Part 1 of Essay
Beowulf takes an especially interesting look at old age and its ramifications for kingship and heroism. The poem's two main characters, Beowulf and Hrothgar, have long been a study of contrast for scholars of the work, and of course it is Beowulf who emerges favorably from the comparison. Especially interesting is the com ....

Part 2 of Essay
.... a possible interpretation of his character and touching on its significance to the values of the poem. I will make some observations and then try to draw some conclusions, as best as one can for a complex work such as Beowulf. Hrothgar's associations with women are not the only evidence that would support a "feminization" of his aged character. Hrothgar's laments for his own helpless state makes him even more helpless: rather than responding in action like Beowulf does, he gives in to despair. And if Tac ....