Cotemporary Heroes and Anglo- Saxon Heroes

Jeff White Ms. Danwood 10/11/2005 English 4

Question: Compare the heroes, plots, & nemeses of both Anglo-Saxon and contemporary times. In one page commentary, tell in what ways the respective cultures are responsible for the nature of their heroes, plots, and nemeses.

In Beowulf it portrays the Anglo-Saxon history immensely. I will mention a few of the cultures and practices that were portrayed in Beowulf. Barbarism was portrayed in Beowulf from bloody battles. Paganism was portrayed by their worshiping idols. Beowulf showed magnanimity to his king by trying to please him rather than trying to save his own life. The nemeses in Beowulf show Barbarism also. For example when Grendel killed 30 men in their shop is an example of barbarism.

Today's contemporary heroes portray life today in many ways. Most heroes help civilians, beat bad guys, and were loved by mot people. Just like firefighters and policemen. Spiderman was an exception to the normal heroes. He helped but he was a menace in society's eyes. The nemeses we know are just like criminals today. They kill, steal, and then later get arrested (at least most of them).

The comparison between Anglo-Saxon and contemporary heroes, nemeses, and plots are that they have the same outline but the do it in different ways. The heroes in both cultures purpose is to serve and protect. Beowulf does his duty in bloody battles but contemporary heroes usually just beat up the "bad guy" and then hand him over to the police for an arrest. The nemeses both try to cause havoc but they go about it in different ways. My point is the nemeses, plots, and heroes both have the same theme but they approach them in different ways.