3.

Identify the main characters in the story and give your own
characterization.

Beowulf- faster than a sea monster, stronger than a demon, more

powerful than a dragon, that’s Beowulf. “The hero of all heroes”,
Beowulf is strong and courageous, the prince of Geats. Once he
makes a vow, he stands by his world, no matter what the cost, even
if it takes his life. He is hesitant to back down from battle, just so
he can be there for the people who are in great need to be saved
from evil. He signifies the true heroic character because he is
willing to risk his life for his ideals. Beowulf shows brave deeds and
responsible leader, risks his life for the greater good of his people
and his kingdom. Beowulf is a man of deep personal faith, before his
battle he offers a prayer. After the fight with the monster, he gives
credit to God, who, he says allowed him to kill the monster. Beowulf
fights for those who are not his people, but he fights as if the people
of herot were his own. He thought more about his people than he
thought about himself. Beowulf, a medieval Geatish warrior willing
to take on any challenge in order to make a name for himself.

Grendel- is one of three antagonists. Grendel is presented a coward,

a monster, and descendant of Cain, from the bible. He is capable of
thinking and acting like a human being. He was born as a monster
into exile, his life was cursed because he was distant offspring of
Cain. Whenever Grendel would hear a music or the sounds of
pleasure and joy, he would be filled with anger and hatred. Grendel
seeks vengeance on good rather than evil mainly because of his
family history. Grendel is unconscious and unaffected by the pain
and suffering he causes others. Even though he is evil, he does not
know how his actions affect other people. He was taught evil,
therefore he does evil, making him evil. One can also sympathize fir
Grendel, if he feels no remorse, he has no opportunity for change.
Grendel character is portrayed in many different ways in Beowulf.
All traits coincide with Grendel being a beast and the offspring of
Cain.
Wiglaf- a warriors who is strong, fearless, valiant and loyal. Wiglaf is
like a brave and faithful warrior stood by and severely rebuked them
reminding their oath and pledge to their lord. He is not coward and
pledge-breaker. He is a warrior of inborn bravery and strength. He
keeps his promises at the cost of anything.

4. What are the symbols you can find in the story? What do they
signify?

The cave is symbolized the lives of the monsters as outcast and

their heritage as descendants of Cain. They are associated with
witchcraft, black magic, demons, ancient runes and hell. Caves is
also symbolized the chaos and untamed nature that threatens the
civilization of the Danes.

Mead-hall is symbolized the society, it is in this central place that

the people gather to feast, socialize and listen to the people who
perform and preserve the history of the people. Mead-hall is also
symbolized not only happiness and pride, but also of distress. The
mead-hall is Hrothgar legacy, built to honor great warriors and their
accomplishments. It is meant to be a refuge where members of the
court and warriors can gather to feast and celebrate.

Gold embodies a symbol of hard work, bravery and honor with none
other than Beowulf, the warrior and future king of Geats. To begin,
Beowulf was continuously represented as a hardworking warrior,
fighting every battle against enemy forces with no mercy for anyone
in his way. Also, when fighting the three beasts at some point,
Beowulf showed signs of downfall, but did not give up and worked
until he attained what he had desired. Hard work symbolizes gold
because king Hrothgar rewarded the hard work and relentless effort
by Beowulf with gold and other riches.

Dragon is symbolized the Beowulf’s fate and imminent death.

Sword is symbolizing the masculinity and family honor.

Beowulf battles symbolize the youth, adulthood, and maturity of

Beowulf life.