... courage, possesses strength, and is willing to sacrifice his life for any cause. In Burton Raffel's translation of the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character shows his heroic qualities as he matures from a valiant warrior to a wise leader. Beowulf, the main character, illustrates these qualities in his battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Beowulf is a hero because he shows courage, possesses god-like strength, and died for ... . He was able to rip off Grendel's arm with his bare hands. Another example of Beowulf's strength is when he is able to use the magic sword to s...

• Word Count: 714
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... a terrible creature. I bet Grendel didn't think he was so terrible. In fact, Grendel himself didn't think he was that bad, just a little misunderstood. Grendel is portrayed as a horrifying creature in the epic poem of "Beowulf", translated by Burton Raffel. Where as, in the movel Grendel, written by John Gardner, Grendel is portrayed as a witty monster with a sick sense of humor. This is just one of ... the many contrast between the two great literary works. There are also the contrasts between religion and heroism. "Beowulf", which was written down by monks, contains many religious pas...

• Word Count: 768
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... Be not as Hermod" The fragment between lines 1724-1769 of Burton Raffel's translation of Beowulf includes many important elements of Anglo Saxon culture and epic poem characteristics. In order to understand this passage, information has to be carefully analyzed; and if done correctly crucial facts regarding the rest of the literally work can be found in these 45 lines. The text starts off by making great use of ... most of the Anglo Saxon stylistic ... everything you have to do in life. Another important epithet is the one used by the Dane's King while Burgos-Galindo 2 referring to Beow...

• Word Count: 643
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School