Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Beowulf's Leadership
Beowulf to me is all about image, how people see us. Beowulf has an image to maintain, not only to the men that came with him, but to the people he decided to help. To maintain his position above the other men, he takes risk and makes impulsive decisions. I know he is suppose to be a "superhero," but I feel that in order to continue the heroic acts and remain a hero in everyone's eyes, Beowulf has to put hi,self in danger and commit dangerous acts to keep that image he built. A leader does not always have to spring into action. He could have lead the people out of the village when the dragon attacked or he could have used his men to fight along with him. As you read the story, you can feel a sense of trust. The men do not intervene in any of Beowulf's fights because they trust him to protect them. Beowulf is an intresting character because he needs others to witness his glory, but does not need them to interfere in battles that helped him obtain glory. He is a man of the people and they trust him with their lives.
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It is interesting how he is often so independent from others in his battles, even though he fights them for the society.
ReplyDeletePeople do not often interfere with his battles. However, it is interesting that the men who well...ditched him during his battle with the dragon were looked down upon by Wiglaf, the true friend.
You opened up an interesting point for me: heroes with special abilities committing great acts for society, but never truly being a part of it, at least in a normal way.
Beowulf is an egoist. The poet know this too, I see Beowulf as a warning to men who let their egos consume them.
ReplyDeleteBeowulf is an egoist. The poet know this too, I see Beowulf as a warning to men who let their egos consume them.
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