Internal Conflict In Beowulf

“The scholar J.R.R. Tolkien has suggested that the theme of Beowulf deals with ‘man alien in a hostile world, engaged in a struggle which he cannot win’….” This suggestion from J.R.R. Tolkien is true. The theme of Beowulf directly correlates with his inner conflict that he struggles with.. Beowulf’s inner conflict is that his qualities are superior and he has to keep involving himself in more things, even though it will lead him to his eventual downfall.

The theme is revealed through Beowulf’s acts of courage throughout the poem. He thought that he could do anything; he would do anything for his people. He stood up before Grendel and Grendel’s mother, even though he could have been killed. The biggest event that lead to Beowulf’s downfall and death was when the maleficent dragon attacked his town. Beowulf was older and weaker then what he used to be, but he still attempted to kill the dragon to protect his people. He could have sent other men to try and slay the dragon, but his courage got

One characteristic of an epic hero is that the hero is of noble birth. Beowulf directly resonates with the characteristic due to the fact he was born from a royal family. Another characteristic of an epic hero is that the hero accomplishes deeds of strength and courage. This correlates with Beowulf throughout the story, especially when he kills Grendel and his mother. A great warrior is another attribute of an epic hero. Beowulf is a great warrior that spend most of his life in battle. He was a prestigious warrior that was known and praised by all. Beowulf traveled to Hrothgar’s village trekking a prolific number of miles to save the mead hall from Grendel. This adventure of Beowulf’s goes hand in hand with yet another characteristic epic heroes entail. These characteristics of an epic hero directly correlate to Beowulf’s actions and motives on his journey, thus reflecting the tones of the poem’s theme