Examples Of Integrity In Beowulf

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Throughout history, honor has always been a very important aspect in life, whether it be codified or just ingrained in someone’s brain. These ideals are emphasized in works of literature throughout the ages. The major characters including Beowulf in the folk epic Beowulf, Sir Gawain in Le Morte D’Arthur, and John in Brave New World all strive to maintain their honor and integrity, which ultimately results in their demise. In Beowulf, the great leader Beowulf courageously fights Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and finally the dragon, but in the end, his heroic actions lead to his death. Le Morte D’Arthur features Sir Gawain, who maintains his honor by fighting Sir Launcelot over and over, but eventually dies from his injuries as well. Lastly, in Brave New World, John, or “The Savage” kills himself after trying and failing to maintain his honor and integrity, which has been tainted by his thoughts and actions.
The folk epic Beowulf …show more content…

Some common honorable qualities include being courageous, intelligent, heroic, and a strong leader. Beowulf presents all of these characteristics when he fights Grendel, a malignant monster, described as “A dark death-shadow the ravaging demon” (120). Despite his ferociousness, Beowulf goes on to fight him fearlessly, not only assessing his tactics as he attacks and eats a thane, but fighting without armor or a sword to show off his physical strength and confidence, which further engages the reader’s attention. Beowulf successfully defeats Grendel’s revenge seeking mother when he “Seized the ring-hilt and swung the sword, / Struck with fury, despairing of life, / Struck with fury, despairing of life…” (1053-5). He goes into the battle without fear and displays honorable

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