Discuss how Beowulf, as a protagonist, and Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon, as antagonists, convey the history and values of Anglo-Saxon culture. In addition, choose a modern epic you have seen or read (movie, TV show, book) and compare and contrast the protagonists and antagonists in this modern example to the characters in Beowulf. Lastly, how do the heroes and villains of modern epics communicate recent historical events and contemporary values?
Scoring: 10 points total
Identifying the heroic characteristics of Beowulf – 2 points
Identifying a modern hero with their characteristics – 2 points
Comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between the two – 2 points
How do the modern heroes communicate the values of modern times? – 2 points
Proper spelling, capitalization, and grammar – 2 points
Beowulf, as the protagonist of the epic poem, embodies several heroic characteristics that convey the history and values of Anglo-Saxon culture. Firstly, Beowulf is depicted as strong and courageous, willing to face dangerous opponents like Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. This highlights the Anglo-Saxon emphasis on bravery and a warrior ethos. Additionally, Beowulf possesses a strong sense of loyalty towards his king and his comrades, which reflects the importance of loyalty and fealty within their society. Furthermore, Beowulf's generosity and willingness to help others, even at the cost of his own life, reflects the values of honor and selflessness.
A modern example of a hero who shares similar characteristics is Captain America from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like Beowulf, Captain America is depicted as a brave and courageous figure who fights against powerful opponents for the greater good. He possesses unwavering loyalty to his country and friends, constantly striving to protect and defend them. Similarly to Beowulf, Captain America is known for his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice himself for others.
When comparing Beowulf and Captain America, one of the main differences is their motivations. Beowulf is driven by glory and the desire to prove his strength and bravery, while Captain America fights for justice and protecting the innocent. Additionally, Captain America operates within a modern society with complex moral dilemmas, whereas Beowulf exists within a more simplistic Medieval world. Nevertheless, both characters embody heroic virtues and are willing to put themselves in harm's way to achieve their goals.
In terms of modern heroes communicating the values of modern times, they often reflect the societal and cultural values of their era. For example, modern heroes often champion themes such as diversity, equality, and justice. They may tackle contemporary issues such as environmental concerns, political corruption, or social inequality, and serve as symbols of hope and inspiration for audiences. The heroes in modern epics, therefore, communicate the current values and concerns of society, reflecting the historical context and contemporary events that shape them.