''Beowulf'' and ''Hamlet'' are probably two of the best-known works in British literature. Both deal with themes that are in many aspects interesting and fascinating to us modern human-beings. They are stories about royalty, heroism, honor, love, glory, hate and revenge. Ingredients that are even today essentially for every movie which is supposed to bring in money. But during the bygone ages ''Beowulf“ and ''Hamlet“ take place in, making money was not the only goal. The authors wanted to deliver certain messages to the audience.
In this work I will concentrate on the concepts of honor and revenge in both texts. What is considered as honorable? Which behaviour is typical for a coward? How important is revenge and how can it be achieved? And, most important, how does these concepts differ if you take a closer look on ''Beowulf'' and ''Hamlet''? What are the differences between the ages?
To answer this questions it will be important to compare the main characters, as there are Beowulf and Hamlet. Both of them are confronted with situations in which decisions have to be made. Decisions on how to act, on how to react to different events and threats in their lives. By watching the characters, it should be possible to point out differences and similarities between them.
I suspect that there are quite a lot of differences, because ''Hamlet'' several hundred years younger than ''Beowulf''. Therefore some concepts (e.g. that of revenge) may have changed during the time.
At first I will do a critical assessment on the sources I used for this paper. I think this is very important, because over the years a lot of different varieties of both texts were published. The second step will be to analyse them in order to gather information about the plot as well as the characters and their behaviour. At that point I used also some secondary literature and essays which you can find in the bibliography at the end. By doing so it should be possible to draw a sufficient conclusion and to answer the questions stated above.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Sources
- Beowulf- The Theme
- Beowulf- The Hero
- Hamlet- The Theme
- Hamlet- The Hero?
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to analyze the concepts of honor and revenge in Beowulf and Hamlet, comparing the portrayal of these concepts across the two texts and exploring how they may have evolved over time. The analysis will focus on the main characters, Beowulf and Hamlet, examining their decisions and actions in response to various threats and events in their lives.
- The concept of honor in Anglo-Saxon and Elizabethan England
- The role of revenge in both narratives
- Comparison of Beowulf and Hamlet as heroic figures
- The evolution of societal values reflected in the texts
- Differences and similarities in the portrayal of honor and revenge across time periods
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of honor and revenge in Beowulf and Hamlet. It highlights the enduring appeal of these themes, emphasizing the authors' intent to convey specific messages beyond mere entertainment. The chapter outlines the methodology, focusing on comparing the main characters' decision-making processes in challenging situations to identify similarities and differences stemming from the significant time gap between the two works. A critical assessment of the source materials used is also promised.
The Sources: This chapter discusses the chosen versions of Beowulf and Hamlet used for the analysis, emphasizing the importance of this selection given the wide variety of existing versions. It provides a brief history of each text, noting Beowulf's origins in Old English, its authorship, and the damage sustained to the original manuscript. For Hamlet, the chapter traces its origins back to Saxo Grammaticus, highlighting Shakespeare's role in adapting the story and the implications of multiple versions on the interpretation of the text. The chapter concludes by transitioning to the analysis of the main characters, Beowulf and Hamlet.
Beowulf- The Theme: This chapter delves into the prevalent themes within Beowulf, notably the king-retainer relationship, kinship, gift-giving, and, most centrally for this study, revenge and feuds. It uses several examples from the poem to illustrate the ingrained concept of revenge as a necessary response to transgressions, illustrating the societal expectations of the time. The analysis covers Grendel's attacks and the subsequent cycle of revenge enacted by Beowulf, culminating in his final battle with the dragon. The chapter also notes the escalating difficulty of Beowulf's battles and the corresponding increase in the weapons required.
Beowulf- The Hero: This chapter offers a detailed portrait of Beowulf as a complex character, highlighting his heroic attributes and their manifestation throughout the poem. His noble lineage, physical prowess, leadership qualities, and capacity for emotional expression are detailed. The chapter underscores Beowulf's decisive actions without portraying him as invincible, as he acknowledges the possibility of death and even predicts his own demise. The author's rationale for Beowulf's willingness to risk his life, namely to win glory, is presented.
Keywords
Beowulf, Hamlet, honor, revenge, heroism, Anglo-Saxon literature, Elizabethan literature, comparative literature, literary analysis, Old English, feud, societal values, character analysis.
Beowulf and Hamlet: A Comparative Analysis - FAQ
What is the main focus of this academic work?
This work conducts a comparative analysis of the themes of honor and revenge in the epic poem Beowulf and Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It examines how these themes are portrayed in each text, how they might have evolved over time, and how they shape the actions and decisions of the main characters, Beowulf and Hamlet.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis focuses on several key themes, including: the concept of honor in Anglo-Saxon and Elizabethan England; the role of revenge in both narratives; a comparison of Beowulf and Hamlet as heroic figures; the evolution of societal values reflected in the texts; and the differences and similarities in the portrayal of honor and revenge across the different time periods.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an introduction, a section discussing the source materials used (different versions of Beowulf and Hamlet), chapters specifically analyzing the themes and heroic aspects of Beowulf, followed by similar chapters analyzing Hamlet. The work concludes with a keyword list.
How does the work approach the analysis of Beowulf and Hamlet?
The analysis compares the decision-making processes of Beowulf and Hamlet in challenging situations, highlighting similarities and differences influenced by the considerable time gap between the two works. The work also considers the societal contexts of each text and how these contexts shape the characters' understandings of honor and revenge.
What source materials are used and why are they significant?
The analysis specifies the particular versions of Beowulf and Hamlet used, acknowledging the existence of multiple versions and explaining the rationale behind the selection. The significance of this selection is highlighted, considering the impact of variations in text on interpretation. The chapter on sources details the historical context of each text, including authorship and the condition of original manuscripts.
How does the analysis portray Beowulf?
The analysis presents Beowulf as a complex character, exploring his heroic attributes such as noble lineage, physical prowess, leadership, and emotional depth. While emphasizing his heroic qualities, the analysis also acknowledges his mortality and willingness to risk his life for glory. The analysis examines Beowulf's actions and choices within the context of Anglo-Saxon society and its values.
What aspects of Hamlet are examined in the analysis?
The analysis delves into the portrayal of Hamlet, exploring his actions and decisions related to honor and revenge. It investigates his character complexities and motivations within the context of Elizabethan England and its societal norms. The analysis compares and contrasts Hamlet's experiences with those of Beowulf, exploring similarities and differences in their respective journeys.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of each chapter's content, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main arguments and findings presented in each section of the work. They offer a structured guide to the overall analysis and its progression.
What keywords are used to describe the academic work?
Keywords used to describe the work include: Beowulf, Hamlet, honor, revenge, heroism, Anglo-Saxon literature, Elizabethan literature, comparative literature, literary analysis, Old English, feud, societal values, and character analysis.
- Quote paper
- Daniel Ossenkop (Author), 2011, The Concepts of Honour and Revenge in Beowulf and Hamlet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/172830
