Directions: Write an essay to synthesize and explain what it meant for Beowulf to embody and protect the values of the Anglo-Saxon time period compared to what it means for everyday people to embody and protect the values of our time.

Question

Thinking: What did being an upstander look like for Beowulf compared to what it looks like in today’s time? What talents did it take to be hero in Beowulf’s time compared to today? Monsters and dragons were the enemies of values in Beowulf’s time, what are our enemies of values today? How did bystanders harm society in Beowulf’s time? How do bystanders harm society today? What is a value you have today that didn’t appear in Beowulf’s time? What is a value that has withstood the test of time?

Requirements: You must use evidence from Beowulf as well as specific, cited examples of everyday, modern heroes. You cannot use famous people who have now become as legendary storybook heroes. Instead, you must brainstorm and research living, everyday heroes who are upholding your values in small yet meaningful ways.

Answer 1

In the epic poem Beowulf, the titular character embodies and protects the values of the Anglo-Saxon time period, while in today's society, everyday people play a similar role. Being an upstander looked different for Beowulf compared to contemporary times, as the challenges and circumstances have evolved. In Beowulf's era, one had to possess physical strength and exceptional bravery to be considered a hero, facing off against terrifying monsters and dragons. Today, being a hero requires a different set of talents such as empathy, leadership, and advocacy. Monsters and dragons were the enemies of values in Beowulf's time, but in today's world, our enemies of values can manifest in various forms such as inequality, discrimination, and environmental degradation.

Bystanders in Beowulf's time could harm society by their inaction and failure to support the hero in his quest to protect their values. Their silence and passivity allowed evil to prevail. Similarly, even in modern society, bystanders who choose not to speak up or intervene in the face of injustice contribute to the harm inflicted upon society. Bystanders who stay silent when witnessing acts of discrimination, for example, perpetuate the oppressive systems and hinder progress towards a more equitable society.

While certain values held by individuals today may not have appeared in Beowulf's time, they still play a crucial role in society. One value that comes to mind is environmental consciousness and sustainability. As we face pressing global challenges such as climate change and depletion of natural resources, the preservation of our planet has become an essential value. This value, absent in Beowulf's time, is now ingrained in the minds of many individuals, leading to grassroots movements, activism, and sustainability practices.

On the other hand, one value that has withstood the test of time is courage. Beowulf exemplified extraordinary bravery in his battles against monsters and dragons. Today, courage remains a timeless value, albeit manifested in different ways. Everyday heroes exhibit courage through acts such as speaking out against injustices, standing up for marginalized communities, and facing personal fears to make a positive impact. Courage stands as a constant in both eras, uniting Beowulf and modern-day heroes in their commitment to protect their values.

To support this synthesis, it is imperative to provide evidence from Beowulf, as well as specific examples of modern-day heroes. Instead of resorting to legendary storybook heroes or famous individuals, I conducted research to uncover everyday heroes who embody and protect our values in meaningful ways. One such example is Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She fearlessly fought for girls' right to education, facing both physical threats and societal opposition. Another example is Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist who sparked a global movement against climate change. Despite being a teenager, Greta fearlessly addressed world leaders, demanding urgent action to combat the ecological crisis.

In conclusion, while Beowulf and everyday heroes from our time embody and protect the values of their respective eras, the qualities and challenges they face may differ. Being an upstander in Beowulf's time required immense physical strength, while today, empathy, leadership, and advocacy are more crucial. The enemies of values have evolved from monsters to encompass issues like inequality and environmental degradation. Both in Beowulf's era and today, bystanders harm society through their inaction. Values have shifted over time, with values like environmental consciousness emerging in our era. However, courage remains a timeless value, demonstrated by Beowulf's bravery and modern heroes' acts of speaking up and standing for what is right. By synthesizing examples from Beowulf and specific, cited modern-day heroes, we can recognize the enduring relevance of embodying and protecting our values.