Characteristics in Emerson’s “Heroism”

What characteristics from Emerson’s “Heroism” are most necessary for defeating a monster like Grendel? The characteristics from Emerson’s “Heroism” are most necessary for defeating a monster like Grendel because each characteristic helps a hero have a warlike attitude towards a monster like Grendel. One reason this is true is because Grendel is jealous of the men in the mead hall’s happiness. In the text it states, “Then the mighty war-spirit endured for a season, Bore it bitterly, he who bided in darkness, that light-hearted laughter loud in the building greeted him daily; there was dulcet harp-music, clear song of the singer.” Which proves that he is jealous of the men. The characteristic from Emerson’s “Heroism” that can be used to defeat his jealousy is to be kind hearted. Another reason this is true is because Grendel is murderous.

In the text it states, “Asleep after supper; sorrow the heroes, Misery knew not. The monster of evil greedy and cruel tarried but little, fell and frantic, and forced from their slumbers thirty of thanemen; thence he departed leaping and laughing, his lair to return to, with surfeit of slaughter sallying homeward.” Which proves that he is murderous. The characteristic from Emerson’s “Heroism” that can be used to help the hero survive is to have courage and bravery in order to eliminate his fear that he may be murdered. Another reason this is true is because Grendel is filled with anger. In the text it states, “Stomping angrily into the Mead Hall.” Which proves that his is filled with anger. The characteristic from Emerson’s “Heroism” that can be used to defeat his anger is that the hero is calm and patient. This characteristic can be used to defeat his anger because he needs to be calm and patient so he will complete his task from his heart and not his head.