This week we started our first reading; Beowulf. I must admit that that I was not looking forward to taking this class just because I find these types of readings difficult to understand but Beowulf has been relatively simple so far.
In part one of the story we learned about Beowulf’s past and the characteristics that make him a superhero to his people. These characteristics are many of the ones we (the class) considered were needed to be a superhero:
1. Beowulf needed to have a back story; he did not have his real parents.
2. He needed something that made him unique; he had extraordinary strength.
3. He needed to defend the weak; protected the cities’ people who could not defeat their adversary.
4. He needed an antagonist; Grendal.
There are some characteristics we haven’t seen yet, like a love interest, but there is still much of the story left.
While these are some of the characteristics that we came up with as a class in the end we are all individuals with different opinions and I for one feel that Beowulf has one characteristic that in my mind stops him from being a superhero and that is conceit. So far all I’ve been able to focus on in the story is how much Beowulf loves himself. He bragged about how he defeated the sea monster and how nobody else but he could have done it. He also boasted about how he would be able to fight Grendal without weapons. Even though he was capable of all these feats I feel it isn’t necessary to brag. Again, this is my opinion, but I can’t respect someone that is that into themselves, no matter how great they may be and I think that having people’s respect would be an essential part of a superhero.
Beowulf so far has reminded me of Ironman, and I make my comparison to the Ironman movie because I have not read the comic, because he too is extremely vain. I really didn’t like Ironman either for that reason; he was very into himself and could not figure out why people liked him so much. I can see why people would appreciate the things these two characters did but not the way they acted. I think this is another thing we can talk about a little more in class. Does a superhero need to be respected to be a superhero? What are some other ways superheroes have lost the peoples’ respect?
Hi, this is just my opinion on Beowulf as superhero. I appreciate your different thoughts because it gives me something to think about.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that bragging is some kind of culture back in those days. How are people going to know that a hero is strong if he doesn't brag about his feats? In Beowulf, Beowulf wasn't the only one bragging about his bravery and strength. There was another person telling a story of another great hero. Yes, Beowulf did brag about himself to show the people that he is greater; however, I think that is actually a good thing because his bragging boosts other warriors' moral. By bragging, Beowulf lets other men know that they are safe with him (although few died while fighting Grendel..).
Also, I think they have the bragging rights. Both Iron Man and Beowulf have something that sets them apart from "normal" people and they do good with it. It is okay for them to be conceited because of who they are and what they do.
In addition, all superheroes have flaws. They are never perfect. So I would just say that for both Iron Man and Beowulf, their flaws are their conceit.
This is a good way of breaking down Beowulf's characteristics as a superhero (or not). The previous commenter brings up an interesting point. Even in the Iron Man film, once Stark has had his change of attitude, he's still pretty arrogant. Does that make him less of a superhero or is it different in degree or kind from that of Beowulf?
ReplyDeleteDoes a superhero need to be respected to be a superhero?
ReplyDeleteI believe they do need to be respected. A superhero is typically admired by the public he or she serves and protects. As for Beowulf, I do believe he is a superhero. Just because he is conceited doesn't mean he should be ruled out as a superhero. He has proved himself to the Danes and showed everyone that he can follow through with what he says. He still has many other traits that would classify him as superhero.
I have to agree this is one of the reasons I hated reading this story in high school and now. Beowulf is jsut too cocky. It's like okay we get it you're awesome now shut up already! It's okay to be like yeah I can beat anyone up, and you know what let me come and save you guys but all he does is brag after each battle. It'd be nice if he was humble about it, but back then you weren't suppose to be so it's okay I guess. But still I'd wish he wasn't that way.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the first comment, back in those times men were expected to be cocky it was sort of a cultural expectation. Also, they didn't only have to be cocky, they had to back up what they said. Beowulf said he was good and he proved it by killing Grendel. I think that Floyd Mayweather Jr is similar to Beowulf in that he is very cocky, but like Beowulf, Mayweather can back up what he says and that's a reason why some people don't like him or Beowulf. But both men are good at what they do.
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