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Emma, Patrick--What best describes your opinion of Beowulf: realistic hero, superman (mortal and godlike), or god? Explain your reaction and give evidence to back up your conclusion.
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Beowulf proves to be more than just a hero during his fight with Grendel. When the previously undefeated monster attempts to kill Beowulf, he is surprised to find that “...nowhere on Earth had he met a man whose hands were stronger” (751). The fight shows that Beowulf’s bravery and nobility are not the only reasons why he is able to be victorious; he has qualities that no ordinary man can possess. Not only is he able to fight Grendel with his bare hands and without armor, but Beowulf claims that he has fought and defeated nine sea monsters after swimming constantly for days. As Beowulf stated, “No man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine” (line 534). Unfortunately, his death exposes the fact that he truly is mortal. --Emma
The best description of Beowulf is a superman, a mortal with superhuman abilities. On line 380, Beowulf is described as having "hands that moved with thirty men's strength.” No mere human could swim with Brecca for five straight days and then have the energy and skill to kill nine sea-monsters. No mere human could rip Grendel's arm right from its socket. These acts are god-like, but Beowulf is no god. Gods do not grow old, gods do not die, yet Beowulf does both. On line 2512, Beowulf acknowledges his age, his lost abilities, but his will and determination force him to fight the dragon despite these detriments of age. As such, Beowulf is more than a realistic hero, yet still less than a god. Therefore, he is a superman. --Pat
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