Beowulf and Emotions


Beowolf is a character that is found in many literary works. He is a strong, aggressive, confident (bordering on arrogant), and a warrior man. He comes across as this macho man who will solve everyone’s problems by fighting and killing the problem (most likely a person). He rebuts people who say things that would make him appear less than he is, and very freely flaunts his accomplishments. He puts on this show almost on how fierce and mighty he is but what if it is just that: a show. Beowolf is this icon of a warrior that has almost a myth like aspect to him. His clansmen along with anyone who hears his story and knows his name is automatically impressed and praises him for his strength and victory in battle. What if Beowolf puts on a façade as the strong, aggressive, and arrogant warrior but really isn’t the same on the inside? He feels the need to be this fearless and mighty leader for his men but what if that is not his true character. He feels that he cannot express his emotions without looking weak. He has to keep up the façade in order for people to respond to him and be afraid of him.

Since this book has been around for centuries and has influenced many, many people I think that if Beowolf had been portrayed as utilizing his emotions besides just anger, some men today would find it easier to show emotions. I think the same can be said for other great works who portray almost all the men in their stories without emotional depth. Men who read that think that to be respected or revered you have to act in the same way and this has lead and contributed to the covering up of emotions by many men today. It is interesting to think how things may be different today if Beowolf is portrayed showing a softer side during some scenes. How that could have affected and shaped what the centuries of readers of Beowolf found to be the perfect warrior. 

Comments

  1. Lexi SchaeferSeptember 8, 2017 at 11:36 AM

    I think you bring up a very important point in mentioning that Beowulf acts as a base for the stereotypical hero. Reflecting on other literary works I can see similarities in him and other main characters/heroes. However, I am unsure your point where you mention the idea of Beowulf showing more emotions having an effect on male society today. While I think you are correct in mentioning that maybe other books would copy this softer, more emotional male lead, I am not sure it would have translated in society itself. Simpy saying, that the male population would most likely still feel the need to be stronger and less womanlike.

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