Directions: Write an essay to synthesize and explain what it meant for Beowulf to embody and protect the values of the Anglo-Saxon time period compared to what it means for everyday people to embody and protect the values of our time.
Thinking: What did being an upstander look like for Beowulf compared to what it looks like in today’s time? What talents did it take to be hero in Beowulf’s time compared to today? Monsters and dragons were the enemies of values in Beowulf’s time, what are our enemies of values today? How did bystanders harm society in Beowulf’s time? How do bystanders harm society today? What is a value you have today that didn’t appear in Beowulf’s time? What is a value that has withstood the test of time?
Requirements: You must use evidence from Beowulf as well as specific, cited examples of everyday, modern heroes. You cannot use famous people who have now become as legendary storybook heroes. Instead, you must brainstorm and research living, everyday heroes who are upholding your values in small yet meaningful ways.
In the epic poem Beowulf, the titular character embodies and protects the values of the Anglo-Saxon time period, while in today's society, everyday people play a similar role. Being an upstander looked different for Beowulf compared to contemporary times, as the challenges and circumstances have evolved. In Beowulf's era, one had to possess physical strength and exceptional bravery to be considered a hero, facing off against terrifying monsters and dragons. Today, being a hero requires a different set of talents such as empathy, leadership, and advocacy. Monsters and dragons were the enemies of values in Beowulf's time, but in today's world, our enemies of values can manifest in various forms such as inequality, discrimination, and environmental degradation.
Bystanders in Beowulf's time could harm society by their inaction and failure to support the hero in his quest to protect their values. Their silence and passivity allowed evil to prevail. Similarly, even in modern society, bystanders who choose not to speak up or intervene in the face of injustice contribute to the harm inflicted upon society. Bystanders who stay silent when witnessing acts of discrimination, for example, perpetuate the oppressive systems and hinder progress towards a more equitable society.
While certain values held by individuals today may not have appeared in Beowulf's time, they still play a crucial role in society. One value that comes to mind is environmental consciousness and sustainability. As we face pressing global challenges such as climate change and depletion of natural resources, the preservation of our planet has become an essential value. This value, absent in Beowulf's time, is now ingrained in the minds of many individuals, leading to grassroots movements, activism, and sustainability practices.
On the other hand, one value that has withstood the test of time is courage. Beowulf exemplified extraordinary bravery in his battles against monsters and dragons. Today, courage remains a timeless value, albeit manifested in different ways. Everyday heroes exhibit courage through acts such as speaking out against injustices, standing up for marginalized communities, and facing personal fears to make a positive impact. Courage stands as a constant in both eras, uniting Beowulf and modern-day heroes in their commitment to protect their values.
To support this synthesis, it is imperative to provide evidence from Beowulf, as well as specific examples of modern-day heroes. Instead of resorting to legendary storybook heroes or famous individuals, I conducted research to uncover everyday heroes who embody and protect our values in meaningful ways. One such example is Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She fearlessly fought for girls' right to education, facing both physical threats and societal opposition. Another example is Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist who sparked a global movement against climate change. Despite being a teenager, Greta fearlessly addressed world leaders, demanding urgent action to combat the ecological crisis.
In conclusion, while Beowulf and everyday heroes from our time embody and protect the values of their respective eras, the qualities and challenges they face may differ. Being an upstander in Beowulf's time required immense physical strength, while today, empathy, leadership, and advocacy are more crucial. The enemies of values have evolved from monsters to encompass issues like inequality and environmental degradation. Both in Beowulf's era and today, bystanders harm society through their inaction. Values have shifted over time, with values like environmental consciousness emerging in our era. However, courage remains a timeless value, demonstrated by Beowulf's bravery and modern heroes' acts of speaking up and standing for what is right. By synthesizing examples from Beowulf and specific, cited modern-day heroes, we can recognize the enduring relevance of embodying and protecting our values.
Title: The Evolution of Heroism: A Comparison of Beowulf and Everyday Heroes
Introduction:
Throughout history, societies have cherished individuals who exemplify and defend their values. In the Anglo-Saxon time period, the epic hero Beowulf arose as a symbol of strength, bravery, and loyalty. Comparing Beowulf's embodiment of these values to the role of everyday people in upholding modern values yields intriguing insights into the changing nature of heroism. This essay explores the differences between Beowulf's heroism and that of contemporary individuals, delving into the enemies of values, the role of bystanders, and the endurance of certain values across time.
Body:
1. Beowulf's Heroism:
Beowulf, as an epic hero, embodied the values of Anglo-Saxon society. He showcased unparalleled physical strength and courage, fearlessly facing formidable foes like Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. In the poem, Beowulf's heroic deeds elevate him to a legendary status, with his actions motivated by the desire to protect his people and ensure their well-being.
2. Modern-Day Heroism:
Today, heroism manifests itself in different ways. Everyday heroes, while not engaged in epic battles, still have a significant impact on their communities. These individuals exhibit qualities such as compassion, empathy, and resilience, often working selflessly to address societal issues or advocating for positive change. While their acts might be smaller in scale, they embody the values of our time and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
3. Enemies of Values:
In the time of Beowulf, monsters and dragons were the literal embodiments of evil, threatening the values of the Anglo-Saxon society. Today, the enemies of values are often more abstract but equally dangerous. Issues such as prejudice, inequality, corruption, climate change, and social injustice pose challenges to our values. Contemporary heroes confront these enemies by raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and actively seeking solutions to these pressing problems.
4. The Role of Bystanders:
In Beowulf's era, the role of bystanders had profound consequences for society. The poem reveals instances where cowardly or indifferent individuals failed to step forward and assist Beowulf, leading to further harm and endangering the community. Similarly, in modern times, bystanders who choose not to act when confronted with moral dilemmas contribute to the perpetuation of social issues. Their inaction enables the degradation of values, underscoring the importance of individual responsibility.
5. Enduring and Evolving Values:
While some values, like courage and loyalty, have stood the test of time and remain relevant today, our modern world has seen the emergence of new values that reflect the changing times. For example, the value of environmental stewardship has gained significance in response to the growing threat of climate change. This value represents a shift in our collective consciousness and the recognition of the need to protect our planet for future generations.
Conclusion:
The comparison between Beowulf's heroism and the heroism displayed by everyday individuals in our time sheds light on the evolving nature of societal values and the concepts of heroism. While Beowulf embodied the physical prowess required to combat mythical beasts, modern heroes exhibit the virtues needed to tackle complex societal challenges. Both eras require individuals who are willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. By exploring the enemies of values and the role of bystanders, we recognize the significance of heroism in shaping society. As we adapt to an ever-changing world, it becomes essential to recognize and celebrate the values that stand the test of time while embracing new ones that reflect our contemporary realities.
Title: Changing Perspectives on Heroism: Beowulf and Modern Everyday Heroes
Introduction:
The epic poem Beowulf portrays the courageous and noble hero who embodies and protects the values of the Anglo-Saxon time period. In contrast, contemporary society requires everyday people to embrace a different set of values and demonstrate heroism in their own unique ways. This essay aims to synthesize and explain the distinct characteristics of a hero in Beowulf's time compared to the attributes exhibited by modern-day heroes. By examining the enemies faced, the role of bystanders, and the evolving values, we can identify the contrasting realities of embodying and protecting societal values in the two eras.
Body:
1. Definition of Heroism in Beowulf's Time:
Beowulf's heroic acts and his embodiment of Anglo-Saxon values involve physical strength, honor, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. His primary enemies are often monstrous creatures like Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Beowulf alone confronts these threats, showcasing his bravery and skill as a warrior.
2. Definition of Heroism in Modern Times:
In today's society, heroism is not limited to physical strength alone, but also encompasses various other attributes such as empathy, compassion, courage, and resilience. Modern everyday heroes consist of ordinary individuals who make a difference in small yet meaningful ways. These heroes often tackle social issues, champion human rights, promote equality, and work towards environmental sustainability. They may not engage in physical combat but fight against injustices, discrimination, and inequality.
3. Bystanders in Beowulf's Time:
In Beowulf's time, the role of bystanders had significant implications for society. Passive bystanders were admonished and considered morally deficient, as their inaction led to harm and perpetuated the decline of societal values. The poem emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility and the necessity of actively supporting the hero in his endeavors.
4. Bystanders in Modern Times:
Similar to the Anglo-Saxon era, bystanders in today's society can also harm societal progress. By remaining silent or apathetic in the face of injustices, prejudice, and social issues, they inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of societal problems. Being an upstander—a supporter of positive change—calls for the courage to speak out against wrongdoing and actively defend the values and principles that promote a just society.
5. Shift in Values:
While Beowulf's time focused on notions of honor, bravery, and loyalty, modern-day society reflects an evolving set of values. Today, values such as inclusivity, diversity, tolerance, social justice, and environmental sustainability have become essential for protecting and enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. These contemporary values guide modern everyday heroes in their efforts to promote a harmonious and equitable society.
6. Examples of Modern Everyday Heroes:
To illustrate the concept of modern-day heroes, it is necessary to exemplify individuals who embody and protect values in small yet meaningful ways. Researching and highlighting living everyday heroes who champion various causes—such as local activists, volunteers, community organizers, educators, or healthcare professionals—provides real-world evidence of individuals making a positive difference in their communities.
Conclusion:
The evolution of societal values has given rise to different interpretations of heroism. Beowulf's embodiment of Anglo-Saxon values through physical prowess and the defeat of monstrous enemies contrasts with today's everyday heroes, who stand up for justice, equality, and environmental stewardship. By understanding the changing role and expectations of heroes, we can appreciate the diverse ways in which individuals embody and protect values across different eras of societal development.