Sample Post 3

One of the most intriguing things I found within the text of “Beowulf” was the representation of change that occurs within Beowulf’s character itself. I know that this isn’t the biggest or most important topic of the story- but it is one that strikes a chord universally- regardless of religion, government, region or even personal convictions. Every person changes as they age. Beowulf is depicted in the beginning of the story as a “noble” warrior- “the mightiest man on earth, / highborn and powerful” (198). A hero. All of his battles reflect his might and heroism- undoubtedly- but there is also an element of naiveté and audaciousness that is almost bordering on (let’s be honest- DOWNRIGHT) dangerous. In line 1536 the poem states that “Life doesn’t cost him a thought”. Young Beowulf walks headlong into battle, but he has little to lose and can happily gather his rewards and regards for such an undertaking. However, there is a shift that occurs between his battles with Grendel/mother-from-hell and his final battle with the dragon. In between, Beowulf has grown. He has become the wise, responsible, respected King that he so admired in Hrothgar. The old King acted as both a symbol of what the young Beowulf could become, as well as a harbinger of wisdom bestowed upon Beowulf. “So learn from this / and understand true values, I who tell you / have wintered into wisdom” (1723-25). This ‘passing on’ of wisdom and experience is transferred yet again from Beowulf onto Wiglaf, who upon seeing his brave King succumb to the inevitability of death, charges into battle and reaps the reward. All of the men in the story are rewarded for their bravery and fearlessness, and there is much that is accomplished by such acts- but it is the legacy and identity behind those actions that drives the story forward over time. Blood relative, blood- feud, blood spilled- all aside- through endurance and the lessons of those who came before us, we can often find the greatest reward. Respect and wisdom.