Jimmy Hall
Grist
English IV
1 February 2015 Introduction Many people in today’s society people take for granted the idea of an elite athlete. An elite athlete represents the upper crust, the best of the best, the cream of the crop. Thus, the development and sophistication of one said elite specimen is extremely hard to come by especially through the crowds of the egotistical and arrogant athletes that love to claim of being an elite athlete. Yet, through further arduous observation of who and what an elite athlete is, evidence states that an elitist carries a rather unexpected attribute that distinguishes him from all the others. The ability to use knowledge and morality to help build relations with companions and use superior intellectual capacity to lead and serve those who they defend. This incomparable feature of an elite athlete along with the sheer physical strength and unwavering 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
"They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me rise from the darkness of war, dripping with my enemies' blood. I drove five great giants into chains, chased all of that race from the earth. I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one; death was my errand and the fate they had earned. Now Grendel and I are called together, and I've come."
He although very cocky is extremely confident and strong in his words, inspiring the people of Hrothgar to become more brave than they are and help them fight off Grendel. He is a good leader and athlete because he gives his teammates (the people) the confidence and fidelity they need to feel safe and strong to be able to fight.
B. His condolence and leadership to reassure the people
“Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not, easy as it would be. This fiend is a bold and famous fighter, but his claws and teeth... beating at my sword blade, would be helpless. I will meet him with my hands empty--unless his heart fails him, seeing a soldier waiting weaponless, unafraid. Let God in His wisdom extend His hand where He wills, reward whom he chooses!”(677-687)
He shows composed strength through confidence and reassurance for the people. He acts and holds himself like an athlete would, though his determination and sacrifice for the bigger unruly problem at hand.
III. Fight against Grendel
A. His strength and determination
"I have heard moreover that the monster scorns in his reckless way to use weapons; therefore, to heighten Hygelac's fame and gladden his heart, I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death fight with the fiend." (433-440)
He imagines if Grendel wins the battle and he cannot handle that defeat on his people so he zones in on his mission and through his strength is able to focus on defeating Grendel.
B. His bravery like an elite athlete
"If Grendel wins, it will be a gruesome day; he will glut himself on the Geats in the war-hall swoop without fear on that flower of manhood as on others before. Then my face won't be there to be covered in death: he will carry me away as he goes to ground, gorged and bloodied; he will run gloating with my raw corpse and feed on it alone, in a cruel frenzy fouling his moor-nest." (442-450)
What is seen as one of his greatest battles so far he still carries the confidence to succeed and protect the people of Hrothgar. Through his elite athletic attributes he able
