The Monsters in the Epic of Beowulf Essay - 1831 Words

The poem Beowulf, believed to be written between 650 and 800 by a group of monks, contains several complex characters that have sparked discussions throughout the years. Scholars still continue to ponder over the unanswered questions about characters, such as whether Grendel is monster or human, whether Grendel is evil or not, and what the monsters in Beowulf signify. Other important, though less accepted questions include whether Beowulf is really a hero, or is in actuality a monster, and what allows the characters to be classified as either evil, or not evil. Because both sides of these arguments can be sufficiently supported with textual evidence, it is the reader’s responsibility to defend an appropriate answer. There are no†¦show more content†¦There is enough textual evidence provided in the poem of Beowulf for the reader to assume that Grendel is a monster, which few critics argue. As a means of backing this up, the reader can point out direct statements in the poem, for example, several times Grendel is called â€Å"†¦ a fiend out of hell,† who is trying to â€Å"†¦ work his evil in the world† (Beowulf 9), and a â€Å"†¦ God- cursed brute†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Beowulf 49). One can also utilize the direct descriptions of Grendel, for he is described as being strong enough to â€Å"†¦ grab thirty men from their resting places and rush to his lair†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Beowulf 11), which is hardly humanlike. Along with these direct statements that Grendel is a monster, there are several facts that are not directly stated, however, they are essential to Grendel’s classification. There are several indirect statements in the poem that help to classify Grendel as a monster. For example, there is much depravation in Grendel’s life that separates him from the other human beings of that time period. Such as the fact that Grendel is a loner, banished from society, which shows that Grendel has no human communications, which is doubtlessly not a humanlike characteristic. Grendel also has no father, but instead has only a mother, which is bizarre because many of the other characters introduce themselves as â€Å"son of ____†, and indeed, despite the fact that Beowulf’s father is dead, he is often referred to as, â€Å"†¦Show MoreRelatedComparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Beowulf937 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God throughout the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, It s hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elements are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf(Vengeance the Pagan and ChristianRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare939 Words   |  4 Pageswithout actually writing things down. These epics would be passed from one another through verbal communication and were based around different aspects of life for a someone of Anglo-Saxon descent. The story Beowulf is a perfect example of how Anglo-Saxons based their stories around their beliefs on how a hero should behave. Around the time the story was first told, people were often terrified of the horrible things in the world. The character Beowulf was built around how a hero would be representedRead MoreWhat Are The Characteristics Of Beowulf1458 Words   |  6 PagesOctober 2017 Beowulf Have you ever thought of being so strong that you have the ability to fight with a dragon and kill it? Beowulf, an epic written in England by an anonymous writer that tells how this powerful and fearless human being that fights monsters and dinosaurs with his bare hands and sometimes with weapons. An Epic is a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates heroic deeds and legendary events (Wiggins 39). This epic generally describes about how Beowulf was a greatRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Poem Derived From Old World Storytelling Traditions1090 Words   |  5 PagesMs. Michelle Boykin EH 203 (Fall 2015) First Essay: Beowulf October 5, 2015 Beowulf: An Epic Poem Derived from Old World Storytelling Traditions The classic poem Beowulf recorded by a monk during eleventh century A.D., and of unknown authorship, is thought to have been passed down over time through oral traditions of storytelling, popular during that period in history. Most likely the listeners and retellers of these types of these stories would have been warriors themselves, much likeRead MoreWhy Is Beowulf Considered A Hero?983 Words   |  4 PagesMay 2016 Why is Beowulf considered a hero? Beowulf, an epic hero of his time, has some people that don’t think he should be considered a hero, but I think otherwise. He killed many monsters, and creatures from various places, saving the people who live(d) there, and this is the definition of a hero, â€Å"a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.† That definition really describes Beowulf because of the outstandingRead MoreBeowulf the Hero1005 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf The Hero â€Å"†¦ A fiend out of hell†(Heaney 100). These words describe the monster Grendel, who is truly an evil entity. Only an epic hero with strength, courage and confidence is able to defeat this mighty foe. This hero’s name is Beowulf. He displays all of these throughout the epic. Beowulf’s first epic hero trait is confidence. Beowulf displays confidence when he talked to Unferth in the great hall Heorot. Beowulf said, â€Å"†¦but he will find me different. I will show him how Geats shapeRead MoreSymbolism Of Beowulf716 Words   |  3 PagesIn the epic poem Beowulf, Grendel who is the first monster Beowulf battles snatched up 30 men and it is to be said that beowulf has the strength of 30 men. Beowulf is an epic poem translated by Burton Raffel. In Beowulf there is three battles with three different monsters, Grendel, Grendels mother, and a dragon. The three battles have a symbolic meaning throughout the whole book. The three battles in the epic poem represent more than just two enemies fighting for victory, they are battles betweenRead MoreEssay Beowulf: Epic or Elegy?763 Words   |  4 PagesWriting Lab III Beowulf: Epic or Elegy? Beowulf is a poem written in manuscript form created in England sometime between the years 700 and 1000AD. The author is unknown to this day. Is Beowulf an epic poem or an elegy? An epic is â€Å"a long narrative poem in elevated style presenting characters of high position in adventures forming an organic whole through their relation to a central heroic figure and through their development of episodes important to the history of a nation or race† (HarmonRead MoreEssay on Monsters and Men in Macbeth, Beowulf, Frankstien1179 Words   |  5 Pages Monsters and Men (Unit Paper) For ages, we have wondered what is the difference between monsters and men that make them who they are. What are the characteristics that define a monster? Typically it’s the bad guy, the person or thing that comes into the story just to cause massacre or stand in the protagonist’s way. On the other Men are just defined as people who are the opposite of evil. There can be multiple people in a story who can be characterized asRead MoreEssay on Beowulf study guide1576 Words   |  7 Pages1) Describe how we find King Hrothgar and his response to learning that Beowulf has come to his kingdom. A. The king is sad and depressed that his kingdom has fallen into such a state of disrepair. He is overjoyed to learn that Beowulf, whom he knows from stories and his father, Ecgtheow, has come to fight Grendel. Hrothgar promises Beowulf treasure if he can defeat the monster. 2) In the beginning of â€Å"Beowulf,† King Hrothgar’s hall has been deserted for twelve years. In a short essay, tell why

The Failure Of The American Prison System - 1302 Words

The Failure of the American Prison System The subject of prison evokes fearful and violent images seen in movies or on television; outdated clichà ©s consisting of men eating stale bread and drinking dirty water that are intended to repulse people and deter them from committing crimes and ending up in such a position. Unfortunately, the reality of the American prison system is just as troubling as the dated stereotypes surrounding it. Despite its success in keeping dangerous offenders off the streets, the modern prison system fails in fulfilling its original design of restoring criminals to being productive members of society. It has proven to be an inefficient and ineffective system by focusing on punishment over rehabilitation, leading to issues such as overcrowding, wasting taxpayers’ money and a high recidivism rate. As children, most people learn obedience through punishment. When we do something â€Å"wrong† one or several privileges are taken away by our parents . Depending on the severity of a mistake, such punishment may last for a very short time or in some cases it may even be permanent. Many parents inflict the common punishment of not allowing their children to watch television for a certain amount of time. Such disciplinary methods often prove to be positive learning experiences that teach children right from wrong and instill them with values that prevent them from doing it again. Similarly, the United States prison system was initially designed with the same basicShow MoreRelatedThe Failure Of The American Prison System1344 Words   |  6 PagesThe Failure of the American Prison System Whenever you imagine prison, you think up ideas and violent images that you have seen in the movies or on TV.    Outdated clichà ©s consisting of men eating stale bread and drinking dirty water are only a small fraction of the number of horrible, yet â€Å"just† occurrences which are stereotypical of everyday life in prison.    Perhaps it could be a combination of your upbringing, horrific ideas about the punishment which our nation inflicts on those who violateRead MoreThe Failure Of The American Prison System940 Words   |  4 PagesThe Failure of the American Prison System What if someone broke into your house and stole everything of value and sold it so they could buy their next dose of heroin? Would you rather see them spend the next ten to fifteen years in prison? Or would you prefer the crime never happened because they got the rehabilitation they needed so they never robbed you for drug money?   The United States correctional system uses both punishment and rehabilitation when dealing with offenders. There are many waysRead MoreEssay about Therapy, Not Punishment843 Words   |  4 Pagesalways been a concern to society. There are many different ideas about what causes it and even more ideas about how to stop it. Dr. Karl Menninger believes that our current prison system is not adequately addressing the motivation behind crime. In his article Therapy, Not Punishment, Menninger says of the old prison system, In its place should go a quiet, dignified, therapeutic programÉ (544). He sets forth the claim of policy that criminals need to be tre ated with professional therapy. I dontRead MoreWhat Is Going On With The American Criminal Justice System?1645 Words   |  7 Pageson with the American Criminal Justice System? Incarceration is happening more frequently than ever before. Incarcerating our people is not the answer to helping our society, mainly those whom are incarcerated for non-violent crimes. Non-violent offenders make up over 60% of prison and jail population. America imprisons more people than any other country in the world. It’s time for prison reform to take place in America. Prison reform is the attempt to improve conditions inside prisons, establishRead MoreThe Failure Of The Modern Prison : Understanding The Politicization Of A Total Institution Essay1538 Words   |  7 Pages The Failure of the Modern Prison: Understanding the Politicization of a Total Institution Juan Valdes UTPB Dr. Joanna Hadjicostandi Sociology 1301 Fall Semester Are prisons effective total institutions or do they more commonly fail in their goal of resocialization? In considering the effectiveness of prisons as total institutions, it is critical to examine the degree to which they successfully rehabilitate those who spend time within their walls. While prisons most certainly protect citizensRead MoreThe Rehabilitation System Is On Converting Criminals On Productive Members Of Society1384 Words   |  6 PagesThe rehabilitation system focuses on converting criminals to productive members of society. While there is a certain level of punishment in being forced to go through such a system, the goal is conversion, not revenge. This leads to a more moral society where those being released are less dangerous and less likely to return to prison. A rehabilitation system’s goal is to reintegrate every inmate back into society. A life sentence is a death sentence, and a death sentence helps no one. One NorwegianRead MorePrivatization Of A Capitalist Society1699 Words   |  7 PagesA criminal is easier to deal with when they’re found dead. A living criminal must be tried in court of their peers, provided legal representation, and then must have whatever prison time they receive - if any - paid for by the Government. Meanwhile a dead criminal just needs to be acknowledged then buried. When it comes to dealing with live criminals, a government finds itself in a position where it must provide for the safety and wellbeing of members of society that are often ignored, which canRead MoreDefining Accreditation675 Words   |  3 PagesAccreditation is defined as a verification system in which correctional agencies must comply with under the American Correctional Association. Privatization brings about competition between prisons and jails in the community. As a result, prisons and jails are encouraged to make improvements as deemed necessary. In addition to affecting prisons and jails, accreditation and privatization also has an effect on the professional development of corrections officers. In recent years, the correctionalRead MoreThe Flawed Drug Policy of America1691 Words   |  7 PagesAmericas Flawed Drug Policy Introduction: As a major policy issue in the United States, the War on Drugs has been one of the most monumental failures on modern record. At a cost of billions of taxpayer dollars, thousands of lives lost and many thousands of others ruined by untreated addiction or incarceration, Americas policy orientation concerning drug laws is due for reconsideration. Indeed, the very philosophical orientation of the War on Drugs and of the current drug policy in the UnitedRead MoreThe Incarceration Of The Correctional System910 Words   |  4 PagesThe correctional system in America is an umbrella term referring to a range of mandates that entails the management, supervision, and rehabilitation of convicted offenders. These mandates are often carried out through incarceration, probation, or parole, while prisons are the most popular correctional agency in America. Prisons in America were among some of the first public buildings established in the New World. Early prisons were not considered â€Å"houses of punishment,† but were rather referred to

sonnys blues Essay Example For Students

sonnys blues Essay At its best, James Baldwins fiction is lyrical, intense, poetic, outrageous, improvisatory, brutal, and transcendent. The first time I read his short story, Sonnys Blues, I was sitting in one of those massive chain bookstores, drinking coffee and trying to block out the pabulum coming from the Muzak. Imagine my surprise when I suddenly found myself choking back tears. The last three pages of Sonnys Blues are as good as it gets: Sonny breaks into a blistering piano solo, finally finding a voice for his repressed pain. Baldwin follows suit capturing the rhythms, the longing, the give and take of the best jazz in some of the most stunning prose Ive encountered. Unfortunately, Another Country is not Baldwin at his best. In fact, its possibly the most frustrating novel Ive ever read. Here, Baldwin is so determined to explode the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality and judging by the variety of sexual relationships on display here, he must have plotted those intersections on graph paper before sitting down to write that he makes a fatal mistake: instead of being particularly insightful or even shocking, Another Country is preachy, sentimental, and, worst of all, boring. Rufus Scott is a young black man who makes his living playing drums in Harlem jazz clubs. When we first meet Rufus, he is wandering the streets, suffering from guilt over his treatment of Leona, a woman we later meet through flashbacks. Leonas and Rufuss relationship is based on a shared self-loathing: he feels unworthy of the love of a white woman; she has known only brutal relationships, having come to New York after escaping from an abusive marriage in the South. Rufuss brutality eventually sends her to an asylum, an event that plagues Rufus, leading him to jump from the George Washington bridge at the end of chapter one. The remainder of the novel charts the effects of Rufuss suicide on the lives of those closest to him. The most interesting relationship is between Ida, Rufuss younger sister, and Vivaldo, his best friend. Both are struggling artists: she a singer, he a novelist. In Baldwins hands, they become a platform for long discourses on the legacies of racism. Before meetin g Ida, Vivaldo has known black women only as sexual objects the cheap whores he frequented in Harlem. Ida has likewise known white men only as victimizers the men who leered at her and who broke her brothers spirit. At moments, Vivaldo and Ida come alive in Baldwins prose. The flashback to their first meeting, for instance, is handled gracefully. But too often they act as little more than mouthpieces, uttering sappy lines like, Hows one going to get through it all? How can you live if you cant love? And how can you live if you do? Baldwin wisely leaves their relationship in limbo at the end of the novel, offering some hope for reconciliation between the races, but promising nothing. Richard and Cass are another interesting couple. Married with children, they struggle to maintain their traditional roles amidst the sexual and social tumult (not to mention the heavy drinking) that surrounds them. Richard is also a novelist, but has sold out, making him a failure in his wifes eyes. She escapes to an affair with Eric, an actor friend who has recently returned from Paris, but it brings her little comfort. Im beginning to think, she gushes, that growing just means learning more and more about anguish. That poison becomes your diet you drink a little of it every day. Its perhaps in this relationship that Baldwin does the most moralizing. Near the very end of the novel he finally enters Richards point of view, giving voice to the character who, until this point, had been little more than a personification of failed artistic ambition. Richards pain, however, rings more true than that of others in the novel because Baldwin allows readers to experience it in the moment, ins tead of subjecting us to endless discussions of that pain. .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 , .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .postImageUrl , .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 , .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:hover , .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:visited , .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:active { border:0!important; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:active , .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212 .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u306c4e2a8914cb175f816349ceedb212:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Handmaid's tale EssayMy frustration with this novel is fueled largely by its obvious, unrealized potential. Baldwin populates Another Country with artists of all sorts and provides them with fabulously romanticized lives in Greenwich Village and Paris. He sets out to deliberately create another lost generation, but never seems able to elevate his characters above the prescribed roles they play.