Compare and contrast Odysseus to Beowulf by first picking one chapter in the Odyssey where Odysseus has to face an opponent. Compare this chapter to Beowulf’s fight with either Grendel or his mother. Focus specifically on the following:
-How did their motivations for action set the stage for their fights? Remember, Beowulf journeyed to Heorot as a vassal of his king to gain honor and glory and to repay his father’s debts while Odysseus just wanted to get home to take his rightful place as king of Ithaca.
-Discuss what the monsters are like in both cases, how they are described, and what symbols are used for them. How do Odysseus and Beowulf conquer their monsters in their battles? Do they rely on physical strength or intelligence more? What does that say about them as characters, fighters, and leaders?
-Why specifically are both Beowulf and Odysseus epic heroes? Why do their fights support their status as epic heroes?
