November Monthly Connection

In analyzing Beowulf, one can interpret the story and its title character in different ways. One way is that "the hero is the poem," which is what Peter Clemoes interprets. Kathryn Hume's view of the poem differs, saying that we as the reader do not get to learn enough about Beowulf as a person, his "private thoughts or personal hopes or misgivings" to connect the poem to its hero. I personally agree with the latter view. While we do as readers get to hear of Beowulf's heroic actions, we don't get to hear his thoughts on what he is doing. The reader is never directly addressed by Beowulf, but rather through characters in the poem. I think that one of the most important aspects of a hero is being able to see the hero as similar to yourself. A hero that most people are able to relate to is more meaningful and effective. The fact that we never get the ability to even get the chance to relate to Beowulf makes him less of a hero to me. In the article, they address the question about whether Beowulf is like the "everyman." The thing is, we never get to figure that out. For all we know, Beowulf could be a giant ogre-like creature. That makes it a bit harder for me to see him as a hero. However, some critics, like Tolkien, don't see Beowulf's "being" as being important to the theme of the poem. For me, it's critical. I like to read about people that I can relate to. The title of "hero" is more impressive to me when the hero is someone that I see as similar to myself. When they are able to accomplish these great feats, I feel like I am able to view them as more of a hero and respect that title more.