Beowulf Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Beowulf - Research Paper Example That includes the possibility of becoming proud. In the end one can say that it was pride that led Beowulf to his death in that combat with the dragon. He had become old. As Hrothgar probably saw in advance, Beowulf’s pride kept him from seeing his limitations. This being so, he went to do battle with the dragon on his own at the end of his life, and in so doing got killed. Hrothgar’s words therefore ring true. At the height of Beowulf’s success he knew that Beowulf was vulnerable too. He was vulnerable to becoming proud just like all human beings are. As Hrothgar cautions: â€Å"Ban, then, such baleful thoughts, Beowulf dearest, best of men, and the better part choose, profit eternal; and temper thy pride, warrior famous!† (â€Å"Beowulf†). It is important to see that Hrothgar was speaking from the point of view of experience and great wisdom. He saw that Beowulf was truly remarkable. He was able to do what his best men could not. He was in despair because his peace was gone from Grendel’s attacks. He was powerless to do anything about the dragon. On the other hand Beowulf was able to slay the dragon and also his mother, with his own hands. He was able to do battle with Grendel without using any arms too. Such was his power and his abilities that he was able to do all of this. Moreover, Hrothgar saw that Beowulf was also very popular. His fame had spread very far. In the midst of all these Hrothgar knew that any mortal man would become proud. When he gave out the warning to Beowulf he was not trying to diminish Beowulf’s success. He was trying to protect him in a way from his own self. This self is the self of all men. Men can be blinded by their own success. In modern life we see this all the time. The g reat actor who is able to generate blockbuster movies often becomes proud and difficult to work with, for example. Rulers of countries become blinded and intoxicated by their own success.