Beowulf Greed Quotes

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Over time, humanity rises and evolves- further developing into what humanity claims to be today. Humanity, in attempt to survive, fabricates rules and forms of government in order to preserve life. Additionally, government always consists of a leader- great, noble, or genuine. On the contrary, the leaders could take place of tyrants, or awful people. Despite their behavior, leaders consist of greed. A legend named Beowulf takes place in Anglo-Saxon times and provides insight on greed. Subsequently, the legend is about a man named Beowulf who is a cunning warrior and becomes a leader. Hence, Beowulf’s actions through fighting displays his intentions that he fights for self gain, rather than the benefit of the people. Given the beginning of the legend- the …show more content…
Furthermore, a dragon holds the enemy’s role and with Beowulf aging- the audience begins to enter confliction. Will Beowulf die in this last battle? Aside from Beowulf’s fate- he quotes, “What I mean to, here, no man but me/ Could hope to defeat this monster. No one/ Could try. And this dragon’s treasure, his gold/ And everything hidden in that tower, will be mine/ Or war will sweep me to a bitter death” (627-632)! Throughout the story, the desire for self gain appears subtly, until Beowulf’s last quote directly states his yearning for treasure; thus his inclination towards self gain. All around the circular legend, Beowulf proves to be a very powerful warrior. A very powerful warrior indeed, yet not immortal- and that Beowulf has his flaw of craving for fame. The craving is shown throughout, but the more reckoning he earns- the more his greediness exponentially grows. Then at the ending, the reader is shown Beowulf’s greed unmasked. Despite innocent blood being shed- Beowulf’s acquisitiveness for himself drives his will to
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