Choose Prompt: Choose your favorite character from Beowulf, Grendel, or Le Morte d’ Arthur. What modern values and/or universal themes are evident in the character? What does this tell us about how literature reflects society, culture, place, and/or history? You may choose to address this prompt in a 400-500 word essay. MLA Citation The paper should be Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced, in MLA format.favorite character

QUESTION

Prompt: Choose your favorite character from Beowulf, Grendel, or Le Morte d’ Arthur. What modern values and/or universal themes are evident in the character? What does this tell us about how literature reflects society, culture, place, and/or history?

You may choose to address this prompt in a 400-500 word essay.

MLA Citation

The paper should be Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced, in MLA format.

ANSWER

The Universal Themes and Modern Values Reflected in Beowulf

Introduction

Literature serves as a powerful mirror that reflects society, culture, place, and history. Within epic tales like Beowulf, timeless characters embody universal themes and exhibit modern values that resonate with readers across centuries. Among the memorable figures in Beowulf, the eponymous hero emerges as a beacon of virtue, strength, and honor. By examining Beowulf’s character, we can uncover the underlying values and themes that make this ancient narrative relevant to contemporary audiences.

Universal Theme: The Triumph of Good over Evil

Beowulf embodies the universal theme of the triumph of good over evil. He confronts and defeats various adversaries, including the formidable monster Grendel and the vengeful dragon (Clark, 2022). Through his unwavering courage and indomitable spirit, Beowulf personifies the timeless struggle against darkness, showcasing humanity’s innate desire for justice and righteousness.

Modern Value: Heroism and Sacrifice

Beowulf’s character portrays the modern value of heroism and self-sacrifice. He willingly risks his life to protect others, displaying bravery and selflessness. Beowulf’s quest to rid the Danish kingdom of Grendel demonstrates his dedication to safeguarding innocent lives, highlighting the enduring importance of heroism in contemporary society.

Universal Theme: Mortality and the Human Condition

The character of Beowulf reflects the universal theme of mortality and the human condition. Despite his exceptional physical strength, Beowulf acknowledges the inevitability of death. His final battle against the dragon symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and the existential struggles faced by all individuals. This theme resonates with readers today, reminding us of our shared mortality and urging us to make the most of our time.

Modern Value: Integrity and Leadership

Beowulf embodies the modern values of integrity and leadership. As a leader, he earns the trust and respect of his followers through his unwavering adherence to a strict code of ethics. Beowulf’s integrity shines through his commitment to his word and his sense of duty towards his people (Journal of Leadership Education, 2020). His leadership qualities serve as a model for contemporary society, highlighting the significance of principled leadership in times of adversity.

Conclusion

The character of Beowulf from the eponymous epic exemplifies various modern values and universal themes, showcasing the enduring relevance of this ancient narrative. His embodiment of the triumph of good over evil, heroism, sacrifice, mortality, and integrity resonates with readers across time and cultures. Through Beowulf’s character, we gain insight into the values and themes that define our humanity and shape our societies.

Literature, like Beowulf, reflects the society, culture, place, and history from which it originates. It serves as a testament to the enduring aspects of the human experience and provides a platform for exploring fundamental questions about identity, morality, and the human condition (Hassan, 2023). By studying and appreciating these literary works, we deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit, drawing parallels between the past and the present.

In conclusion, Beowulf’s character stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to reflect universal themes and modern values. As readers engage with this timeless tale, they are reminded of the human capacity for bravery, sacrifice, integrity, and leadership. Beowulf’s journey resonates with contemporary society, illustrating the ongoing relevance of ancient texts and their ability to illuminate our shared human experience. Through literature, we bridge the gap between the past and the present, gaining insights into the complexities of society, culture, place, and history.

References

Clark. (2022, April 13). Good vs. Evil in Beowulf: The Infamous Battle Within the Epic Poem. Ancient Literature. https://ancient-literature.com/good-vs-evil-in-beowulf/ 

Hassan, M. (2023, June 28). What is Literature – Definition, Types, Examples – Research Method. Research Method. https://researchmethod.net/what-is-literature/ 

Journal of Leadership Education. (2020, April 30). Beowulf and the Teaching of Leadership – Journal of Leadership Education. https://journalofleadershiped.org/jole_articles/beowulf-and-the-teaching-of-leadership