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Nikhill Joshi
Ms. Bradley
AP English 12
12 October 2016
Beowulf Analysis for RLLP

Although many great stories are unique in various aspects, they all contain certain
common archetypes and follow similar paths. Certain characteristic patterns emerge as a result
of following these unspoken rules, and the epic story Beowulf obeys these guidelines along with
other epic stories such as The Epic of Gilgamesh and Odysseus. The premise of an epic hero
has remained relatively similar throughout history; as a result, epic stories such as Beowulf
follow a similar plan that has remained the same throughout different regions of the world, yet
subtly departs from the archetypal norms.
In its basic essence, the story of Beowulf is not completely original. According to chapter
5 of How to Read Literature like a Professor, great epics such as Beowulf follow a set of
unspoken guidelines that dictate the fundamental characteristics of any story such as plot
structure and character development. In a way, stories are the result of older stories and they
are all linked to each other through this invisible bond. Although each story in a particular genre
is unique in the more specific details, the general characteristics seem to follow a parallel
correspondence to other stories of that type. In Beowulf, the notion of good defeating evil is
heavily prevalent. Beowulf as a character is extremely similar to other great heroes depicted in
epics; he possess divine powers, his strength allows him to overcome seemingly perilous
obstacles, and he ultimately defeats evil through the power of justice. Although Beowulf was not
a descendant of a divine figure, his status of prince protected him from the injustices that might
result due to corruption of hellish beings (line 432). Small nuances such as these helped

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distinguish Beowulf from other epic heroes throughout history, and he ultimately was not
portrayed as the ideal, stereotypical epic hero.
In any story, the societal implications will always pertain to the time in which it was
written. In many great stories, the themes of politics and societal struggles are subtly
represented through the characters and plot. In Beowulf, the themes of a divine hierarchy are
heavily expressed through the constant references of God watching over the king and granting
him strength. The notion of a divine king leading his subjects to battle is heavily expressed, yet
Beowulf continually conveys themes of brotherhood and equality between the leader and his
subjects. When Beowulf sank to the bottom of the lake to fight Grendels mother, his men loyally
stayed back and kept watch and served as his second-line of defense. Had Beowulf been killed
by the combat, then he would have entrusted his comrades in arms to take care of [my]
young company (line 1481). Beowulf strays from the usual themes of tyrannical, absolute
leadership and instead introduces ideas of brotherhood and mutual respect in a king-subject
relationship; this heavily suggests that the Scandinavians of this time heavily valued respect and
appreciation towards everyone, not just the divine ruler.
Throughout history, the effects of Christianity and biblical themes have influenced
literature and art to an enormous scale. The presence of a Christ figure has been present in
most European literature, and it serves as one of the most fundamental characters in epic
stories. Following the model of Jesus, Beowulf shares many similarities in his character and
mission. Christ is seen as the purifier of evil and the savior of the people, and Beowulfs entire
ordeal with Grendel shadows that of Christs. Beowulf travels across the sea in order to save a
kingdom from a crippling evil (Grendel), eventually purifying the land and saving the people.
This mission directly alludes to the savior aspect of Christs role and allows Beowulf to serve as
the Jesus figure to the Danes. Additionally, Beowulfs kindness and undying loyalty to his men
throughout the story fit the dynamics of Christs character as the caring and nurturing son of
God, further proving that his very essence was to fit the role of great savior.

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In order to attain success and greatness, a story must cater to a certain audience
through different perspectives. Depending on the intended audience of the work, the overall
style and tone of the story will alter. During the time of Beowulf, Christian men were the
dominant demographic who were literate. As a result, the method in which certain scenes were
depicted served to only appeal men. During Beowulfs fight with Grendels mother, the authors
word choice and overall tone heavily sexualized the scene and added a plethora of sexual
innuendo in order to cater to the common Christian man. For example, Grendels mother
grappled [Beowulf] tightly in her grim embrace and laid about him during her intense, violent
fight with Beowulf (line 1538). Since men were more reserved about sexual desire and were
essentially repressed from intimate feelings due to their ideological values, their perspective
allowed them to achieve satisfaction through reading Beowulfs fight scene.
Although Beowulf is a nearly ancient piece of literary work, it contains many archetypes
commonly found in other stories of its type. While the common categories are thoroughly fulfilled
in Beowulf, subtle differences and nuances allow this story to stand out from other epic stories
in the general sense. While the focus on camaraderie over individual power and the lack of a
divine ancestry by the hero distinguish Beowulf from other comparable epic stories, its focus on
a male audience and the introduction of a Christ-like figure is undeniably stereotypical among
stories such as these. Nevertheless, Beowulf has remained to be one of the most beloved epic
hero stories due to its deviation towards the normal, ideal epic hero.

Andrew Hosogai: Organization Guru

Shahrukh Shaikh: Content Editor

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