowned as you are for cleaning your brothe rs (p.17-18 Beowulf) 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 stranger were focused on nothing (p. 155) The stranger smiled on, he downward slanting eyes like empty pits.