No matter if one intends to study the Marvel, Star Wars, DC Extended Universe franchise, or medieval and gothic literature, one will find that there is one fundamental element that incites the...Show moreNo matter if one intends to study the Marvel, Star Wars, DC Extended Universe franchise, or medieval and gothic literature, one will find that there is one fundamental element that incites the expected tension present within all of those works: the presence of both a monster and its opponent, the hero, whose interaction serves as the baseline for the plot. In this thesis, the dynamics between the presumed monsters and heroes within two of England’s greatest literary works, Beowulf (Anonymous, ca. 8th-11th century) and Frankenstein (Mary Shelley, 1818), are explored from a number of angles. The objective of this analysis is to comprehend the dynamic between opponent and monster by exploring the notions of monstrosity, heroism, and, ultimately, the relation of both to theology. As Beowulf and Frankenstein were produced in distinct time periods, both works convey and exhibit specific cultural components with respect to these notions. Beowulf, as an Early Medieval text, is a primary example of a heroic epic poem, and is the product of a culture in which Christianity began to manifest itself as a predominant theology in traditional Anglo-Saxon society. Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is written in a tumultuous period with respect to religion and science, as the two seem to be competing in a race for credibility and moral acceptance. Comparing the two works with one another illustrates the gradual difference between the Early Medieval culture and the Late Modern English culture of the 19th century with respect to the ideologies and concerns regarding monstrosity, heroism, morality, and theology. Such a contrastive analysis of both works, to my awareness, has not been made to date. First, the theoretical framework and the historical context of both works are discussed in chapter one. Subsequently, Frankenstein is analyzed in chapter two and Beowulf in chapter three. Finally, these findings are combined and re-evaluated in order to return with a final answer to the initial question that is central within this thesis: to what extent do the dynamics between monster and hero in both Beowulf and Frankenstein reflect the contemporary concerns and ideologies regarding monstrosity, heroism, and theology?Show less
It has often been observed that ancient heroes suffer both acclaim and tragedy. This is true of both Beowulf and Gilgamesh, two heroes who gain much in their journeys, but ultimately lose far more...Show moreIt has often been observed that ancient heroes suffer both acclaim and tragedy. This is true of both Beowulf and Gilgamesh, two heroes who gain much in their journeys, but ultimately lose far more despite their epic feats; in the case of Beowulf, the kingdom he built and in the case Gilgamesh, his greatest friend, Enkidu. These tragedies are seen as inevitabilities and thus put to question the purpose of heroics (see Greenfield 1962 and Wolf 1969). Both have often had their heroism examined individually, but rarely together, especially in light of newer translations and editions (see Stark 1966). In my thesis, I will analyze the relevant themes of both heroic tales. I will compare and contrast the themes of gain and loss and discern the reason each hero is considered heroic within the context of their own tale and where these forms of heroism meet and diverge.Show less
J.R.R. Tolkien took the values and virtues found in Anglo-Saxon heroic literature and applied them to his Legendarium. Tolkien established his own form of modern heroism by examining Old English...Show moreJ.R.R. Tolkien took the values and virtues found in Anglo-Saxon heroic literature and applied them to his Legendarium. Tolkien established his own form of modern heroism by examining Old English works such as "Beowulf" and "The Battle of Maldon". He admired the Germanic heroic tradition, yet condemned its pagan nature. This comparative paper discusses four works of heroic literature - i.e. "Beowulf", "The Battle of Maldon", "The Lord of the Rings", and "The Children of Húrin" - focusing on the heroes of each work and how their actions reflect their ethics. The author emphasises Tolkien's disapproving views of Anglo-Saxon heroism found in "The Children of Húrin" in which its prideful hero Túrin brings about disaster and tragedy upon himself and those around him.Show less
Since Tolkien was a noted philologist, his writing was inspired greatly by Old English poetry such as Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon. Taking into account Tolkien's comments on the portrayal of...Show moreSince Tolkien was a noted philologist, his writing was inspired greatly by Old English poetry such as Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon. Taking into account Tolkien's comments on the portrayal of heroism in these poems, this thesis presents a comparison between several heroes from Tolkien’s own fiction – Aragorn, Beren and Fëanor – and the Germanic heroic ethos.Show less
