Share your reactions to the conclusion of the story: How do you feel about Beowulf's decision to face the dragon alone as an old man? Has his pride finally got the best of him? Or is something else going on here?
YuJin Yang
9/19/2014 10:56:53 pm
The conclusion of the story impressed me a lot. I always thought Beowulf was a prideful man who only cared about his reputation. However, in his last battle, he faces the mighty dragon alone as an old man. He fights with courage and he does not hesitate in attacking the dragon. Even when he is wounded, he gives orders to Wiglaf. Thus, Beowulf should be respected and remembered as a true hero.
Nick
9/20/2014 11:27:56 pm
I agree with Yujin, although Beowulf is wounded but he is still thinking about his people and their future. I believe he is not just a prideful man. Even though he keep boasting about how strong he is, i believe this is also a way of indirectly telling the people that they should never try to invade the Geats because victory is their fate.
Kim Steve
9/21/2014 01:14:34 am
I cannot agree more! In his last battle, he did not back down, and continued to fight as he always did in the past. Although age weakened him, he did not lose his acumen in leading his men, and fought fiercely.
Alex
9/20/2014 02:15:03 pm
Beowulf's decision to fight the dragon as an old man reminded me of George Washington, whose decisions became epitomes of the next presidents of United States.Just like Washington's decisions, Beowulf's brave decision will be an exemplary quality of the following kings of the Geats. So I think that it was not necessarily Beowulf's pride that pushed him to fight the dragon, but it might have been his responsibility as a king that led him to the battle.
Han Joo Kim
9/21/2014 01:32:05 am
Your argument is convincing and insightful! However, I hold a slightly different perspective towards Beowulf's decision to battle the dragon himself.
To me, as I was reading the text, Beowulf was more portrayed as an old fool who was blind for more honor. Beowulf had lived his early life battling monsters or doing the impossibles (like swimming for days and then again, battling sea monsters). During his early life, he was certainly strong, but definitely, luck had followed him. Now, at his last battle, he was fool to think that he was his old young body and stupidly believed that fate was still at his side.
Nick YANG
9/20/2014 11:21:25 pm
i wasn't surprised when Beowulf decide to fight the dragon alone. Although, he is old, people still believe that he is the strongest man on earth. As a hero of the Geats, he has his pride and confidence that he has the responsibility to kill the dragon and bring peace to his people. Eventually, Beowulf and his soldier killed the dragon, and Beowulf died. However, Beowulf had complete his job as a king, as a leader, he protected his people, and selected a appropriate leader for the Geats.
Ian Jang
9/21/2014 12:23:39 am
Beowulf, starting from the beginning of the story, was a brave man who showed self-confidence. Despite his old age, he did not hesitate to fight with the dragon. By establishing victory through a single combat, and possessing the character trait valued by the society, Beowulf was able to successfully establish his title as a hero.
Ken
9/21/2014 12:25:23 am
I think Beowulf is a real hero when he decides to fight the dragon alone. I think he is both motivated by justice and fame. He feels that he has the responsibility as a king and hero to fight the dragon alone. Having this last battle will also bring him fame, because he will be remembered after he dies.
Kim Steve
9/21/2014 01:07:50 am
I thought it was obvious for Beowulf to face the dragon alone. From the beginning of the epic, Beowulf was portrayed as a man of bravery and masculinity. To the end, when he face the dragon, he fought with pride, and refused to back down. He was a warrior until his last breath, and that makes him a true hero.
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Discussion Board
_Assignment: Students are expected to participate in the
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be posted by the teacher each week.Students are expected to post a minimum of one original response per
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questions they respond. Students are also expected to comment on at least one
other student’s response to the question.Although these are the minimum requirements for the homework grade,
students are encouraged to engage in further discussion with their classmates
using the forum. These additional responses are OPTIONAL. However, commenting will benefit your participation grade if you did not participate during our whole-class discussion on the day when you post your comment. You DO NOT have an opportunity to make up credit lost for lateness, lack or preparation or violation of classroom/school rules.
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