Adversity In Beowulf

Words: 380

Pages: 2

Open Document

Santiago welcomes death and adversity as a daily part of his life. It is this innate ability of his to accept what comes his way and stand strong that models perfectly an aspect of the Code Hero. Santiago has withstood not catching a single fish for a long period of time. “He has gone eighty-four days without a catch” (10). This brave act ties into the novella’s theme that a man can be destroyed but not defeated. No matter what odds the Code Hero confronts he must still push through them, without losing his aspirations. Santiago faces adversity on a regular; it could even be hinted at on his skiff, with his sail being described as “The flag of permanent defeat” (66). When faced with large and fast sharks trying to eat his marlin, Santiago fought them …show more content…
It is this bravery or strength in the face of strife that enables Santiago to live out the remainders of his days. In his pursuit of the great marlin Santiago began to get bewildered. “Santiago sees blackspot and is dizzy”(86). Despite his current battle with both himself and the fish he remains unmoved. Even while repelling the sharks he does not lose sight of his objectives and moves forward. This strive to advance himself goes hand in hand with his manifestation of courage. Santiago claims to have attacked the marlin in admiration of its elegance and tenacity rather than for his own pride. Santiago hunts in order to survive and make a living, not for to benefit his ego. “I killed him in self defense” (108). In addition, upon defeating the marlin he is confronted with a group of sharks and attempts to protect his catch. “which shakes the skiff as it devours the marlin from beneath”(111). Santiago fends off as many sharks as he can to the best of his abilities, yet he is unsuccessful in maintaining the Marlin in a pristine condition. All in all, Santiago’s valor and mental fortitude allow him to progress with life’s

Essay on Beowulf Vs

Tayler Fernandes Nunez Beowulf vs. Ulysses 9/25/14 Ap English 72 What characteristics must a hero have? In a famous England tale, storytellers give readers the story of Beowulf, a series of epics that describe the intense battles that a heroic man endures. The story is said to be the equivalent to Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey to the ancient Greeks. The epics about Beowulf is an oral story passed on through many generations, common during the AngloSaxon period and was viewed as o…

Words 358 - Pages 2

Athle Courage Research Paper

held to are higher than the average person. Student-athletes are in a league of their own. Both strength and courage are characteristics student-athletes need to have in order to pursue their goals, even when all the odds are against them. When adversity hits, whether plagued with an injury or all outside factors impact the ability of play. Anglo-Saxon warriors lived by having these characteristics. To be able to face any opponent and believe they can succeed.…

Words 1254 - Pages 6

Essay Beowulf and Epic Poem

Hero’s have long been the subject of many genres in literature. One of the most revered epic poems is Beowulf. But what makes this poem epic? In the Beowulf unit module from Georgia Virtual School an epic poem “must be a long narrative poem that possess elevated language, suggest a wide setting scope, achieve a legendary hero, and reinforce the cultures social values”. The poem Beowulf is most certainly long and in a narrative format. With that in mind let us review the remaining aspects of…

Words 424 - Pages 2

Persuasive Essay On Beowulf

dismiss Beowulf as someone who is obsessed with self-actualization and the desire for fame. That is because he puts himself out to face up to issues that challenge his pride and ego. Some critics may also argue that Beowulf is a notorious warrior hiding under the façade of loyalty to trade in war and terror. For example, in the bloody fight between Beowulf and Grendel he comes out as reckless as he beheads Grendel and rips off his hands. Through the eye of Grendel’s sympathizers, Beowulf can be labelled…

Words 654 - Pages 3

Beowulf: What It Means To Be A Pagan Warrior

Beowulf was written when the Anglo-Saxons of Britian were converting to Christianity, yet their society was struggling to establish their identity within this new belief system. This Old English epic depicts the heroic exploits of the Anglo-Saxon warrior, Beowulf. Beowulf is hero that stands for strength, decency, righteousness and bravery. He is not just fighting a physical fight but a personal battle between Paganism and Christianity. Throughout the poem, various characters display their faith…

Words 867 - Pages 4

Beowulf is an epic hearo Essay

Christianity. All of these things that characterized the Anglo Saxon period are apparent in the epic poem Beowulf. Beowulf is a timeless example of first century western European Poetry . He shows the tradition of his warrior culture. The deeply ingrained tradition of the Anglo Saxon warriors is overflowing with Honor and protocol. An obvious example of their insistence on honor and bravery when Beowulf tells Hrothgar “To bear a blade or a broad-fashioned target, a shield to the onset; only with hand-grip…

Words 749 - Pages 3

Beowulf Hero's Journey

determine the life we lead. In the epic poem Beowulf, one can notice that the three major battles that Beowulf engages in, can represent more than just a fight itself. These drawn out battles go through the different phases of life and relate to almost anyone’s struggles and growth of aging. As Beowulf begins his life and his journey into battle, it can reflect on challenges and accomplishments in a person's journey. These three battles show how Beowulf evolves, which can be interpreted to our lives…

Words 958 - Pages 4

Beowulf: Beowulf and Elite Athlete Essay example

determination makes for an incredible athlete such as Beowulf. In the epic poem, Beowulf, Beowulf exemplifies the skills and qualities of an elitist through leadership qualities and perseverance to succeed. Beowulf parallels the strong determination, sacrifices, and strength of an elite athlete. Outline I. Beowulf parallels the strong determination, sacrifices, and strength of an elite athlete. II. First meeting of Beowulf A. This shows the power and confidence he holds for himself…

Words 1125 - Pages 5

Beowulf Study Guide Answers Essay

Erica Smolinski Period 4 Beowulf Study Guide 1) The conflict between the Danes and Grendel symbolizes the ongoing battle between good and evil. 2) First, Hrothgar built the dining hall where the warriors gather together and listen to the scops, named Herot meaning Heart. Next, Grendel hears the celebration and walks into Herot and starts attacking and killing the warriors in sight. 3) Beowulf is a walking hero. He is looked up to and will help anyone in need with no questions asked;…

Words 1056 - Pages 5

The Cid And Beowulf Comparison Essay

El Cid and Beowulf: Comparing the Heroes and the Epics What allows a story to live on through history? Perhaps the rarity and age of the texts inspire certain feelings of awe and desire for preservation. However, putting aside historical importance, the epic poems of Beowulf and The Song of the Cid have become so highly regarded in their countries of origin in large part due to the heroes that the poems immortalize. Both Rodrigo Diaz and Beowulf personify the ideals of bravery, honor, and goodness…

Words 1767 - Pages 8