The Hero in Beowulf in Hamlet Essay - 618 Words

Throughout literature, the idea of the hero has changed to represent a number of differing. Heroes were originally personified as being an individual who were not bound by limitations, as well as demonstrating an archetypical sense of moral judgment. Later on, contrasting adaptations of heroes started to form in which the hero of a story would typically exhibit traits that would closely resemble the limitations and troubles that ordinary people faced. For the most part, a contemporary â€Å"hero† is simply looked at as the protagonist in the story. Acclaimed heroes in literature, such as Beowulf and Hamlet, when compared to one another can give a person a better sense of the changes in the hero. Although they both are the main characters†¦show more content†¦Neither Hamlet nor Beowulf committed the acts they did for riches or control, but rather for personal gain. Another thing to note about both Beowulf and Hamlet deals with their domineering characteristics o ver the other characters in the story. Beowulf, a revered warrior, had the courage and strength that was not of the typical human being. Hamlet was not physically dominant as much as he was intelligent and intuitively inclined with the more substantial thoughts about life. Although similarities between Hamlet and Beowulf exist, there are a greater number of differences that greatly sets the two characters apart. One of the biggest differences that need to be noted between the two was their motives. Starting with Beowulf, the first thing to note about him is his everlasting desire for glory in battle. Beowulf is characterized as a duty-oriented warrior, driven by nothing but being a dominant and revered hero for everyone to look up to. There is not a perceived sense of love and religion in Beowulf’s character, which leaves him to be a very straight-forward character. Overall, Beowulf’s motive for being a hero was just that: to be considered as a hero among the people. Hamlet, on the other hand, had a different agenda. Directed by his father’s ghost to avenge his death, Hamlet is driven by revenge and retribution. Hamlet had no motivation to be looked at as a hero. If anything, he intended to drawShow MoreRelatedBeowulf And Hamlet Character Analysis1224 Words   |  5 Pagescharacters Beowulf and Hamlet side by side many will not see the parallels of these characters instead, only the differences. At a first glance, we see Beowulf, the powerful warrior who died whilst defeating three gruesome monsters, then Hamlet, the problematic and fearful prince who died trying to fulfill a foolish act of hatred. Ultimately, we view them as hero and anti-hero. HoweverRead MoreBeowulf And Hamlet Character Analysis1228 Words   |  5 PagesWhen lining the characters Beowulf and Hamlet side by side many will not see the parallels of these characters instead, only the differences. At a first glance, we see Beowulf, the strong warrior who died whilst defeating three gruesome monsters, then Hamlet, the awkward and fearful prince who died trying to fulfill a foolish act of hatred. Ultimately, we view them as hero and anti-hero. However, we must not judge each character on who they are at the surface. Instead, we must see and understandRead M oreDifferences Between Hamlets Mental/Emotional Conflicts and Beowulfs Physical Battles960 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulfs physical battles Beowulf is an epic poem from an unknown author. The main point and theme of Beowulf is about heroism of a warrior with courage who becomes an epic hero; not only by his strength in the battles but also by his social obligations. 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This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfil his obligations to the group of which he is a key member. There is a clear-cut network of social duties depicted in the poem. The king has an obligation to behave with generosity. He must reward his thanes with valuable gifts for their defense of the tribe and their success in battle. This is why King Hrothgar