Hamlet vs Beowulf Essay

Both Hamlet and Beowulf are two great classic literary works written. Hamlet, the “Melancholy Prince”, struggles to act out his intentions immediately while Beowulf, the hero of the Danes, acts as soon as opportunities are offered to him. Shakespeare writes the story using many soliloquies for Hamlet to express his inner feelings to the audience. In Beowulf, however, we aren’t able to get a closer insight in Beowulf’s thoughts.
When Hamlet encountered the ghost and discovered that his uncle, Claudius, has killed his father, Hamlet doesn’t seek to kill him. Instead, he even questions whether or not the ghost was telling the truth. Hamlet devises a plan to confirm Claudius’ crime. Not only until the end, does Hamlet realize his postponement and fulfills his goal by risking his life. Beowulf, on the other hand, asked for a dangerous challenge, “By one; death was my errand and the fate They had earned. Now Grendel and I are called Together, and I’ve come. Grant me , then, …A single request!” Beowulf comes to Denmark and kills both Grendel and his mother without hesitating the consequences.
Hamlet’s soliloquies gives the audience more information about Hamlet and his connections with other characters. “To be, or not to be--that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them.” The readers are able to dig deeper into the thoughts of Hamlet and anticipate what will happen next according to his speeches. Beowulf, however, doesn’t contemplate on what he should do…he just does them. “My heart is firm, My hands calm: I need no hot Words. Wait for me close by, my friends, We shall see, soon, who will survive This bloody battle.”
Hamlet and Beowulf are two distinct characters who differ by their use of language. Hamlet is a man of words while Beowulf is man of actions. Hamlets struggles to kill Claudius instantly due to his lack of confidence. Beowulf bravely encounters Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon and kills all of them. Both Hamlet and Beowulf have tragic endings with Hamlet dying due to his delayed action and Beowulf with his high hubris.