Beowulf As An Epic Hero Research Paper

In the literary works Beowulf, an epic Anglo-Saxon poem, assumedly, composed orally around the seventh century, and Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, the protagonists embody the qualities of two contrasting types of literary heroes. Beowulf tells the story of a powerful fighter. Beowulf engages in several battles and displays personality traits worthy of respect. This character embodies the most distinctive features of an epic hero, including many derived from classical works, such as Greek plays by Homer. Also, the main character in Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus is considered to be a typical literary hero. Unlike Beowulf, Faustus represents the Renaissance man and he is overly ambitious. He makes an error of judgment which leads

These qualities grant an epic hero significant honor and respect. Essentially, Beowulf portrays the characteristics of an epic hero because he is physically strong and he demonstrates noble traits such as friendship, bravery, and generosity. For example, Beowulf “battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea-brutes” (420-423). This suggests Beowulf is an extremely powerful and skilled hero. Next, Prior to deciding to fight Grendel, he refuses to use any weapons against the demonic monster, “So it won’t be a cutting edge I’ll wield to mow him down, easily as I might. He has no idea of the arts of war, of shield or sword-play, although he does possess a wild strength. No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares,” (679-68.). Therefore, he demonstrates significant skill and combat

This reveals his extreme aspirations. He desires god-like power and fame. Therefore, Faustus wild ambition drives him to take extreme, horrific actions. For example, he revokes his baptism and sells his soul to Lucifer.

Additionally, the bad angel represents Faustus’ conscience and encourages him to pursue his innermost desire: “Go forward, Faustus, in that famous art wherein all Nature's treasure is contained: be thou on earth as Jove is in the sky, Lord and commander of these elements,” (12). In this powerful passage, Faustus’ greed and thirst for fame and power becomes further exposed.

Lastly, Faustus does not use his powers in the pursuit of additional knowledge. Instead he uses his magical power for petty reasons, such as making fun of Benvolio or taking advantage of the horse-courser. Faustus allows his drives to take over his ability to rationally form decisions. As a result, he fails to repent. The audience or readers often begin to pity Faustus because he cannot repent or understand the hardships his ambition creates. Faustus’ pride prevents him consider the possibility of seeking forgiveness. Therefore, Faustus allows his desires to condemn himself to remain in hell and damns himself for eternity. Essentially, his relatable ambition causes his problems throughout the story. Conclusively, Faustus portrays a typical tragic hero. He creates his own problems, though naively and not intentionally. His actions