It is very
difficult to compare Beowulf to a modern hero. Beowulf fought a giant monster,
while common heroes fight typical villains. Beowulf was trying to save
Scandinavians from a giant invincible monster. Martin Luther King Jr., though
not really seen as a hero, was trying to save African Americans from the
monster of racism. Both the Scandinavians and the African Americans were
trapped by evil things in society, both physical and intangible. The outcome
was the same and they were both trying to do the same thing, just in a
different way. Beowulf not only agreed to take on Grendel and his mother, but
he defeated Grendel with his bare hands and also survived a trip into the
mysterious lake, where he eventually defeated Grendel’s mother. Like Beowulf,
civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr. fought his entire life for the
advancement of his people. Like Beowulf, he was aging and his power was in
decline when he was faced with a hero’s ultimate dilemma. Was he more of an
inspiration to his people alive, or more powerful as a martyr who went out
fighting the impossible fight? Dr. King had been warned by the FBI that his
life was in danger in Memphis that fateful day, but he went to face his dragon.
Like Beowulf, he fought and died for his people and the power of his legacy to
his people.
Ciara,
ReplyDeleteI think that Martin Luther King Jr. is a very good example of a modern day Beowulf. They both fought to not only do the right thing, but also to protect their people. I really liked the question you asked "Was he more of an inspiration to his people alive...or more powerful fighting the impossible fight?" This question is important to ask because everyone sees it a different way, so there are many different answers. I agree with your comparison, and you did a good job of explaining your ideas.
Jack Eberle
Before reading this I didn't even think of this comparison between the two. After reading this its clear that they are related to one another and that Martin Luther King is a good example because they both were relentless and wouldn't back down from a challenge. They both kept on fighting to achieve what they wanted. You did a really good job explaining your ideas. good post.
ReplyDeleteI think that your idea of racism as a monster iv a very original one. I doubt that many others have made that connection and I think that it is a very good one. I also like the fact that you went on to explain your ideas, because without the explanation I think that the idea of Dr. King being a modern day Beowulf is tenuous.
ReplyDelete