Beowulf Essay

As one of the few characters survived through literature of the Nordic culture, Beowulf epitomizes our understanding of the values of the Nordics.  Through his character we can infer that they valued strength, courage, and valor.  Today, the modern hero has been humbled and brought down to a more human level.  For example, take Walt Kowalski from the film Gran Torino.  Played by Clint Eastwood, Walt is a brave decorated war hero.   But, from the perspective of his Hmong neighbors, he is a bigoted and bitter old man.  Walt’s character demonstrates the realism of our culture today while Beowulf’s feats demonstrate the deification of the heroes of the past.
Beowulf’s glory is initially revealed through long monologues about his feats.  While a reader today would find someone rambling about how they slayed sea monsters and other accomplishments to be boastful, in the historical context the author probably just meant to portray his glory.  Walt offers none of such monologues but provides caustic yet comical dialogue throughout the film.  His strengths and his flaws are exposed to the audience through his actions and his words.  In both stories the writer chooses to utilize indirect characterization.  Little is necessary for the author or other characters to reveal about either character that they have not revealed already themselves.  In that way, Beowulf and Walt are similar.  Both are honest and perhaps excessively blunt.  Beowulf shows no restraint in talking about his achievements and Walt shows no restraint in offering his opinions about the minorities of his neighborhood.
Beowulf’s perfection served as a model to strive for in Nordic society.  When presented with a parlous situation, a man of that time could remember Beowulf’s bravery.   Compared to fighting Grendel without weapons, his problems would seem minuscule.  Gran Torino elicits a different type of empathy from the audience.  Walt is dignified, but he is also very hateful.  At the end makes peace with his sins and his prejudices. He is portrayed honestly and as a human.  His change and his forgiveness offer hope for the audience.  If stubborn old Walt could change, why can’t they?  Walt serves a vessel of hope; Beowulf served as an inspiration.  These representations reflect the needs of their respective society.  Today people need hope to better themselves, in the past the Nordics were more concerned with courage for battle and survival.
A common goal of both characters is vengeance.  Nearly all of Beowulf’s battles are for vengeance.  His battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon were all battles of vengeance.  After hurting a comrade of Beowulf’s, you can expect him to come back at you tenfold.  Walt took a different approach.  To the surprise of all the other characters and the audience, he avenged his neighbor by making a restrained and passive sacrifice.  He deceived armed gunmen into firing at him with witnesses, thus ending their deleterious presence in the neighborhood.  The difference in violent and passive resistance demonstrates an evolution of thinking on vengeance.
Beowulf and Walt are both heroes exemplifying the values of their society.  Beowulf’s immaculate nobility is a testament to worth of strength and valor of that period.  Walt’s flawed character represents that of a modern hero; capable of being both revered and criticized.  While the two characters are vastly different, they both resemble significant traits to their society.