In Chapter 26, Hrothgar gives Beowulf some advice,
"At the end it comes to pass that the mortal body sinks into ruin, falls doomed; another comes to power who bestows treasures gladly, old wealth of the earl; he takes joy in it. Keep thyself from such passions, dear Beowulf, best of warriors, and choose for thyself that better part, lasting profit."
What is this "lasting profit" that Hrothgar is talking about? Do you think that Beowulf will choose it over treasures?
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I think he is talking about how they believed in the idea that fame lead to immortality. They believed that you could live immortally through your repuatation or your fame. Beowulf would pick immortality over riches. It seems like Beowulf likes the attention and the idea that he is "the best" and the greatest warrior ever. The title is greater than any reward or riches he could ever recive.
I think that he's talking about Beowulf's legacy. Since everybody would be talking about how Beowulf killed the beasts, his story would live on forever and make his name immortal. This was better than riches, because while riches last only for a lifetime, a legacy lasts forever.
This lasting profit that Hrothgar was talking about could refer to the Anglo-Saxon belief that if one was famous enough, the legend of that person would live on forever, thus giving that person an imortal image. Hrothgar is refering to tangible treasures such as gold that are inferior compared to fame. When you die, you will not be in possession of your prized possessions anymore, but if you have fame, your name will live on forever.
Yes, I believe that Beowulf did choose fame over fortune. When he recieved many gifts from Hrothgar for killing Grendel and Grendel's mother, Beowulf did not keep them and instead gifted them to King Hygelac. Beowulf lived to be the strongest warrior alive in history, and today as it is one of the most studied literature in American and possible other school systems, he achieved his goal of immortal fame.
The lasting profit he's talking about is most likely the rewards that Beowulf will recieve for accomplishing heroic deeds without pride and fame in mind. Deeds done simply for the good of doing them will be rewarded in both physical and spiritual means through treasure and legacy. I think Beowulf will probably go on the right path and most likely die in a noble fashion by risking his life for his people, or something like that.
I think the "lasting profit" is considered fame. Since that is what Beowulf wanted from the being, living forever by fame. Beowulf would have no hesitation of giving up the treasures he has revived in his lifetime.
I believe the lasting profit to which Hrothgar is referring to what will be left of Beowulf when he dies, his fame and legacy. His motives for his past actions are questionable to say the least, but it seems evident that Beowulf never had the clear set mind when going to fight. In addition I believe the lasting profit refers to Beowulf developing his character. Defeating such monsters is all well and good; yet such actions can turn people into power hungry people, always looking for the fight. The lasting profit may have nothing to do with fighting, yet simply discovering who he is and being a better person.
Hrothgar is advising Beowulf to take eternal glory over riches. Beowulf has already proven to all that he is a fierce warrior, now Hrothgar wants Beowulf's heroic name to live on forever. Lasting profit is different from actual profit in that lasting profit lasts forever, while actual profit, such as gold and riches, only lasts a lifetime, or until one dies. Beowulf's lasting profit would be the glory that is bestowed upon him even after his death. I believe that Beowulf will choose eternal glory over wealth and material possessions.
Hrothgar's "lasting profit" would want Beowulf to ignore the treasures that he received for his great deeds. The feeling of success or even glory should be his gift. Beowulf shouldn't be thinking of what he is going to receive after, he should do these acts or deeds because he wants to, not because of the gifts that they entail.
Beowulf will choose this profit over treasures. Beowulf is selfless and we know this because he fought Grendel and his mother for his people. He is the type of person who will do whats right for the good of his people, and in this case glory rules over treasures.
The "lasting profit" Hrothgar is talking about is Beowulf's fame after he dies. Hrothgar is explaining to Beowulf that in the end he will die but his story will live forever. He says that this is more important than treasures that will only last so long.
Yes I think Beowulf will choose this lasting profit over treasures because he likes being a hero and knowing that everyone will remember him.
Hrothgar could easily be refering to the idea of immortality through fame. Beowulf would probably choose immorality because that way, everyone will know your story. By choosing the "lasting profit" everyone will forever know how Beowulf defeated Grendel and his mother. If Beowulf chose treasures and wealth, that would only be something he could enjoy, but the "lasting profit" lasts forever.
I think that the "lasting profit" Hrothgar is refering to is the leagacy that Beowulf is going to leave behind after he is gone. His name will live on because of his brave actions. I think that Beowulf would chose having eternal glory rather than material possesions because he even says something about how the tresure is good but he just wants to be remembered.
I think that the profit is talking about how as a great warrior, he will endur great fame, humility, and respect amog the many who he has bestowed great fortune upon. I think that Beowulf will want the profit to come true instead of great fortune because Beowulf seems as though he is for the people rather than himself.
The "lasting profit" that Hrothgar is talking about is the fame and respect that awaits Beowulf. Hrothgar is saying that the fame and respect that will live on forever is better than any riches and treasures that could be obtained today. The lasting profit will last forever but the riches will only last while Beowulf is alive.
This "lasting profit" must refer to the legend of Beowulf, which his victories in fights would be known as in the future. Beowulf should choose it over treasures, but I do not believe he will. I believe he will act recklessly again, and choose the treasures that will ensure him happiness and glory now, as opposed to him being known as a legend, which could die or lose it's meaning in the future
In this passage Hrothgar is advising Beowulf to choose eternal rewards rather than indulging in material profits such as riches, possessions and treasure. Instead, he should be content to be a celebrated hero. This lasting profit of legacy and fame is greater than material possessions. By being a hero and doing good Beowulf will be remembered forever, which is the greatest achievement and honor of all.
It is evident that Beowulf chose greatness over riches and possessions because after toiling through two tremendous victories over unrivaled monsters, he still did not keep the generous rewards he received. He acted selflessly and without fear to become one of the strongest and most celebrated warriors and that legacy that he created was his lasting profit and reward.
I think that the "lasting profit" Hrothgar is talking about is the fame and recognition Beowulf recieves. The fame was known to the Anglo-Saxons as something that lasted forever; hence "lasting profit." I also believe that he will choose it over having treasures. Being known for all of time is much more benefical and rewarding than any materical possession he could recieve.
I think that Hrothgar is talking about Beowulf's legacy. I do not think Beowulf would choose riches over his legacy. Beowulf wants to be known as a great warrior, he does not seem to care about the riches.
The lasting profit that Hrothgar is talking about is immortality. Hrothgar is suggesting that Beowulf should take the eternal reward instead of just immediate fortune because treasure and wealth will run out sooner than he expects. I think Beowulf chose the “lasting profit” rather than instant wealth because if he did not, I would not be writing about this story right now.
The Anglo-Saxons believed that a hero could become immortal because their story will live on forever. The “lasting prophet” Hrothgar refers to is his Beowulf’s story. I think he would pick his legacy over his treasures because that’s what the Anglo-Saxons believed in.
The "lasting profit" that Hrothgar is speaking of is the fufillment one gets from being a leader of the people. Hrothgar wants him to fill himself with pride, happiness and peace rather than riches or treasures because these things do not last for a very long time, but intangible things can last a lifetime. Seeing that Beowulf is overly confident and smug, it is likely that he will be consumed in the excitement of riches and not seek for intangible rewards.
I think he's talking about the fame that Beowulf will get. That the treasures are all well and fine, but they won't matter after he has died. When you die all your worldly possessions go to someone else, and you are forgotten. However if Beowulf's story gets passed down, then he will live on long after he has died.
I think that the "lasting profit" that Hrothgar is talking about is the legacy of Beowulf. He wants to be remembered forever, making him an immortal character. I thinkt hat he will choose this over treasures because being immortal is more important than having riches.
The long-lasting profit that Hrothgar is talking about is the fact that Beowulf would have a legacy would go on well after his death. This would often be something someone would want to know that people would admire what he has done. I think though Beowulf will choose to keep the treasures that he has received in recognition of his accomplishments because he seems to think short term rather than long term. this is show when he fights Grendel's mother, not thinking that it is possible for her to be stronger he doesn't think about back up he thinks of the initial fight which ends up putting him in a predicament that could have become fatal.
I think the Hrogthar is refering to either having treasures or having fame for defeating the two monsters. Beowulf would choose the fame because it would make him immortal and a hero down in history, rather than recieving riches from him.
I think that the 'lasting profit' is Beowulf's fame. I think that beowulf would have probably chosen his fame over the riches he had recieved. The man clearly loves attention and to recieve attention for all of time would be ideal for Beowulf.
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