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What is the universal truth in Beowulf?

A) Beowulf is a model for how people should act, specifically kings.
B) The importance of family lineage and heritage.
C) The futility of heroism in the face of inevitable defeat.
D) The dangers of excessive pride and ambition.

User Ghaschel
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The universal truth in Beowulf relates to courage, leadership, the significance of heritage, and the permanence of death over human glory.

Step-by-step explanation:

The universal truth in Beowulf can be seen as a reflection on the human condition, especially in the context of mortality and the pursuit of glory. The epic explores themes such as the importance of courage and wisdom, the pursuit of honor, and the inevitable reality of death.

The poem reveals that heroic deeds, while celebrated, are ultimately ephemeral in the face of death - emphasizing the concept of wyrd or fate.

Leadership qualities and the responsibility of kings are also central themes, as Beowulf himself is portrayed as a model for how leaders should act. Furthermore, the text delves into the significance of family lineage and heritage, implying that one's actions are a continuation of their ancestors' legacies.

Given these reflections, one could argue that the true universal truth within the poem concerns the tension between seeking personal glory and acting for the greater good, acknowledging human limitations, and the acceptance of life's impermanent nature.

User Gunilla
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