Beowulf Essay

Beowulf

A person can sometimes put their life at risk in order to succeed at the challenges they are facing. In Beowulf, the author shows how Beowulf fights against several monsters and how he becomes a hero to many of his people. The author uses symbolism and foreshadowing to develop the idea that no matter how much good there may be in the world, there will always be that one path stopping you from succeeding.

The author uses symbolism to show how Beowulf conquers his challenges. When describing Beowulf during his fights, the author uses words that evoke confidence from the reader. The author portrays Beowulf's victory as "He carried that terrible trophy by the hair" (619,619). While the word "terrible" means something unpleasant, it is followed by the word "trophy" meaning a prize for a victory. Grendel's head symbolizes the victory of Beowulf between their fight. Fighting Grendel was a challenge for Beowulf but undertaking his mighty mother was more of an enraged vigorous battle. So much of a battle, that Beowulf needed some help from these so called giants. Beowulf was being defeated at first during the battle with the she­wolf, "Then he saw hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by the giants, strong and blessed with their magical, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift Its carved and decorated length" (530­534). The magic sword helped Beowulf defeat the nemesis. The author uses symbolism to describe the victories as well as hardships Beowulf faces.

The author also uses foreshadowing to persuade his readers that Beowulf puts his life in jeopardy. When describing Beowulf during the fight with the dragon, the author uses words that suggest something from the reader. For the first time Beowulf had "Fought with fate against him" (685). Beowulf knew this fight was going to be harder