The Anglo-Saxon version of Beowulf and Dante’s Inferno are both considered epic poems. Both pieces of literature were written in very different time periods that reflected the culture of their time, causing contrasts in their themes and the author’s purpose. Dante wrote Inferno in the fourteenth century as a response to political events happening in Florence. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem reflecting the medieval warring culture of Western Europe during Medieval times. The protagonists experience a journey in both stories. These two poems and these two journeys are very different from one another. Beowulf’s journey can be described as a challenging physical experience because he must travel from one country to another in order to help someone else.
Beowulf chooses to go to Hrothgar’s land for a very specific purpose—to expand on his personal glory and legacy. Within these two literary pieces, the heroes in these two works of literature share their love of God, but they don’t have much more in common with one another. Beowulf is a character who doesn’t change, and Dante’s character changes throughout his journey into Hell as he’s guided by the ancient Roman poet Virgil. Dante’s main purpose for this hero’s journey is his love for God, while all of Beowulf’s actions show his own personal needs and wants to be a glorified warrior. Another difference in the two stories is in the development of the main characters. Beowulf does not experience many character changes, but readers do see more sides to his character later in the story. He is a static type of character in the whole story. Beowulf remains a brave and headstrong warrior who always charges into a battle. Entering into a fight was very much for his own glory and the good of the people just as he says before he goes to fight the dragon. The motivations that pull him into each battle are the same. He is the same hero in his final battle as he was when he first arrived to save the Danes in Hrothgar’s land.
Beowulf is written as a hero created to be perfect in cultural ways important during Medieval times. Beowulf is shown to be a strong, brave, and proud hero. All of those were the important qualities desired in a warrior during Medieval times. Beowulf is a one-sided, but perfect hero, who is very different from Dante’s hero, who represented every common man. Beowulf is a static character type, and a perfect hero. His actions appear selfish and self-serving in his desire for glory. Beowulf, the great warrior, feels commitments and connections to his homeland and King Hrothgar, however his actions are purely selfish and are for his own benefit, not for his homeland or the king. This may be attributed to the cultural beliefs held in high regard during the Medieval times that Beowulf intends to portray. During these times, the culture practices believed it was priority to leave behind a glorious legacy of one’s self. Beowulf’s actions surround that purpose. His choices always strive to establish his greatness whether he is acting as a fair king, a man of God or a brave and skilled warrior. His need to show off is obvious when he chooses to fight Grendel without any weapons. He boasts, “So it won’t be a cutting edge I’ll wield to mow him down, easily as I might. He has no idea of the arts of war, of shield or sword-play, although he does possess a wild strength. No weapons, therefore, for either this night: unarmed he shall face me if face me he dares.”
As he tries to create his life legacy, he states, “I marched ahead of him, always there at the front of the line; and I shall fight like that for as long as I live.” Beowulf always fights in the most dangerous way he can because he believes that is how he can continue to gain God’s approval. He dies an old man unchanged in his beliefs and selfish desire to be remembered as the best warrior. This character flaw represents not only a static character technique in literature writing, but also a cultural trait held in high regard during medieval Europe. The main character in Dante’s Inferno goes on a journey to be with God, however Beowulf already sees himself as being in good standing with God and his approval. During his journey through hell, Dante changes and becomes a more tough and less sympathetic character as he argues and fights against the souls found in hell. Dante criticizes and threatens another by saying, “Either you name yourself, or no more of your hair will be left.” Dante demonstrates a lot of empathy in the beginning of his journey, but he becomes more hypocritical as he travels further through hell. His pity for the lost souls becomes lost when he condemns the sinners.
These actions make him part of the same sins he is condemning others for. These actions also show he is human and is not better than anyone else. He is a man who capable of sins just like everyone else. He becomes more frustrated as he travels through Hell, and he takes his anger out on the lost souls. The sinners have already been deemed sinners, and Dante pushes through to get to God. This demonstrates a difference between those who are paying for their sins in Hell and Dante, who is coming from a place of love for God. In conclusion, Beowulf represents a one-dimensional character, who symbolizes the idea held during Medieval times of someone who possesses the qualities needed in a great warrior. His flaws are shown through his actions in trying to gain glory by all others as a great warrior. This flaw is not a weakness in him, but is more a reflection of the Medieval culture that influenced the poet and his writing.
Dante created a more realistic character who symbolized norma men and their internal feelings and human struggles. He feels a lot of pity for the less fortunate people and he sympathizes for those considered to be sinners. He often cries about the difficulties they face in life, but he also is a hypocrite in some of the ways he treats those same sinners. Beowulf is a brave and strong hero who possesses a lot of selfish pride. Dante’s character is also brave, but is more sensitive and shows deep feelings for people he sees around him who are suffering in the inferno. Both Dante and the poet of Beowulf wrote lead characters that have strong positive emotions and character traits, as well as dark and selfish traits.
Theme In Power And Revenge In “Beowulf” “Maleficent”
In the epic poem of “Beowulf”, this is about a perfect hero who kills a monster by the name of Grendel, and in the movie Maleficent, this is about an innocent fairy girl, who experiences a betrayal that changes her life very much. Throughout both of these stories, they share themes such as power, revenge, and celebration. I will display throughout this paper these themes, and hopefully, you can understand why I believe this after reading this paper.
Power in Masculinity
When considering the similarities amongst “Beowulf” and Maleficent, it isn’t as straightforward as it may appear to be at first, although they are alike when demonstrating power in masculinity. In Beowulf’s situation it’s significant for him to constantly demonstrate his power and strength, whether or not there is a courageous act taking place, he likes to brag about past matches, and engage in swimming matches during his free time, for example when mentioning to his friend Unferth “ Well, Friend Unferth, you had your say about Breca and me. But it was mostly beer that was doing the talking. The truth is this: when the going was heavy in those waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all” (Beowulf 530-534) which displays Beowulf’s confidence and power in masculinity.
On the other hand in Maleficent case, when she was a young girl she meets a poor boy by the name of Stefan, and the two become good friends. He eventually betrays for the desire of power, he gives her a beverage that places her into a profound rest where he then steals her beautiful wings, is his selfish way to show power in masculinity.
Revenge
Another common theme throughout both of these stories that is strongly present is revenge. After having a victorious kill over the monster Grendel, all the people of Danes begin to praise and honor Beowulf with all kinds of wealth. Although little does he know that at this time Grendel’s mother, who is furious and grieving of her son’s death, is planning an attack “But now his mother had sailed forth on a savage journey, grief-racked and ravenous, desperate for revenge. She came to Heorot. There, inside the hall, Danes lay asleep, earls who would soon endure a great reversal, once Grendel’s mother attacked and entered” (Beowulf 1276-1278). This explains the mother’s journey for revenge of her son’s death. Similarly in Maleficent, after finding out about the selfish act that Stefan has done to become king, evil overcomes her and on the day when the king’s daughter is born Maleficent visits the kingdom uninvited. Maleficent way of revenge is by setting a curse on the baby so (that on her 16th birthday) she will stick herself with a needle which sets her into a deep sleep, essentially killing her. The only way for her to awaken is if she receives true loves kiss.
Celebration
Finally, both of these stories share is celebration. In Beowulf, there’s yet another celebration for having successfully defeated both Grendel and his mother “Never shall you fear for a single thane of your sept’ or nation, young warriors or old, that laying waste of life that you and your people endure of yore. (Beowulf 1673-1676) Beowulf explain here how he has done his part to restore the peace and move on, and celebrate this victory. In Maleficent, Princess Aurora, she is sent by her father, the king, to live far away so that there is no chance of her pricking her finger. As Aurora grows ups she actually meets Maleficent and they become extremely close, Aurora decides the day before her 16th birthday that she wants to move out to live with Maleficent in the moors. Upon arriving back home to tell her fairy mothers about moving out, she overhears them talking about who she really is. She runs away to the castle to meet her father but sadly the curse comes true when Aurora pricks her finger placing her into a deep sleep. Once Maleficent finds out about the terrible news she goes to visit Aurora but is captured by the guards. She then has to go to battle with the king himself and kills him. Finally, Maleficent is able to see Aurora laying on her deathbed. Heartbroken once again Maleficent gives Aurora a gentle kiss on her forehead. Unbelievably Aurora awakens, and Maleficent and the people celebrate in true happiness that the curse has been lifted, and that they now have a new ruler who is truly kind from the inside out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparisons between the Epic poem of “Beowulf” and the movie Maleficent, share themes of power in masculinity, revenge, and celebration. This may be a different perspective, to help the reader and others view the parallel’s they share in common.
Marriage Comparison Between Buddhism And Catholicism
Introduction
Religion can be defined as human beliefs towards a particular Supreme Being or deity. Religion guides people’s way of life and their interaction with other living things. Many people in the world owe their creation to gods, but there are a fraction of human beings in the world who do not believe in the existence of a Supreme Being or god. Other people believe that it the act of a man and women through procreation that keeps the world going (Bobbie, 5). Religion advocates for marriage as a way of continuing their deity’s creation; in Catholicism, this is termed as a holy sacrament. On the contrary, Buddhism considers marriage as a secular affair (Antonye, 22).
The History of Catholicism and Buddhism
Buddhism religion started in India more than 2500 years ago and currently has around 350 million followers across the world. This religion is based on the concept of joy and freedom; it was named after Buddha who was claimed to have achieved enlightenment. Buddhism religion teaching has made its followers believe that good deeds lead to reincarnation either heaven or inform of another human being. On the other hand, evil deeds according to Buddhism results in a person’s rebirth either in hell or as an animal (Bobbie, 24).
Catholicism as a religion, on the other hand, believes in the holy trinity that is; God the father, son and the Holy Spirit. Catholicism is the largest religion on earth with over one billion followers. The followers believe a person should lead a holy life without sin but if somebody sins the grace through God’s son (Jesus Christ) can redeem them through partaking of the holy sacrament. Catholicism means a follower’s cooperation with their God and obedience into his way through acceptance of grace (Ronald, 10).
Similarities and Differences Between Buddhism and Catholicism
Catholicism religion practices worship rituals to a supreme being concerning holy mass, a re-enactment of Holy Thursday to remember when Christ Jesus celebrated the last supper. Another ritual practised by Catholics is the observation of Good Friday in commemorating the death of Jesus Christ as a sign of their redemption from the bondage of sin. Buddhists also practice rituals to their gods such as visiting the Buddha, confession of sins, practicing dana, giving an offering, and going for refuge. Finally, marriage rituals are celebrated by the two religions (Ronald, 15).
Some of the differences between the two religious include Catholicism emphasizes practicing the above rituals to identify with the death and resurrection of their claimed saviour Jesus Christ. On the contrary, in Buddhism there is no perceived saviour; the rituals are practised to enable them to achieve enlightenment. Buddhism advocates for good deeds to achieve comfort and happiness. It is necessary to note that, the two religions practice these rituals in different ways temple and churches (Antonye, 7).
Both Buddhism and Catholicism have regard for the marriage rituals where Catholicism treats marriage as a sacrament. According to Catholicism, marriage should be ordained by God for procreation and comfort. In Catholicism, marriages are celebrated in church for the couple to receive blessings from God and the priest. On the other hand, Buddhism advocates for marriage though they treat it as a secular issue, not one that is spiritual. In Buddhism, marriage is carried out in the civil offices, though after the ceremony the couple is required to visit the temple to receive a blessing from monks (Antonye, 44).
Some of the differences between the two religions include, in Catholicism marriage is for the believers only, the nun (women) and priest (men) are not allowed to marry. Additionally, same-sex marriage and divorce are highly condemned by the Catholicism. On the contrary, Buddhism does not forbid the monks from getting married. It is essential to note that though Buddhism has discussed same-sex marriage in their Vinaya, it does not provide laws or clear guidelines that condemn this kind of marriage. Buddhism also is in support of divorce (Antonye, 50)
Buddhism and Catholicism religious believe that good and bad actions can determine a person’s fate regarding marriage. Buddhism emphasizes that a person’s behaviours such as adultery and unfaithfulness in marriage whether in the past or the present can determine their rebirth. A well-behaved person may go to heaven after death or come back inform of another human being, whereas an evil person may come back as an animal or go to hell after death. This concept of rebirth has made Buddhists strive to live in peace with their marriage partners (Antonye, 30)
Catholicism teaches about abstaining from adultery, unfaithfulness, and sin by always engaging in the acceptable behaviour. This religion also claims that good deeds may help a believer to become a saint or go to heaven after their death. On the contrary, if a person lived a sinful life such as adultery, after their death, they might go to hell after the judgment. The two religion concept of marriage, hell, and rebirth after death either by becoming a saint in Catholicism or reincarnation in Buddhism seems to be almost similar (Antonye, 24)
Religious Views Towards Women
The Buddhism religion in the ancient time disregarded women; actually, the birth of a girl was interpreted as a misfortune. The women were regarded as sudras; when they were young girls were provided care by their father, after marriage, the husbands were charged with that responsibility, in their old age, the women were taken care of by their son. Currently, this has changed as women and men and being treated as equals where they are all allowed to participate in the bhikkihuni sangha (spiritual, religious teaching (Antonye, 19).
In Catholicism, women are allowed to participate in the seminary and church preparation for the priest. Despite this, women are never ordained as a priest; this means they cannot be allowed to fulfil the duties of a priest Unlike in Catholicism, Buddhism has allowed women who can carry out all religious rituals fully (Antonye, 22).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to mention that, based on the research done on religion; there is no superior religion to the other. Marriage is highly regarded by the two religions though there are differences that exist between the two. Religions practise rituals in conformity to their deity’s law and also to create peace in the society. Finally, women in the two religions are regarded differently in Buddhism they have been given equal responsibility as men whereas in Catholicism have are only allowed to serve. The New York Times, June 22, 2007, reported that religion is just a people way of life (Antonye, 112).
Works Cited
- Clark, Anthony E. Catholicism and Buddhism: The Contrasting Lives and Teachings of Jesus and Buddha. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2018.
- Grimes, Ronald L., et al. Ritual, media, and conflict. Oxford University Press, 2011.
- Kalman, Bobbie. What is religion? New York: Crabtree Pub, 2009.
- Tentler, Leslie Woodcock. Catholics and contraception: An American history. Cornell University Press, 2004.