In the story of Beowulf, Beowulf being the main character, is a man who matures as a warrior and obtains many characteristics similar to ones our modern day hero's of carry today. Beowulf exemplifies the heroic culture portrayed in the story as he fights off horrid creatures. In today's culture our hero's display very similar acts. In my opinion, Superman and Beowulf are more alike than different.
Superman is from a whole different galaxy on a planet named Krypton. His father Jor-El, discovered a nuclear reaction on the planet, he then decided to put his son in a vessel to ship him off to earth before Krypton exploded and death took place. He was found on a farm in Small ville Kansas by the Kent family. He was then named Clark Kent. Clark has superhuman abilities he had no clue how to control. He didn't have any idea on why he was "different", Beowulf is similar in this case. He had an unknown strength and that was being a hero. A common symbol used in both stories would be "heritage provides models for behavior to help to establish identity". In other words, each character has ancestors. And those ancestors played a big role on who they each became as hero's. For example, Beowulf looks up to King Hrothgar who is a father figure in Beowulf's life. In superman, Clark is trying to find out where he came from in order to be accepted in society, for he knows he was destined for something beyond great.
Foreshadowing was also a literary device used in each story. In Superman, Kal-El, who is Superman's fathers brother, returns in revenge for Superman's father sending him to hyperspace. The foreshadowing here would be when Kal-El communicated with Clark after years of being locked up in space. He threatens to destroy earth if Clark does not surrender to him. It alludes to there being a war/fight later to defend earth. Clark accept the human race as his people. In Beowulf, Grendel represents the demon Crine in the bible representing and alluding to the Bible. Though Beowulf went through life and death situations with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the fire breathing dragon.
Foiling was also used in each story. Beowulf looked up to King Hrothgar who was his father figure due to his actual fathers death. In the end, he ends up a long reigning ruler like his father before him. Clark on the other hand was looking to be a hero like his father had been on planet Krypton. As soon as Clark found out where he was really from, he realized what greatness he was destined for. His father played a big role in Clark's heroic actions to save his people.
A hero in both of these stories were based on how ancestors ruled or lived. In each, a hero was based off of strength, courage, and loyalty. Generosity and political skill were just as important. Therefore each was similar in many ways.
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