Differences Between Hamlet's Mental/Emotional Conflicts and Beowulf's Physical Battles

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Differences between Hamlet's mental/emotional conflicts and Beowulf's physical battles

Beowulf is an epic poem from an unknown author. The main point and theme of Beowulf is about heroism of a warrior with courage who becomes an epic hero; not only by his strength in the battles but also by his social obligations. In Williams Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Hamlet’s mental and emotional conflict is based on a tragedy of revenge. It is the differences of Beowulf and Hamlet, that also make it the same.

The epic poem Beowulf tells the story of a Geatland warrior; from young to old, in Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf travels overseas to the ruler of the Danes, King Hrothgar, to sacrifice his own life to help this land fight off a demon named Grendel. King Hrothgar had once helped out Beowulf’s father, so Beowulf is returning the favor. When Beowulf attacks Grendel, he fights with only his hands, ripping off the demon’s arms. Beowulf has wounded Grendel who then dies. King Hrothgar gives treasures to Beowulf as a reward for his heroic defeat of the demon. Grendel’s mother, also a demon, avenges her son’s death and attacks Heorot Hall. She is killed by Beowulf, who beheaded her. Beowulf leaves the land of the Danes and he returns to Geatland. As a civilized man, Beowulf gives the treasures from his defeats to his King and Queen and fulfills his social obligations. When the King and the King’s son of Geatland are killed, Beowulf takes the throne of the Geats. For fifty years, he rules Geatland as a noble king. Now as an old man, his last battle is with a dragon. With the help from Wiglaf, he kills the dragon. Soon after the encounter, Beowulf also dies. During the battle, he had been bitten in the neck by the dragon. He is buried by the sea for his legacy to be remembered. Beowulf showed strength, courage, courtesy, loyalty and pride. The Geats said “that of all the kings upon earth, he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win...
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