Question

What is the theme of “The Last Battle” in Beowulf?

(If you could provide an example from the story, use quotations, and page number, that would be most helpful)

Answer 1

The theme of 'The Last Battle' in Beowulf revolves around the discrepancy between appearances and reality, and the decline of the warrior culture. This is reflected in the Geats' external appearances not matching their willingness to fight, leading to a prediction of societal decline post-Beowulf's death.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of “The Last Battle” in Beowulf can be asserted as the conflict between appearances and reality, as well as the inevitable decline of the warrior culture. An example of this theme can be drawn from the thesis statement, “The difference between the Geats ferocious appearance and their later unwillingness to fight fearful monsters like the dragon suggests a devastating discrepancy between their appearance and their actions—a discrepancy that is responsible for the deterioration of the warrior culture in the epic.” This theme sheds light on how the external bravado of the warrior society does not match their actual valor, or lack thereof, when faced with the existential threat posed by the dragon. This discrepancy becomes especially poignant when Wiglaf observes the Geats' fate after Beowulf's death, indicating that without strong and valorous leadership, the society appears doomed.

Answer 2

The last battle, the death of the dragon and Beowulf, ends the epic hero cycle that started when Grendel began his attacking Heorot. To the end, Beowulf never faced a monster he couldn't kill, but the cost for the dragon's life is much too high.