There is evidence in the text to support both sides of this argument. However, I will argue that Beowulf fought in the best interest of his people in the final battle.
One can argue that Beowulf fought for personal glory and fame without regard for his people’s welfare. This perspective suggests that Beowulf put himself in unnecessary danger in order to boost his own standing and reputation. Additionally, he rejected the help of his fellow warriors, instead choosing to face the dragon alone. These actions might be seen as recklessness and a desire for personal acclaim.
However, there is considerable evidence to claim that Beowulf fought in the best interest of his people. Firstly, throughout the poem, Beowulf is depicted as a valiant and virtuous leader who genuinely cared for his kingdom and its inhabitants. This is evident in his previous battles where he risked his life to protect his people from monsters such as Grendel and Grendel's mother.
Furthermore, in the final battle, Beowulf's motivation is not solely personal glory, but rather a sense of duty and responsibility. When the dragon is roused from its slumber and starts terrorizing the land, Beowulf recognizes that it is his duty as a king to confront the threat and protect his people. He understands that the dragon poses a great danger to his kingdom and his people's welfare, and he takes action to ensure their safety.
Additionally, even though Beowulf initially fights the dragon alone, this decision is rooted in a belief that he alone possesses the strength and skills necessary to defeat the beast. Rather than risking the lives of his warriors in a fight they might not win, Beowulf chooses to face the dragon alone to minimize potential casualties.
In conclusion, while one could argue that Beowulf fought for personal glory and fame, a more convincing perspective is that he fought in the best interest of his people. The poem consistently portrays him as a responsible and courageous leader, and his motivations for engaging in the final battle are driven by a genuine concern for the welfare of his kingdom and its people.
Do you think in the final battle Beowulf behaved wisely or foolishly?
Choose a side and explain how Beowulf
Fought in the best interest of his people
OR
Fought for personal glory and fame and had no regard for his people’s welfare
What examples are given in the text to help support your claim?
1 answer