Essay Database

Beowulf and the Odyssey: two popular old pieces of literature that are very closely related in some of their themes. In the following paragraphs I am going to attempt to explore each of the books themes, and then show where and how they link together. Structurally, Beowulf is divided into three main parts, each one centering around Beowulf’s confrontation with a certain monster: first Grendel, then Grendel’s mother, then, fifty years later, the …

…moral code is present that determines the outcome of encounters between people in Odysseus’ society. In the example of the Cyclops, Polyphemus didn’t follow the moral code of hospitality and so he lost an eye (meaning the outcome was bad). Another part of the moral code is pride and honor, which more closely relates to Beowulf. Odysseus achieves his honor by fighting off monsters and suitors, and reclaiming his throne as king of Ithica.