Hamlet And Beowulf on Language

            Hamlet and Beowulf are very different characters when it comes to their use and style of language. This gap is blatantly evident through their interactions with other characters, their reaction time after setting a goal, and also the degree to which they tend to be introspective.

            Hamlet’s interactions are those of the stereotypical clever or intellectual prince. He does not simply say what he means in a straight forward manner, but instead leads his audience through loops and metaphors before the main idea can be inferred. For example, in Act 1 Scene 2, Hamlet is sad, and this is how he expresses his sadness, “O that this too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into dew, or that the Everlasting had not fixed his cannon ‘gainst (self-slaughter!) O God, God, how (weary) stale, flat,, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!” In contrast, when Beowulf is asked his purpose by a Danish patroller, he answers, “We have come seeking your prince, Healfdane’s son, protector of this people, only in friendship: instruct us Watchmen, help us with your words!”

            Both characters also differ in their reaction times. Hamlet tends to be more drawn out. After the ghost comes to Hamlet, he decides to take revenge on King Claudius; yet it takes him the entire play before going through with his plan. He tries multiple times to test the waters and procrastinates until he no longer can. In contrast, Beowulf acts fast. After being told about the murderous monster, Grendel, without hesitation he decides to go deafeat it. It was the same situation when he decides to fight Grendel’s mom, as well as try to fight the dragon.

            Final example of their differences is their level of being able to look into themselves and think critically before making decisions. Hamlet definitely takes the cake for that, considering his many monologues and soliloquies. The classic example from the text is “To be or not to be, that is the question.” In contrast, I do not remember any introspective soliloquies in Beowulf.

            Hamlet and Beowulf both use the tool of language to express themselves. This is evident through their communication with other character, their reaction style, as well as how introspective they are.