Along with Christian beliefs, Beowulf and The Grapes of Wrath seem to incorporate Christ figures or representations of God. First, in Beowulf, Robert Stevick has a different viewpoint with Beowulf following along with Christianity. In his article, “Christian Elements and the Genesis of ‘Beowulf,’” Stevick said “Beowulf does have some Christian virtues and fights against monsters that could double as Christian symbols of evil, but he hardly seems to be a Christ-figure, a pre-Christian thane of God, or a serious candidate for a medieval fighting saint.” However, the question appears on how can someone have Christian virtues but not be referred to as a Christ-figure (Stevick 87). Beowulf showcased a change in attitude throughout his battles in
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Another similarity of Jim Casy and Jesus is that they are ready to go out and preach their beliefs through people with their faithful followers behind them (Fan 4). Jim Casy and Jesus Christ are very similar because they both sacrifice themselves for other’s suffering. For example, in order for a Christian to get baptized, they first have to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In John 3:16, it states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” In The Grapes of Wrath, another main character is shown as a Christ-like figure which is Tom Joad. Lorelei Cederstorm explains, “He was badly abused by the patriarchy both before the novel opens and later in the work camps and rejects the hierarchies of patriarchal society as well as the violence toward the weak that sustains those …show more content…
In “Beowulf and Christian Allegory: an Interpretation of Unferth,” Morton W. Bloomfield said, “It belongs to the Christian tradition, not only in mood and ideals, and in occasional Biblical references, but, at least partially and tentatively, in literary technique” (Bloomfield 415). Despite the pagan story, Beowulf contains Christian elements because of the texture embedded in the epic that gives off the Christianity of the poem. Allegory was introduced as part of Christian culture in England that was shown in Schücking’s mensura with his point of view, his references to Biblical story, and his ethical standards (Bloomfield 414). “This passage ensures the audience recognizes that Grendel’s mother, like her son, has a biblical pedigree and is another participant in the “great feud” between God and the monstrous races. Here Cain is presented, as expected, as the slayer of his only brother and an exile cursed by God. This passage also adheres to traditions that figured Cain as the progenitor of the world’s monsters,” is expressed by Leonard Neidorf. Neidorf believes that the names Cain and Caim can be used in place of the other because a passage from Genesis explains the birth of Cain, Cain’s offering to God, his slaying of Abel, and finally, his exile from Eden (Neidorf 609). Another journal author, Kent Gould, continues the thought of Beowulf
Another similarity of Jim Casy and Jesus is that they are ready to go out and preach their beliefs through people with their faithful followers behind them (Fan 4). Jim Casy and Jesus Christ are very similar because they both sacrifice themselves for other’s suffering. For example, in order for a Christian to get baptized, they first have to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In John 3:16, it states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” In The Grapes of Wrath, another main character is shown as a Christ-like figure which is Tom Joad. Lorelei Cederstorm explains, “He was badly abused by the patriarchy both before the novel opens and later in the work camps and rejects the hierarchies of patriarchal society as well as the violence toward the weak that sustains those …show more content…
In “Beowulf and Christian Allegory: an Interpretation of Unferth,” Morton W. Bloomfield said, “It belongs to the Christian tradition, not only in mood and ideals, and in occasional Biblical references, but, at least partially and tentatively, in literary technique” (Bloomfield 415). Despite the pagan story, Beowulf contains Christian elements because of the texture embedded in the epic that gives off the Christianity of the poem. Allegory was introduced as part of Christian culture in England that was shown in Schücking’s mensura with his point of view, his references to Biblical story, and his ethical standards (Bloomfield 414). “This passage ensures the audience recognizes that Grendel’s mother, like her son, has a biblical pedigree and is another participant in the “great feud” between God and the monstrous races. Here Cain is presented, as expected, as the slayer of his only brother and an exile cursed by God. This passage also adheres to traditions that figured Cain as the progenitor of the world’s monsters,” is expressed by Leonard Neidorf. Neidorf believes that the names Cain and Caim can be used in place of the other because a passage from Genesis explains the birth of Cain, Cain’s offering to God, his slaying of Abel, and finally, his exile from Eden (Neidorf 609). Another journal author, Kent Gould, continues the thought of Beowulf