Argumentative Essay On Beowulf

In the lecture Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics by J. R. R. Tolkien, he discusses Beowulf through a different aspect. Tolkien argues that the epic poem is infact, overlooked and not seen by the true aspect of the poem. He argues that Beowulf is a piece of literature that should be viewed as a piece of art, an epic poem, rather than just a composition of history. Tolkien supports his argument by carefully analyzing the text, including literary elements and themes the creator includes in Beowulf.
Tolkien introduces different and compelling outlook on the epic poem Beowulf, one of which includes an interesting view of Beowulf himself. The author believes that Beowulf in fact, is not a hero, “He has no enmeshed loyalties, nor hapless love” (Tolkien). These qualities are some that would be used to describe a hero, Beowulf does show loyalty to Hrothgar when he arrives, vowing to help the village. However, the author says otherwise and believes Beowulf does not carry these characteristics. The author correlates Beowulf to be just a man and further explains how all men die. Tolkien makes an interesting point that Beowulf is not a hero, however I disagree and think otherwise.
A Hero is one that holds positive qualities like, loyalty, courage, and being brave. Beowulf possess these traits and can be noted through both his actions and speech. When he first arrives to Hrothgar’s village, he presents himself as a man who wishes to help the king in need. Beowulf deeply wishes for Hrothgar to

accept his offer, “Now I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat” (425-426). This reveals loyalty in Beowulf, he has traveled a long way to approach Hrothgar with this offer to defeat Grendel and save the whole village from the fate of death. He also reveals loyalty when Beowulf reveals his motivation to come to Hrothgar, “So every elder and experienced councilman among my people supported my resolve to come here to you” (415-418). He seems to have turned to his elders and councilman for advice to help Hrothgar and offer his strength. Although, loyalty plays a big part in being a hero, courage and being brave is also a necessity. When Beowulf enter Herot and he explains his past and the things he has accomplished. Beowulf describes his wins in battle, “I battles and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes” (420-422). This cannot be done by just anyone, obviously Beowulf is a man of great strength and fighting these monsters is not a job anyone can do. Through this, Beowulf shows courage and bravery, talking about his accomplishments in front of Hrothgar begins to change his view of Beowulf. Hrothgar begins to see Beowulf as a great war hero and then agrees to accept his offer to defeat the demon.
Although, I did disagree with Tolkien, he did offer interesting points and a different point of view on the epic poem.

Beowulf being a hero, is a questionable statement because some may have a different definition of a hero. However, I do think otherwise because Beowulf does what an average man does not wish to do or is not strong and brave enough. He also has the qualities of a hero, one being loyalty and he shows this by travelling across the sea to help Hrothgar defeat

Grendel.