Similarities Between Oedipus And Beowulf

681 Words2 Pages

Alyssa Tenorio
Weeg
Ap English Lit
September 24,2014
Oedipus the King and Beowulf compare and contrast essay
In both stories, Oedipus the King and Beowulf, they show the same aspects of arrogance, hubris, and loftiness. Oedipus and Beowulf are excellent figures that portray how arrogance can predispose the outcome of your fate.
Throughout the tragedy of Oedipus the King, his arrogance standpoint leads him to find his fate is out of his authority to control. Oedipus first shows his arrogance in the beginning of the book while speaking to Tiresias, “You can’t hurt me, you night-hatched thing! Me or any man who lives in light.” (22) This quote uses diction related to his aloofness and ignorance of the death of Laius. The author also uses aphorism to express the thought that Tiresias is worth nothing compared to Oedipus and is more important than him
Another quote that shows Oedipus’s arrogance and egotism is when he communicates sincere concern for his people and their circumstances, yet immediately turns their attention away from the gods and onto himself by proclaiming “Here I am myself—you all know me, the world knows my name: I am Oedipus.” The quote expresses the needy attention he wants and needs to seeks from the people of Thebes. The poet’s use of …show more content…

Beowulf shows his self-love when he states “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 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!” showing how he thinks he’s superior to other soldiers. The write uses this paradox showing how he once was the greatest but as the time went on his strength

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