Free Essays: Comparison of Beowulf and The Seafarer :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of Beowulf and The Seafarer Beowulf and The Seafarer In a comparison between Beowulf and The Seafarer one finds two contrasting beliefs in tidy sum and the ocean from the storys main characters. Beowulf is resigned to fate and is downcast before the force of the sea, while The Seafarer is fearful of the originators of fate and the sea and is unwilling to accept them. Though the actions and thoughts of Beowulf give him a god-like appearance in the story he believes that deity and fate work together. He boasts of his encounters with mephistophelean sea creatures saying, I treated them politely,/ Offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword. This concentrated statement reveals Beowulfs divine and invulnerable self-confidence. To Beowulf, Fate saves/ The living when they fill away death by themselves. Beowulf is compelled to observe fate nevertheless does not feel it should completely rule him. He allows fate to direct his life, but not govern his actions. A display o f Beowulfs belief in fate is evident when he says, Fate will unwind as it moldiness. Meaning, there is a master plan to the world with which he must live. When Unferth taunts him, Beowulf replies by questioning Unferths valet de chambrehood and makes a fool of him in front of everyone. Boasting, Neither he nor you can match me. Though he tests fate, he has a more fearful respect for the sea. He knows its role from his race with Brecca. The seas were dark and harsh, but he remained humble and ventured through the somber waters because of this respect. As a contrast to Beowulfs beliefs, the Seafarer feels that fate destroys all and takes everything away. Fate is an all mighty power to him and no man can control it, no matter what he does. Fate is stronger/ And God mightier than any mans mind. This shows the Seafarers fearful surrender to these unearthly powers. wonder what fate has willed and will do. Yet with all this fear and sorrow he does not accept it, but rather wills it awa y. He is afraid of its power and ability to be stronger than any man. Though he fears fate he is ambivalent toward the sea. This indecisiveness is so overpowering it has taken over his life. darn ashore, safe and secure visiting his favorite mead hall, he longs for the embrace of the sea.