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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that contrasts and compares Odysseus, from Homer’s epic the Odyssey, and Beowulf. The epic heroes Odysseus and Beowulf appear to be very similar. They each are featured in an ancient epic poem and therefore engage in heroic action. Also, they each can be viewed as representative of their era and society’s culture. However, these cultures had distinctly different worldviews and valued different aspects of human behavior. Examination of both texts reveals that Odysseus is presented as being deeply human and, therefore, initially having flaws in his character. Beowulf, on the other hand, is portrayed as perfect. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khbeaod2.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
heroic action. Also, they each can be viewed as representative of their era and societys culture. However, these cultures had distinctly different worldviews and valued different aspects of human behavior.
Examination of both texts reveals that Odysseus is presented as being deeply human and, therefore, initially having flaws in his character. Beowulf, on the other hand, is portrayed as perfect.
The author of Beowulf is unknown. In the Beowulf culture, the most significant human relationship that is pictured is between a warrior and his "thane," that is, his liege
lord. Honor and a fatalistic acceptance of destiny are the hallmarks of this eras warrior ethos. In the opening sections of the poem, Beowulf comes to the aid of the
great mead-hall Heorot, which is ruled by Hrothgar. Section VIII of the poem pictures Beowulf addressing the assembly and bragging extravagantly about his own brave, skill and heroism. He says,
"I maintain the truth that I had more strength in the sea, hardship on the waves than any other man" (Beowulf 46). The fact that Beowulf brags on himself
so extravagantly seems odd by modern standards, however, in the culture of his time, this was simply a means of presenting his credentials as a hero, one might say. This
announces to all listeners that this warrior has the skill to battle the monster that has terrorizing Heorot. Beowulf battles Grendel and Grendels mother and prevails. In his declining years,
he battles a dragon, earning an noble death. Throughout the poem, he is never anything less than the ideal warrior and thane. The Beowulf poet pictures his hero as being
exemplary in every way. This contrasts sharply with the way that Homer develops Odysseus character over the course of his epic poem, as Odysseus creates trouble with the gods
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