Beowulf, By William Shakespeare - 1512 Words

There is so much more at play in Beowulf than just heroism and monstrousness (for lack of a better term) and their interrelation; however, a great deal of the poem’s meaning derives from the parallels between them. It is clear from his depiction in the poem Beowulf that the titular hero is clearly drawn as a parallel to the very monsters he fights. To today’s reader, the poet’s attempt to create this similarity may be off-putting. After all, the meaning of ‘monster’ is likely different than that of ‘hero’ to a contemporary reader. In the context of reading Beowulf, and attempting to understand how a hero could be ‘monstrous,’ is difficult. This is because the term ‘monster’ is generally associated with an ‘evil’ disposition; while the term ‘hero,’ is generally appointed the moral ‘good.’ But in the culture Beowulf was written in, it was possible for a hero to possess monstr ous qualities, yet separate himself from the monster’s evil purposes to pursue a social good for his community. One could compare Beowulf with a character like the Marvel comic books superhero The Thing from Fantastic Four. Both utilize supernatural capacities of monster into a mission for the greater good. From reviewing the many parallels drawn by the poet between the heroic and the monstrous, supernatural capacities are not necessarily evil. The intent behind the ability to terrorize, intimidate and destroy something determines whether or not an action is heroic or monstrous, good or evil. Beowulf, inShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare1549 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf is one of the earliest and most famous works of English literature, and is still widely read today. However, over a thousand years has passed since it was written down in England, and even longer since it was originally spread by word of mouth in the old norse lands, and our values and concepts of the world are radically different than the people of Beowulf’s age. Although the epic Beowulf shows their concept of simplistic duality, in which there is only black and white, good and evil, theRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare932 Words   |  4 Pageshave the values of being kind and modest. Before Beowulf arrived to Herot he was known for his heroism, which was shown again and again during the fight with Grendel, the fight with Grendel’s mother, and his final battle with the dragon. While his heroism was shown at each of these events, there were changes in his heroic nature over time. Regardless of these changes, he was still seen as the mighty hero throughout the epic poem of Beowulf. As Beowulf was making his voyage to Herot from Geatland toRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare939 Words   |  4 Pagesanother 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 represented in these times by having honor in battle and gives self-sacrifice for the goodRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare977 Words   |  4 Pagesthat are noble to them. Beowulf, as an epic hero, is a direct representation of the ideal man as seen through Anglo-Saxon eyes. In looking at the poem Beowulf and analyzing the characteristics of the epic hero, it will become evident the desired attributes that were desired in the Anglo-Saxon culture: physical strength, pride, bravery, selflessness, and loyalty. An epic hero is a person that is admired for great achievements and inspires great events. Beowulf certainly fits into both ofRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare953 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf is one of the most well known pieces of literature in history. Written between 700 and 1000 AD, this poem has captured the minds of scholars, historians, and readers across the globe. However, despite the fact that it has been passed down for numerous centuries, perhaps one of its most fascinating characteristics are the intriguing battles that Beowulf, the protagonist, takes on. Throughout this epic poem, Beowulf takes on many battles, all of which are practically unwinnable. Each battleRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Beowulf And The Genesis Of The Beowulf1321 Words   |  6 Pageswhich is a recurring theme throughout in Beowulf. In the epic, not only did Beowulf seeks wergild for the death of his friend, but Grendel’s mother looks to avenge her son’s death . The need for wergild is a constant theme in the epic. In order to understand the poem Beowulf and the importance of wergild, one must understand the time period it was written and its purpose. Leonard Neidorf discusses in the article, â€Å"VII Ethelred and the Genesis of the Beowulf Manuscript† that the English leaders inRead MoreThe Narrative Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare998 Words   |  4 PagesLines 1214 – 1241 are important to the narrative of Beowulf drawing on such themes as legacy and loyalty. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the torque as ‘A collar, necklace, bracelet, or similar ornament consisting of a twisted narrow band or strip, usually of precious metal, worn especially by the ancient Gauls and Britons.’ Gold and wealth is described at length in Beowulf, suggesting that it has a large significance in Scandinavian culture. It is often given by kings to their tribes toRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare1176 Words   |  5 Pagesbeen nearly fifteen movies that were made after â€Å"Beowulf†. It may be due to the fact that â€Å"Beowulf† is one of the most famous epic poems in the English Literature history. It is also the oldest surviving epic poem to date. â€Å"Beowulf† was written in 10000 AD in Old English by an author who remains unknown. In â€Å"Beowulf†, there are many important literary elements that help empathize the main motif of the poem. The motif of this poem is courage. Beowulf is about courage and it is shown through the charactersRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare1401 Words   |  6 Pagesexhibited all through Anglo-Saxon focus qualities. A champion amongst the most prestigious works from that time period is Beowulf. The story tells us of how one man, Beowulf, sails to the rescue of King Hrothgar and his kinfolk remembering the final objective to extra them from a horrifying beast that is undermining their lives and additionally their way of life. The warrior Beowulf without a doubt demonstrates characteristics of an epic legend through valor, dedication, generosity, family relationshipRead MoreAnalysis Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare1653 Words   |  7 PagesWhen reading Beowulf, there are many different passages with many different contexts. The passage I chose to analyze is from is in the lines 1384-1391 which reads â€Å"we sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. For every one of us, living in this world, means waiting for our end. Let whoever can, win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark†. From a warrior’s point of view, he (Beowulf) is explaining that they

The Impact on America of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas...

The Impact on America of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were completely at odds in their vision on how America was to develop. Hamilton wanted to concentrate power in a centralized federal government with limited access and Jefferson wished to diffuse it among all the eligible freemen of the time. Alexander Hamilton feared anarchy and distrusted popular rule while Jefferson feared tyranny and thought in terms of liberty and freedom. Thomas Jefferson was an agrarian soul who favored popular rule. He placed his trust in the land and the people who farmed it and desired that America would remain a nation of farmers. He emphasized liberty, democracy, and social welfare and believed that†¦show more content†¦Another matter the two men disagreed on was the establishment of a national bank. Hamilton wanted a national bank so he could forge a relationship between business and the federal government. Jefferson, on the other hand, thought that such a bank would encourage people to leave agriculture for guesswork and give business interests too much power in the federal government. Thomas Jefferson believed in the ?strict interpretation; of the constitution, especially the Tenth Amendment. The Tenth Amendment states,; the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.; Jefferson argued that since the Constitution did not specifically empower the federal government to establish a national bank, thus it could not do so. Hamilton argued for a loose interpretation. He relied on the implied powers clause which states that Congress can make all laws ?necessary and proper; for the execution of its power. In retrospect, both men?s views had merit. Both views were necessary for a fledgling nation and both left a priceless heritage to our future. However, it is Jefferson?s faith in men and his idealism that gave more to our nation. The term Jeffersonian Democracy still means a dream of a limited government. Men in all classesShow MoreRelatedHamilton’s Vision Intended for the New Government of United States of America1269 Words   |  6 Pagesof America Constitution was ratified by two-thirds of the states. The Constitution created a new government in the United States of America that was constructed around the idea of separation of power by the three branches of government with a system of checks and balances. These branches include the executive branch, the bicameral legislative branch and judicial branch. In order to ensure that no branch were to overpower the other two branches, the forefathers of the United States of America createdRead MoreFounding Brothers : The Revolution ary Generation Essay1261 Words   |  6 Pagesmany different challenges. â€Å"Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation† talks about this challenges and events in different sections that focus on seven historical figures at the time: George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and Adam Burr. Joseph J. Ellis talked about six events, in six chapters, from the time in American history that shaped the ideas that created the United States government that is known today. The chapters are calledRead MoreModule 5 Option 1 : National Bank Debate888 Words   |  4 PagesBank to serve America. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton took opposite sides on this subject. Both of them state that they had the best interests of the United States in mind. This is one of the first debates in which we see the conflicting views of the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans of the time. Thomas Jefferson takes the peoples†™ best interests into his view opposing arguments on the creation the National Bank. Who will become triumphant and what is the impact of the AmericanRead MoreThe United States Of The Declaration Of Independence1486 Words   |  6 Pageswho were interested in the future of the country and its ability to stand on its own. Some of the most important men who signed the Declaration of Independence include: George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. The founding fathers were a group of men who were sick and tired of the abuse and mistreatment of the British soldiers in the 1700’s. There were times when soldiers would come in to homes and take the food of the innocentRead MoreIn The United States, Voters Have The Choice Between Republican1494 Words   |  6 Pageshave lived with, and its roots can be traced back to the beginning of the republic. Post-Revolution America brought about much debate over how the government should be ran, how big it should be, and how officials would be elected. Through this political turmoil, many agree that two men had strong voices in how the government should be shaped, Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and they, combined with the overall eventual setup of the government, are what led to the formationRead MoreFraming And Ratifying The Constitution1162 Words   |  5 Pages Framing and Ratifying the Constitution Before the publication of Federalist, Hamilton attended the Annapolis Convention and returned disgruntled. The failures of the Articles of Confederation were evident, yet none of the delegates in attendance proposed worthwhile replacements, frustrating Hamilton. The product of his frustration was Plan For Government. Consisting of eleven points marked by roman numerals, Hamilton outlines the beginning of an American democracy. While none of the systems fromRead MoreHamilton Is A Musical Written By Lin Manuel Miranda1148 Words   |  5 PagesHamilton is a musical written by Lin Manuel Miranda that was debuted on January 20th, 2015. It was a great success winning alone 11 Tony awards (â€Å"Tony Awards 2016† 2016). From The Public Theater to Broadway, Hamilton has reached the eyes and ears of many leaving people thirsty for more of Hamilton. Hamilton the Musical is the owner of 46 tracks that lead the listener through the life of Alexander Hamilton; from childhood up until his unfortunate duel that results in his death. Hamilton the MusicalRead MoreWhy Did Political Parties Spring Up in the United States in the 1790s?2165 Words   |  9 Pagesthe United States of America expanded hugely, giving birth to the politics in which we see in America even to this present day. This essay will tackle the many aspects of the development of political parties; from the economic plans adopted by Alexander Hamilton, which forged America’s first bank in 1791, to the ways in which Americans viewed the Constitution put in place in 1789 causing the birth of Federalist and Republican attitudes throughout the United States of America. A major factor inRead MoreFirst Bank of the United States4267 Words   |  18 Pageswas designed to make money and build an economy. It was designed by men like Alexander Hamilton and Robert Morris, but did not benefit the common citizen as much as wealthy investors. Why did a fledgling government need to borrow millions from overseas in order to invest in a â€Å"national† bank, to turn around and then borrow the same money back and pay interest on it? The banking system developed by Alexander Hamilton and Robert Morris was prime pickings for speculators, and laid the groundworkRead Moregeorge washingtons foreign and domestic policies855 Words   |  4 PagesSecretary of State Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. This was a landmark decision on Washington’s part because Hamilton and Jefferson were polar opposites; Hamilton was a Federalist and Jefferson was an Antifederalist. Hamilton believed in a loose interpretation of the constit ution so that anything that needed to be done that would improve that state of the nation could be accomplished. Since America was in such bad debt from the American Revolution, Hamilton came up with

Gender issues in lysistrata, a Essay Example For Students

Gender issues in lysistrata, a Essay Human beings are amazing creatures. Our history has shown spectacular and shameful events from day one. Throughout the course of history we have seen both war and peace. More war than peace, but the point still remains. That we, as a human race, have accomplished many wonderful intellectual break-throughs but we have also done very stupid deeds. Its amazing how a creature of such great intelligence could separate, segregate, discriminate, dehumanize, and enslave members of its own human race. The world as we speak is existing because of gender issues. Going back to days of Adam and Eve. When God asked Adam not to eat from the apple tree, it was Eve, with her feminine lure, who was able to convince Adam to disobey Gods rules and eat the apple. Yet when God came to punish Adam for disobeying the rules, Adam pointed to Eve and blamed her for luring him into the sin of eating the apple. Yet in reality it was the serpent, which was the devil, that lured them into eating the apple. But of course Adam, being male had to blame Eve, the female. Which is typical male behavior to blame the woman, my sister says. In general men don’t take responsibility for their actions. Michealangelo has portrayed all this on the Sistienth Chapel. He has painted a picture that is portraying God punishing Adam for eating the apple. In this painting Adam loses his masculine image by pointing to Eve and blaming her for the problems that were caused by eating the apple. Men threw out history have always been perceived as strong, powerful, heroic beings. Men are depicted as fighters, providers, and of course first class citizens. While woman on the other hand have always been perceived as weak, fainty, delicate homemakers, and unintelligent. Their main purpose in life is to cater for the men, and take care of the house and kids. And of course they were perceived as second class citizens. The focus of this paper is to analyze the gender issues and differences that existed in all three plays. I would like to relate and compare these issues to our past as humans and to our modern day present. We see a wide array of controversial gender issues arise in Lysistrata. This play starts off by showing the main character as a strong independent woman. The beginning of the play focuses on Lysistrata resentment and anger toward the woman of the town. She sees her own gender as weak and ignorant, and is appalled to be a woman at the beginning of the play. But Lysistrata proves us otherwise. She organizes and unites the woman of the neighboring town. In a master plan to end the Peloponnesian war. The plan was complete abstinence, and it was affective because of the unity of the women. This abstinence gave the women the upper hand and the power to demand peace. The men could no longer come home from battle have sex and then leave. The women had the control, which for some reason see ms very farfetched. The play its self brings out conflicts that our society today would think of as old fashion. First off, the image of the male being a fighter, and being powerful is perceived when the men are at war. They left the women at home to take care of the house and kids. Today in countries like the U.S., women also go to war and fight side by side with men. But in Lysistrata, the women stayed behind because they were thought of to be not as powerful, and that they were the homemakers. In reality, it turned out that the women were the most powerful. The women used the most powerful muscle in the human body, the mind. The women united together and executed their plan of abstinence equals peace. While executing their plan the females showed signs of true power. This power was only accomplished because of there unity. They occupied the Acropolis, and in doing so they took control of Athens’ financial reserves. This play shows true signs of women overcoming their gende r roles, which is still unheard of in some cultures today. The men however did not give up easily. They were extremely angry, which understandable. A man goes to battle and risks his life, but when he gets home he can’t even get a little love. This could make almost every man crazy. So the men threatened to attack the Acropolis, but in the end the women won. The power of women is vastly great, but this play shows that they need unity to execute this power. Macbeth Persuasive EssayThe men in this play seem to be the â€Å"all mighty knowledgeable†, while the women on the other hand are pictured to be almost stupid. Men had the go in almost every conversation. Women were just these unintelligent creatures made to take care of the home while the men provide. Very old fashion mentality threw out this play. You get a sense of suffocation and entrapment that is directed on to the women. The woman couldn’t just pack there stuff and leave the town, with out ridicule and hardship. They seemed to be â€Å"stuck†, in the sense that is very hard to leave a small town. The role of the women was to get married, stay home and take care of the kids, while the man provides and puts food on the table. This view is still somewhat shared with our society today. In conclusion it would be safe to say that all three plays relate gender issues to their time set. We can see many similarities within all three of these plays, and we can also see similarities that arise with our culture today. Even though today women are not treated as bad as they were. It is sad to say that even in the year 2000 women don’t have equal rights and don’t get equal treatment. Women still make .70 cents to the dollar as men. Their role is still to be the homemaker. And they hold such a small percentage of any policy making position. To think of all the lost talent and all the advances that could have been made to help our society is truly a sad and inhuman thought, that can get any one angry with our history. If one was to really think about it, the human race has not made much progress with the treatment of women.