Archetype Is a Prototype

Sandoval 1

Sandra Sandoval

Mr. Startford

Senior English, Period 1

August 26, 2011

An archetype is a prototype or model from which something is based. Beowulf, The Last Crusade, and Jaws fall down archetypes of epic heroes that have pride or self-confidence. The protagonists have their downfall and something that they cannot conquer. All, Beowulf, Indiana Jones, and the shaker Quint, are the three characters sat along the spectrum if heroism. Even though they have different reasons why they are archetypes heroes they have more similarities.

Beowulf like all epic heroes' possesses superior physical strength and supremely ethical standards. Being a strong brave hero who saves country people, they see him as a god or prince. Beowulf feels like he has the power to do anything. He saves a neighboring people from a monster, Grendel. Beowulf, no matter how strong and powerful he conveys himself cannot truly win the battle against all evil in the sense that no human can defeat mortal aging and death. He may be able to defeat monsters like Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon, which all represents evil and man's constant struggle against evil, but Beowulf will eventually die. The melancholy mood of this life lesson reflects this sense of the brevity of human life. Beowulf, upon hearing of the chaos that Grendel causes to the Danes says, "...my people supported my resolve to come here ...because all know of my awesome strength". His conquest of Grendel and his mother validates his reputation for indomitability, "A protector of his people, pledged to uphold truth and justice... this man was born to distinction". Having abolished all of evil monsters from Denmark and proving himself a hero, Beowulf returns to Geatland bringing with him the story of his incredible feats. Before he leaves, the ruler of Denmark, King Hrothgar dispenses to Beowulf.

Sandoval 2

Basically, Hrothgar warns Beowulf that pride can be the cause of a fall. Most importantly, that even though Beowulf is now young and strong, he will eventually grows old and meets death. Here we see the image of the old king warning the young warrior of the downfalls of heroes.

Years later as the wise and powerful King of Geatland, Beowulf, proves to be a strong and well-liked King. At 70 years of age, King Beowulf undertakes the rash fight of slaying a dragon when his country is savagely attacked. His known qualities of strength and pride are what make him a good king; however, those same qualities also lead to his downfall. He rashly accepts the challenge of slaying the dragon, even though he has aged and no longer beholds the strength that he once held in his younger years. Self-confidence is good