Themes in Beowulf

According to Webster’s dictionary a theme is a topic or idea. When applied to literature themes are helpful in the reader’s understanding of the characters’ world and beliefs. In Beowulf there are many themes that help the reader relate to the characters. The themes of loyalty, envy, revenge, and reputation reflect the values and beliefs of the characters in Beowulf and help to explain the motivations of the various characters. One of the …

…the killer of her son. Though she loses the battle her fight is not in vain for the fury of angry mother is what motivates her to attack the Danes. The themes in the epic, Beowulf, are helpful in giving insight to the lives of the characters. Themes allow the reader to understand the innermost thoughts of the characters by explaining the motivations of the characters and the world in which they live. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**