Beowulf vs. Oedipus

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the epic, "Beowulf", and Sophocles' play, "Oedipus the King", with an emphasis on the similarities and the differences between the two main characters. It looks at their character traits, cultural beliefs in their respective stories, and the flaws that might burden them, drawing on the fact that they are from different eras in time and locations on the globe. It shows how they have the same basic principles of honor, pride, and justice, and how Beowulf and Oedipus will do what they have to do to save their people, since they are good leaders of their people who fall, ironically, because of their strongest qualities.

From the Paper:

"The biggest resemblance is how they come to power. In the pagan world of Beowulf vengeance and revenge is the backbone of the society. Beowulf's battle with Grendel and his mother is ultimately what put him over the hump as a great leader. Grendel killed King Hrothgar's men, so Beowulf must avenge their deaths. To complete the revenge and capture all of the glory he must then slay Grendel's mother. After he has so valiantly done this, the poet has the son of Halfdane speak of Beowulf's greatness, "Beowulf, my friend, your fame has gone far and wide, you are known everywhere"(Beowulf 1703). Oedipus' also used violence and fighting to become king."

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