Importance of a Warrior’s Reputation in Beowulf

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Importance of a Warrior’s Reputation in Beowulf

What

The specific message by the author of the epic story Beowulf is on the importance of a warrior being regarded with a high sense of reputation among his peers. The author wants the reader to understand that good deeds done through bravery will eventually lead one to be regarded with some sense of high esteem from the society. In the story, we find a young warrior from Geatland who heeds the distress call from a friend, Hrothgar whose kingdom is under attack from a monster Grendel. Through bravery which earns him a reputation, the myth of Beowulf has lived to be regarded as one of the most prolific hero stories among the Scandinavians.

How

The author conveys the message in the novel through usage of various stylistic techniques. For instance, the story is told in the third person narrative where the author takes us through the thoughts and the lives of the characters in the story. Secondly, style of imagery has been widely used. For instance, the vivid descriptions of the dragon, the sea monsters and Grendel gives us a clear picture of what they might actually have looked like. Third, the setting of the story is on a traditional Scandinavian society where lurking evil was a common thing. The author gives us an insight on what it meant to live in an epic old Geatland setting.

Which

Specific element in the text which will develop my thesis include, the heroic endeavors of Beowulf which makes him the greatest Geat warrior. What did he do, whom did he fight, how was he loyal to his people and why were the soldiers so loyal to him.

Thesis

The thesis of the story would be that to be a reputable warrior, one has to perform various heroic deeds and exhibit some sense of loyalty to his or her leaders and compatriots.

READING

B E O W U L F : THE P O E M