Wanderer and Beowulf

Comparison Essay

The Wanderer and Beowulf

The characters in these two poems are both related in a specific way. The wanderer is an example of a character orphined in a sense, when his mead hall is destroyed, or his lord is killed or he is in effect, banished for some reason. The wanderer is like the characters that would have fled from grendel. Grendel is representative of that which can destroy a mead hall and orphan its inhabitants like the wanderer. Beowulf, in contrast, is a hero that keeps mead halls from ruin. He is a super hero so to speak. He is big and pure and courageous and unbeatable in battle. He conquers grendel not victimized by him.

The wanderer is motivated by companionship and security. Beowulf is motivated by his desire to be remembered. The wanderer is a homeless laborer, while beowulf is king material. The wanderer is realistic while beowulf is an ideal. The wanderer is silent to himself and believes in seeking comfort from god in finding his own stability. Beowulf is more outspoken and believes that his actions in helping others bring him pride in himself. The wanderer finds glory in doing right by god and beowulf finds glory in being recognized for his rightful actions for others.

The wanderer feels that ones wiseness comes with age. Beowulf feels that one's honor is achieved with heroism and loyalty. Beowulf relates a developed character with honor and heroism, as the wanderer relates a developed character with patience and strength from within. The wanderer is cautious and believes one should think before he reacts. Beowulf is fearless and reacts without hestitation.

There is a cultural connection that exists between these two characters, but similarities are few. They both lived lives full of challenge and suspense, and both chose to deal with those situations differently. Both of theses characters desire recognition