Character Analysis Mind Map With Mindomo Of Beowulf

Character Analysis Mind Map With Mindomo Of Beowulf And The Epic Of Gi

Create a visual map comparing two (2) of the characters from different pieces of literature read during the course. The purpose of this character analysis is to 1) encourage the reading, interpretation, and critical analysis of major works of world literature, and 2) demonstrate a proficiency in reading and analyzing literature. The intent of a character analysis is to have you look beyond the obvious information provided by the author and make observations of a character’s behavior, motivation and role in the story. Mind mapping is a simple technique for drawing information in diagrams, instead of writing it in sentences.

You will be creating this visual depiction of these characters using Mindomo which is an online mind mapping tool used to create, view and share mind maps in your Internet browser. If you have not done so by now, you need to create a free online account at.

Task in Detail: You will select two (2) different characters from two different pieces of literature that you have read this term. You will be creating a mind map that is a side-by-side comparison of the characters. There are a few required elements in your mind map:

1. Name and image of each character with a note that includes information the author provides regarding the character’s physical appearance and a couple of sentences about who they are in the story in your own words.

2. Traits: A list of 3-5 personality traits, such as bitter, angry, selfish, kindhearted, weak, stubborn or heroic, for each character with a note that includes a quote that demonstrates that trait from the work.

3. Heroism: Indicate whether each character is a protagonist or antagonist and add a note with an explanation as to why you think so.

4. Change: Indicate whether each character is static or dynamic and add a note with at least two references from the work that demonstrate how they either changed or remained the same throughout the story.

5. Conflict: Indicate whether the conflict surrounding each character is an internal struggle or driven by external forces.

When you have completed the mind map, publish it to the web so that you can copy the URL and paste it here on your wiki page.

Note: The readings are attached. They are the Epic of Gilgamesh and Beowulf.

Paper For Above instruction

The characters of Gilgamesh from the Epic of Gilgamesh and Beowulf from the poem "Beowulf" exemplify contrasting yet interconnected themes of heroism, change, and internal versus external conflict within their respective cultural contexts. Through a detailed comparison via a mind map, we can explore these characters' physical appearances, traits, roles in their stories, and their developmental arcs, offering insight into how ancient societies articulated ideals of heroism and human complexity.

Gilgamesh: The Legendary King and Hero of Mesopotamia

Gilgamesh, the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh, is depicted as a powerful and imposing figure, described as a towering king with a regal demeanor. According to the epic, “Gilgamesh, who was two-thirds divine and one-third human,” his physical strength and divine heritage set him apart, positioning him as a demigod with a commanding presence (George, 2003). In the story, Gilgamesh begins as a tyrannical ruler, oppressing his people, which prompts the gods to create Enkidu to challenge him.

Personality traits of Gilgamesh include arrogance, ambition, compassion, vulnerability, and wisdom in his later stages. A quote illustrating his arrogance is, “Gilgamesh is king, strong and proud, exceeding all other men,” which reflects his initial domineering attitude (Kovacs, 1989). His capacity for compassion is evident when he mourns the death of Enkidu, displaying a shift from hubris to empathy and understanding of mortality.

Gilgamesh's heroism is that of a protagonist: he embodies the archetype of the hero quest, seeking immortality to overcome human mortality. His journey from a selfish ruler to a wise king highlights his evolution, indicating a dynamic character who changes significantly. His internal struggle with fear of death and external conflicts with divine forces and monsters exemplify his complex character arc.

The primary conflict surrounding Gilgamesh is external—his confrontation with Humbaba and the giant Bull of Heaven—yet internal conflicts about mortality and the meaning of life play a crucial role. Over the course of his story, these internal struggles lead to personal growth and acceptance of human limitations.

Beowulf: The Epic Warrior of Anglo-Saxon Legend

Beowulf, the hero of the Old English epic "Beowulf," is described as a physically impressive and noble warrior, with characteristics of strength, courage, loyalty, and humility. The text notes, “Beowulf was a noble prince, famed for his strength and bravery,” emphasizing his stature and moral fiber (Baker, 2010). His role in the story is as a protagonist who fights monstrous foes, including Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon.

Personality traits that define Beowulf are heroism, loyalty, humility, determination, and bravery. An example quote demonstrating heroism is, “I shall fight him with my hands and alone, if death be my destiny,” illustrating his fearless nature (Heaney, 1999). Beowulf's unwavering commitment to protecting his people and his humility in refusing to boast excessively showcase his noble character.

Beowulf is a static character—his fundamental traits of bravery and loyalty remain consistent throughout the story. His heroism is that of a protagonist who embodies the ideal qualities of an Anglo-Saxon hero. His internal conflict centers around a sense of duty and mortality, especially evident in his final battle with the dragon, where he accepts his inevitable death to save his people.

The external conflicts faced by Beowulf are formidable enemies that threaten his society. His internal conflict involves confronting his own mortality and legacy, which culminates in his death but ensures his heroic reputation endures.

Comparison and Analysis

Both Gilgamesh and Beowulf serve as cultural icons representing their societies’ ideals of heroism and human virtue. Gilgamesh’s evolution from arrogance to wisdom showcases a dynamic transformation fueled by internal struggles and external challenges. Conversely, Beowulf remains steadfast in his heroism, emphasizing the values of loyalty, strength, and humility in the face of danger.

Their conflicts reveal differing cultural attitudes: Gilgamesh’s internal quest for immortality reflects Mesopotamian concerns with mortality and divine acknowledgment, while Beowulf’s external battles highlight the Anglo-Saxon emphasis on bravery and societal duty. These characters’ stories exemplify how literature reflects the values and fears of ancient civilizations, offering timeless insights into human nature and heroism.

References

• Baker, P. (2010). Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem. Wadsworth Publishing.
• George, A. (2003). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Signet Classics.
• Heaney, S. (1999). Beowulf: A New Translation. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Kovacs, P. (1989). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Stanford University Press.