Critical Essay on Beowulf

Critical Essay on Beowulf Critical Essay on Beowulf Beowulf is an epic poem in which the plot is intended to portray the unique heroism of German warriors. As the poem’s main personality, Beowulf displays exceptional boldness and extraordinary strength whenever confronted by fierce enemies. Additionally, he takes pride in his glorious actions that have earned him great fame throughout the poem. The reader can easily recognize in the epic the great heroic values of a society, such as the commitment to honor the responsibilities of a leader, whilst at the same time disregarding the safety of his warriors in an effort to defeat a dangerous foe. For instance, Beowulf allows Grendel to kill some of the warriors in an effort to surprise Grendel when he reaches for Beowulf. Beowulf also sets aside prudence when he pursues and fights with Grendel’s mother. Basing on the heroic nature of the poem, one would have expected Beowulf to put the safety of his men before anything else. On the contrary, Beowulf’s intent to def eat the monster supersedes his concern for lives of his men. Clearly, Beowulf focuses more on what is expected of a hero from his people than he does for personal safety or the safety of those who serve under him. This poem offers two perspectives of the key character. On the one side is a heroic Beowulf who is very brave in battle and leads his people to victory. The hero aspect in Beowulf begins for the main character at a young age, when he boldly participates in defending his kingdom by fighting two ferocious monsters. As the poem concludes, Beowulf is seen as a seasoned king who is viewed by his people as a veteran guardian. As a result of his heroic leadership, the Gaelic people enjoy profound peace as well as prosperity. Correspondingly, when a dragon threatens the security of the Gaelic people, the elderly king uses his heroic bravery to fight it alone. As is typical in any kingdom led by a heroic individual, the death of Beowulf is followed by the eventual destruction of the Gaelic people. On the other hand, the poem presents very few features of Beowulf as a regular human being. It is obvious that the poet has chosen to largely ignore Beowulf’s human aspects, and instead, depicts him as a superhuman hero. This is illustrated in the poet’s preference to concentrate on the exceptional exploits undertaken by Beowulf, typically the killing of brutal monsters. Because of this deliberate omission, the reader grasps a very minimal understanding of Beowulf’s daily activity and the way he relates with his closest associates. Similarly, the reader is only able to get a substantially sketchy picture of what Beowulf’s true feelings are. The reason for this is because the purpose of the epic poem is to illustrate to its people the characteristics they are to emulate in their own lives. However, considering that Beowulf’s heroism does not shield him from occurrences common to human beings, such as suffering, ageing, and death, it would have been b etter if the poet offered a picture of the human side of this apparently brave warrior, as well. Tips on critical essay writing: Some students find literature difficult to comprehend. Such students are likely to find critical analyses of literary works highly helpful. Thus, when writing a critical essay on a poem such as Beowulf, one should keep the language as simple as possible. By all means, the writer must avoid repeating phrases used in the poem. Another hint to good essay critiquing is to highlight important issues, and then identify mistakes or inadequately addressed areas. This will entice the reader to want to read more of the poem, in addition to teaching him how to critique a poem. Our custom essay writing service is designed to help with writing your critical essays on various topics and subjects.

Tourism Development in China

Tourism Development in China Tourism is a burgeoning industry in China. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 57.6 million foreign visitors entered the country in 2011, generating over $40 billion dollars in revenue. China is now the third most visited country in the world, behind only France and the United States. However, unlike many other developed economies, tourism is still considered a relatively new phenomenon in China. As the country industrializes, tourism will become one of its primary and fastest growing economic sectors. Based on current UNWTO forecasts, China is expected to become the worlds most visited country by 2020. History of Tourism Development in China Shortly after the Chairmans death, Chinas most famous economic reformist, Deng Xiaoping, opened up the Middle Kingdom to outsiders. Contrary to Maoist ideology, Deng saw the monetary potential in tourism and began to promote it intensely. China quickly developed its own travel industry. Major hospitality and transportation facilities were constructed or renovated. New jobs such as service personnel and professional guides were created, and a National Tourism Association was established. Foreign visitors quickly flocked to this once forbidden destination. In 1978, an estimated 1.8 million tourists entered the country, with the majority coming from neighboring British Hong Kong, Portuguese Macau, and Taiwan. By 2000, China welcomed over 10 million new overseas visitors, excluding the aforementioned three locations. Tourists from Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States comprised the largest share of that inbound population. During the 1990s, the Chinese central government also issued several policies to encourage the Chinese to travel domestically, as a means of stimulating consumption. In 1999, over 700 million trips were made by domestic tourists. Outbound tourism by Chinese citizens recently become popular, as well. This is due to a rise in the Chinese middle-class. The pressure presented by this new class of citizens with disposable income has caused the government to ease international travel restrictions greatly. By the end of 1999, fourteen countries, mainly in Southeast and East Asia, were made designated overseas destinations for Chinese residents. Today, over a hundred countries have made it onto Chinas approved destination list, including the United States and many European countries. Since the reform, Chinas tourism industry has registered consistent growth year-after-year. The only period in which the country experienced a decline in inbound numbers are the months following the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. The brutal military crackdown of peaceful pro-democracy protestors painted a poor image of the Peoples Republic to the international community. Many travelers ended up avoiding China based on fear and personal morals. Tourism Development in Modern China When China joined the WTO in 2001, travel restrictions in the country were relaxed further. The WTO reduced formalities and barriers for cross-border travelers, and global competition helped cut costs. These changes additionally enhanced Chinas position as a country for financial investment and international business. The rapidly developing business environment has helped the tourism industry prosper. Many businessmen and entrepreneurs often visit popular sites while on their business trips. Some economists also believe the Olympic Games fostered an increase in tourism numbers due to worldwide exposure. The Beijing Games not only put The Birds Nest and Water Cube on center stage but some of Beijings most incredible wonders were displayed as well. Moreover, the opening and closing ceremonies showcased to the world Chinas rich culture and history. Shortly after the conclusion of the games, Beijing held a Tourism Industry Development Conference to present new plans to boost profits by riding the games momentum. At the conference, a multi-year plan was set in place to increase the number of inbound tourists by seven percent. To realize this goal, the government plan on taking a series of measures, including stepping up tourism promotion, develop more leisure facilities, and reduce air pollution. A total of 83 leisure tourism projects were presented to potential investors. These projects and goals, along with the countrys continued modernization will undoubtedly set the touri sm industry on a path of continuous growth into the foreseeable future. Tourism in China has received a major expansion since the days under Chairman Mao. It is no longer uncommon to see the country on the cover of a Lonely Planet or Frommers. Travel memoirs about the Middle Kingdom are on bookstore shelves everywhere, and travelers from all over are now able to share a personal photo of their Asian adventures with the world. It is not surprising that the tourism industry would thrive so well in China. The country is filled with endless wonders. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Army, and from sprawling mountain valleys to neon metropolises, there is something here for everyone. Forty years ago, no one could have ever predicted how much wealth this country was capable of generating. Chairman Mao certainly didnt see it. And he definitely did not foresee the irony that preceded his death. It is amusing how the man who detested tourism would one day become a tourist attraction, as a preserved body on display for capitalistic gains. References Wen, Julie. Tourism and Chinas Development: Policies, Regional Economic Growth and Ecotourism. River Edge, NJ: World Scientific Publishing Co. 2001.