Thursday, April 23, 2020
What Are UTM Parameters Plus How to Properly Use Them
What are UTM parameters? Theyre extra tags that you add to a URL to help you track and analyze traffic on your website.Although the term may sound technical, UTM parameters are simple and easy to use, while containing immense analytical power.In this article, weââ¬â¢ll explain what UTM parameters are in more detail and then show you how to use UTM parameters to uncover meaningful insights about your website and marketing channels. https://themeisle.com/?utm_source=facebookHere, the UTM tag is utm_source=facebookà and is used to track a possible source of traffic. In this case, the source we are interested in is Facebook.You can also add more tags to track additional data, like a specific post that you made on Facebook. For example:https://themeisle.com/?utm_source=facebookutm_medium=social-mediautm_campaign=what-are-utm-parameters-postMore on what all these UTM parameters mean in a second.UTMs can be used to see which marketing platformsà or campaigns are working best for you, and to track the value of social marketing campaigns. You can also use them on your own site. For example, you could see how well specific blog posts work at converting visitors into customers.This means you can generate precise data on where your traffic is coming from. Youll also be able to see what avenues users take to convert. Furthermore, you can more easily compare posts (akin to A/B testing) to better know whats working for you and what isnt.In addition, with UTMs you can measure return on investment (ROI), refine your social media strategy, track influencer marketing, and much more. Well discuss these in more detail below.How to use UTM parameters (in 4 steps)At this point, you might be worried about potentially causing a search engine optimization (SEO) problem by tweaking your URLs. Fortunately, you dont have to attach UTM parameters to your links manually. Instead, you can use a UTM generator to ensure your links are error-free and optimized. Lets take a look!1. Set up Google AnalyticsThe first step is to create a Google Analytics account so that you can log and analyze UTM tags.The good news is that weve talked about this previously, and have also given you a walkthrough of the interface. If this is your first time using Google Analytics, these guides will come in handy ââ¬â especially if youre overwhelmed by the screens you see.Once youve set up your account, grabbed your tracking ID, and linked your analytics with your WordPress site, youll be ready for the next step. To make this last aspect easier, and help you better integrate analytics data with your WordPress website, we recommend installing a plugin such as MonsterInsights. Google Analytics Dashboard Plugin for WordPress by MonsterInsights Author(s): Google Analytics Campaign URL Builder.Once you navigate here, youll see several fields enabling you to input the website URL you want to track and your parameters. The first four fields are required informationâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦and there a re five different UTM parameters you can choose from. Lets quickly go over what they are:utm_source. The source identifies where the click has come from (i.e. the referral website), and is required.utm_medium. This states whether a link was within an email, was a cost-per-click (CPC) link, and more. Again, this is a required field.utm_campaign. This required field helps when carrying out keyword analysis. Its simply an identifier for the campaign. For example, a specific social media post or the title of a guest post.utm_term. Youll only use this parameter when conducting paid search campaigns, and lets you state a keyword term (such as wordpress+themes.)utm_content. Finally, this parameter is used when multiple ads or links point to the same URL, in order to help differentiate them.Once youve filled in your information, the tool will automatically generate the properly-tagged URL for you:This is the link youll use in your social posts or other promotional channels. You may want to shorten it for aesthetic or administrative reasons using a service such as Bitly.à As users interact with this link, the data will be sent to your Google Analytics account ââ¬â which is where well head to next!3. Track campaigns with UTM parametersGoogle Analytics provides practically all of the information you need to analyze your campaigns. Within your dashboard, head to theà Reportsà section, then navigate toà Acquisition Campaignsà All Campaigns:Youll see a list of campaigns, and a selection of other data, grouped by Acquisition (which breaks down the numbers furtherà by users, new users, and sessions), Behavior (drilling down to Bounce Rate, Pages Per Session, and Average Session Duration), and Conversions.Here, youll see different columns based on the Goals youve set within Google Analytics. However, there will usually be a Conversion Rate percentage to look for. This essentially gives you almost everything you need to assess a given campaign ââ¬â footfal l, where the traffic has come from, and whether theyre captivated. The final step is to dig into these figures.Step 4: Analyze the data the UTM parameters provideThe last step is perhaps the most important: analyzing your data. After all, its why you want to add UTM parameters in the first place. While you could simply do this via the Google Analytics dashboard, you may find it easier to export this information as a PDF, Google Sheet, Excel spreadsheet, or .csv file. You can do this in Google Analytics, via the Export link:Once youve retrieved your data, youre afforded some flexibility with it. For instance, you can use UTM parameters to measure the ROI of your social media posts, because you now have explicit data showing which social strategies are most cost effective.The data can also give you a clear picture of which social media posts drive traffic to your site. Furthermore, you can use it to calculate the cost to acquire a lead or customer by tracking the ads and campaigns use rs click, and the overall number that end up converting.UTM parameters are also an effective way to track influencer marketing results. By attaching UTMs to your affiliate links, youll be able to tell if an influencers efforts are paying off on an individual basis. Or, you can use UTM parameters in links to your site that you insert in guest posts, or your author bio at a guest post source.Finally, the last thing well mention about analyzing your data is split testing. Using UTMs in two different social posts provides an effective way to compare their effectiveness. You can then tweak them to improve results ââ¬â for example, trialing how video impacts the conversion rate, and how your audience responds to it.ConclusionUTM parameters provide you with precise data on where your traffic and conversions come from. They can be implemented to measure the performance of your content, and to see which marketing platforms are working best for you.In this piece, weââ¬â¢ve shown you ho w to track your content using UTM parameters. Letââ¬â¢s quickly recap the four steps:Set up Google Analytics.Add UTM parameters to your links.Track campaigns with UTM parameters.Analyze the data the UTM parameters provide. UTM parameters - what are they? The little tags are essential for #analytics - learn how to use them Click To Tweet Do you have any questions about UTM parameters? Ask away in the comments section below!Free guide5 Essential Tips to Speed Up Your WordPress SiteReduce your loading time by even 50-80% just by following simple tips.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool Essays
The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool Essays The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool Paper The Triple Pillar of the World Transformed into a Strumpets Fool Paper Essay Topic: Literature Shakespeares chief source for Antony and Cleopatra was Plutarchs Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes translated by Thomas North (1579). Plutarch largely portrayed Mark Antony as a vain and dissolute character, juxtaposed against the heroism and virtues of his compatriots. Shakespeare plays down these attributes for more dramatic effect, choosing to make Antony a more complex, three-dimensional, and ultimately flawed character. Antony could be said to be the object of focus throughout the whole play, as his time on stage is spent always in the middle, and while his presence is absent, he is constantly the subject of conversation. Through this we are able to make our own judgements of whether Antony becomes his flow, or whether we agree with Cleopatras description of him as a Herculean Roman. Cleopatra humiliates Antony in front of Demetrius, Philo, Charmian, Iris, eunuchs and Cleopatras ladies by scalding Antony with her harsh words: Thou blushest, Antony, and that blood of thine is Caesars homager. The domestic arguing in the presence of those of lower status is somewhat embarrassing for a Herculean Roman, and transforms Antony into a strumpets fool. In addition to this, Antony surrenders to Cleopatra: Let Rome in Tiber melt and the wide arch of the ranged empire fall! Antony is defeated by Cleopatra, which demonstrates him as weak, and clearly expresses no intentions of returning to his duty, and therefore encourages the audience to see him as a strumpets fool. As Antony is a frequent source of conversation, different characters opinions of him become apparent and are influential to the audience. For example, Scarus refers to him as a Noble ruin that claps on his sea wing, and like a doting mallard, leaving the fight in height, flies after her, which suggests Antony considers his sexual engagements to be priority over his role of a world ruler. Scarus is a follower of Antonys, meaning that he is likely to make such remarks out of concern or pure observation, rather than out of disapproval, therefore increases the probability that it is true. Through Caesars complaints that Antony fishes, drinks, and wastes the lamps of night in a revel-is not more manlike than Cleopatra, nor the Queen of Ptolemy more womanly than he, we can gather from a Roman point of view, Antony is not favoured in his reputation, and the insulting language used about Antonys behaviour implies that Antony is foolish. The Herculean Roman image is also insulted here, by being compared as not more manlike than Cleopatra, which leaves no element in defence of Antony. Pompey, who is further away at most, shows his awareness that Antony is not performing as he should perhaps: I know they are in Rome together, looking for Antony The fact that Pompey assumes that the whereabouts of Antony is not known indicates to the audience that Antony is a hindrance when serious matters like war arise, and cannot be found when he is needed. Antonys lasting pride throughout the play, contributes to the foolish title, by ignoring wise and practical advise from Enobarbus: Your ships are not well manned. Your mariners are muleteers, reapers, people engrossed by swift impress No disgrace shall fall you for refusing him at sea, being prepared for land. In this situation Antony fulfils the image of a strumpets fool, as he knows his skills lie fighting on land, but his pride leads him to accept the challenge by sea, only to lose to Caesar. Cleopatra talks about Antony as if he were her prey and she his predator: My bended hook shall pierce their slimy jaws and as I draw them up, Ill think them every one an Antony, and say Ah, ha! Yare caught! This imagery of Antony as a defenceless fish mocks him in front of the audience, and creates the sense that Cleopatra is totally in control over him. This is continued through the way Cleopatra tells the tales of her times with Antony: I laughed him out of patience, and that night I laughed him into patience I drunk him to his bed Whilst I wave his sword Philippan Cleopatra is constantly the active part in her speech, which suggests that everything is done for Antony, as he is the indirect object in each case. Shakespeare cleverly displays Antonys many attempts to attract Cleopatras attention: I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose- Now, my dearest Queen- The Gods best know- Cleopatra- Most sweet Queen- How now lady! Hear me, Queen. Here Antony is put up against Cleopatra, and we as the audience see him dominated, or rather ignored by her majesty, which from an observing eye would seem as if he were inferior or unable to be heard. This situation would be quite ridiculous, for the triple pillar of the world to be granted so little respect, therefore making him a laughing stock, and a strumpets fool. Compared to Caesar, Antony appears to be always behind and considerably slower in his actions, and this can be seen through a number of areas. Firstly, when making preparations to go to war, Antony is amazed to discover that Caesar has taken Toryne, thinks Tis impossible and strange that his power should be. Secondly, when Antony finally arrives in Rome on the brink of war, he reveals his ignorance of the situation by asking Caesar the following information about Pompey: Where lies he? About the Mount Misena What is his strength? By land, great and increasing; but by sea he is an absolute master. Thirdly, we learn from the text that Caesar has even been with Cleopatra before Antony: A certain Queen to Caesar in a mattress. From this information Antonys manhood is damaged, as the impression is felt, that Antony has Caesars leftovers, illustrating him as once again a strumpets fool. Certainly the historical view of Antony would have been of a man potentially virtuous, but ultimately seduced by the charms and wiles of Cleopatra, thus the strumpets fool. This is probably the way Plutarch would have him painted. But it could also be argued that, by portraying Antony in such complex and contradictory terms Shakespeare ensures that he sustains a nobility throughout the play. Certainly to the audience of the day the apparent paradox of this man would have appeared intriguing and attractive. The fact that several of the leading characters sustain their loyalty to Antony throughout goes to uphold this view. For example, Eros is asked by Antony to carry out his sworn duty to kill his master after the debacle of the failed military campaign. Eros, however, commits suicide rather than fulfil his duty out of loyalty to Antony, an act that would serve to ennoble him to an Elizabethan audience. Also Antonys relationship with Enobartus, although ultimately tragic, reflects the latters deep respect for his nobility. When Enobartus realises that Antony has lost all reason in embarking on the final battle, he is forced to leave his friend and leader: Now hell outstare the lightning. To be furious Is to be frightened out of fear, and in that mood The dove will peck the estridge The fact that Enobartus later dies of grief for the failure of it all would have generated a huge amount of sympathy from the audience. To conclude, the view that Mark Antony is a triple pillar of the world transformed into a Strumpets fool is only a partly accurate view. The Marcus Antonius of Plutarchs works may well be just that, but Shakespeare evolves the character into a much more tragic and human persona, ultimately ennobled by the loyalty of his fr iends and servants.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
STAR Early Literacy
STAR Early Literacy STAR Early Literacy is an online adaptive assessment program developed by Renaissance Learning for students typically in grades PK-3. The program uses a series of questions to assess a studentââ¬â¢s early literacy and early numeracy skills through a simple process. The program is designed to support teachers with individual student data quickly and accurately. It typically takes a student 10-15 minutes to complete an assessment and reports are available immediately upon completion. There are four parts to the assessment. The first part is a short demonstrative tutorial that teaches the student how to use the system. The second part is a short practice component designed to ensure that the students understand how to manipulate the mouse or use the keyboard correctly to answer each question. The third part consists of a short set of practice questions to prepare the student for the actual assessment. The final part is the actual assessment. It consists of twenty-nine early literacy and early numeracy questions. Students have one and a half minutes to answer each question before the program automatically moves them to the next question. Easy to Set up and Use STAR Early Literacy is a Renaissance Learning program. This is important because if you have Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, or any of the other STAR assessments, you only have to do the set up one time. Adding students and building classes is quick and easy. You can add a class of about twenty students and have them ready to be assessed in about 15 minutes. Designed Well for Students to Use The interface is straightforward. Each question is read by a narrator. While the narrator is reading the question, the mouse pointer turns into an ear directing the student to listen. After the question is read, a ââ¬Å"dingâ⬠tone indicates that the student may then select their response. The student has two choices in the way that they select their response. They can use their mouse and click on the correct choice or they can you the 1, 2, or 3 keys that correlate to the correct answer. Students are locked into their answer if they use their mouse, but they are not locked into their answer if they use the 1, 2, 3 select methods until they hit enter. This can be a problem for younger students that have not been exposed to manipulating a computer mouse or using a keyboard. In the top right-hand corner of the screen, there is a box that the student can click to have the narrator repeat the question at any time. In addition, the question is repeated every fifteen seconds of inactivity until time runs out. Each question is givenà on a one and a half minute timer. When a student has fifteen seconds remaining a small clock will begin to flash at the top of the screen letting them know that time is about to expire for that question. A Good Tool for Teachers STAR Early Literacy assesses forty-one skill sets in ten essential literacy and numeracy domains. The ten domains include alphabetic principle, the concept of word, visual discrimination, phonemic awareness, phonics, structural analysis, vocabulary, sentence level comprehension, paragraph level comprehension, and early numeracy. The program also allows teachers to set goals and monitor a studentââ¬â¢s progress as they move throughout the year. It allows them to create an individualized instructional path to building on skills they are proficient in and improve upon their individual skills in which they need intervention. Teachers are also able to use STAR Early Literacy throughout the year quickly and accurately to decide whether they need to change their approach with a particular student or continue doing what they are doing. STAR Early Literacy has an extensive assessment bank that allows students to be assessed multiple times without seeing the same question. Reports STAR Early Literacy is designed to provide teachers with useful information that will drive their instructional practices. STAR Early Literacy provides teachers with several useful reports designed to assist in targeting which students need intervention and what areas they need assistance in. Here are six key reports available through STAR Early Literacy and a brief explanation of each: Diagnostic - Student: The student diagnostic report provides the most information about an individual student. It offers information such as the studentââ¬â¢s scaled score, literacy classification, sub-domain scores, and individual skill set scores on a scale of 0-100.Diagnostic ââ¬â Class: The class diagnostic report provides information related to the class as a whole. It shows how the class as a whole performed in each of the forty-one assessed skills. Teachers can use this report to drive whole class instruction to cover concepts in which the majority of the class shows they need intervention.Growth: This report shows the growth of a group of students over a specific period of time. This period of time is customizable from a few weeks to months, to even growth over the course of several years.Instructional Planning - Class: This report provides teachers with a list of recommended skills to drive the whole class or small group instruction. This report also allows you to gro up students into four ability groups and provides suggestions for meeting each groupââ¬â¢s specific learning needs. Instructional Planning - Student: This report provides teachers with a list of recommended skills and suggestions to drive individualized instruction.Parent Report: This report provides teachers with an informational report to give to parents. This letter provides details about each studentââ¬â¢s progress. It also provides instructional suggestions that parents can do at home with their child to improve their scores. Relevant Terminology Scaled Score (SS): The scaled score is figured based on the difficulty of the questions as well of the number of questions that were correct. STAR Early Literacy uses a scale range of 0-900. This score can be used to compare students to each other, as well as themselves, over time.Early Emergent Reader: Scaled score of 300-487. Student has a beginning understanding that printed text has meaning. They have a rudimentary understanding that reading involves letters, words, and sentences. They also are beginning to identify numbers, letters, shapes, and colors.Late Emergent Reader: Scaled score of 488-674. Student knows most letters and letter sounds. They are expanding their vocabulary, listening skills, and knowledge of print. They are starting to read picture books and familiar words.Transitional Reader: Scaled score of 675-774. Student has mastered alphabet and letter sound skills. Can identify beginning and ending sounds as well vowel sounds. They likely have the ability to blend so unds and read basic words. They can use context clues such as pictures to figure out words. Probable Reader: Scaled score of 775-900. Student is becoming skilled at recognizing words at a faster rate. They also are beginning to understand what they are reading. They blend sounds and word parts to read words and sentences. The Bottom Line STAR Early Literacy is a respectable early literacy and early numeracy assessment program. Its best features are that it is quick and easy to use, and reports can be generated in seconds. A key issue with this program is that for younger students who lack mouse skills or computer skills, the scores may be negatively skewed. However, this is an issue with virtually any computer-based program at this age. Overall, we give this program 4 out of 5 stars because the program provides teachers with a solid tool to identify early literacy and early numeracy skills that require intervention.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Discuss the evolution of CSR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Discuss the evolution of CSR - Essay Example 14). Businesses have traditionally been known to exist for the key purpose of making profits. However, from as early as the start of the 20th century, entrepreneurs, mostly in the Unites States, recognised the importance of using resources in ways that would benefit both their businesses as well as the societies they worked with (Brewerton & Millward 2001, p. 76). As the idea gradually took root over two decades later, more organizations saw the significance of the entire business behaving in ways that were considered responsible socially, just like it applies to individual citizens. Although not evenly developed globally, the concept of CSR is becoming a key feature of organizations in regions that embrace it as it penetrates corporate consciousness and culture (Visser, Dirk & Manfred 2007, p. 69). That aspect has called for studies that examine its history, societal roles especially in times of crises and where is heading to. This paper will outline and discuss the evolution of CSR . It will include its history, role in the financial crisis and its prospects for the future, supported by examples. One rationale behind the genesis of SCR was the assumption that some theorists have termed wrong; that which perceived businesses as solely money-making organisations for the owners (Dincer & Dincer 2007, p 44). This assumption supported the idea that those who engaged in business only had personal and selfish interests. The implication was that it was up to consumers to assume the role of caring for the societyââ¬â¢s welfare and take actions that support their interests (Dincer & Dincer 2007, p 46). However, most entrepreneurs recognise that while that still remains a real reason for the presence of their business in the society, they are also aware that they came together to collectively achieve what they could not as individuals. This perspective added a new objective to their reasons of existence; that of contributing to a society without which they could not s urvive. This awareness is embedded in the fact that the businesses only exist when there are societies to produce goods and services for; to produce raw materials for the businesses; and to offer a labour force in the businesses (Bhattacharya, Sankar & Korschun 2011, p. 83). However, the concept of giving back to society as initiated by the American businessmen at the start of the 20th century had to be abandoned in the advent of the early 1930sââ¬â¢ Great Depression. At that time, the only goal for businesses became to survive, while citizens only needed an employment that generated income. Then in 1939, a co-founder of the largely successful Hewlett Packard rekindled the need for companies to value to their existence and that of the societies, which took a slow start due to WWII and was later revived in the 1950s (Morrison, R 2008, p. 9). His opinion was that consumers will only be condescending to products that in turn support noble causes, charity and the environment. The rev ival is believed by some theorist to have resulted from a global corporation by regions that backed each other during the course of WWII and the recovery period that followed. By the 1980s, CSR was already a vital aspect of modern business and supporting
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Essay 1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3
1 - Essay Example Some people fear altercation and disobeying authority would require confrontation. Very many people want to appear rational and people with high integrity, and compliance to the authority means they are upholding their dignity. These people want to paint unadulterated picture of them to the authority and by complying with what the authority requires they are able to achieve this. Giving a phony or unjustly account of what took place will make a person obey authority in order to reverse his or her previous sentiments. When ones conscious is not at peace is it even possible for the person to have a peaceful life, knowing that oneââ¬â¢s own version will make a person lose his or her life. How can someone live with a false accusation? Unless this person is retarded, because knowing ones version of what happened would be a reason someone innocent is likely to lose his or her life is intolerable. People have so much trust in the authority and not complying with what the authority requires would be so disrespectful on their part. From the age of childhood, people grow to believe an older person should always be respected, so obedience to authority comes naturally. When one fails to respect, authority there is the possibility of the person feeling incompetent and unreliable and it is so palpable that no one wants to be associated with such attributes. Some people comply with the authority for the wrong reasons; they find it hard to say no to the authority because of bribery. Some of them are bribed to give false accounts of what really happened. Such offers are unfeasible for some selfish individuals to turn down. They take up the offers and change their previous versions. There is the issue of threat since it is not likely that authority will be soft and understanding. Sometimes the authority uses threat on witnesses for them to do what the authority requires of
Friday, January 24, 2020
Jazz: A History Essay -- essays research papers
Jazz: The History à à à à à The music called Jazz was born sometime around 1895 in New Orleans. It combined elements of Ragtime, marching band music and Blues. What made Jazz such a different perspective of traditional music was its act of improvising. There was a widespread use of improvisation often by more than one player at a time. Songwriters would write the music down on a piece of paper, and then the Jazz musicians would try their best to play the music. Usually in a Jazz piece, musicians would use the song as a starting point to improvise around. Jazz musicians would play a familiar song to the audience, and by the time they were done with the piece they would stir up a totally different feeling away from the original song. à à à à à The average Jazz musician could not read music at all, but the way they performed on stage gave life to the audience. It thrilled them in a way that brought joy to their emotions. Their spontaneous music captured their hearts, which fell in love with the music known as Jazz. African-Americans and Creoles in New Orleans first played Jazz. And it was generally known that Buddy Bolden was the first Jazz musician to play. Some other veteran Jazz musicians such as Freddie Keppard, Bunk Johnson, and Clarence Williams were known to first play Jazz music. Although these people are not famous as of today, their style and ideas are still affecting musicians today. à à à à à Although Jaz...
Thursday, January 16, 2020
Beowulf as a hero in modern society Essay
In the historic epic Beowulf, its title character, Beowulf, is perceived as an unconventional as well as a traditional hero in current society. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow and Hygelacââ¬â¢s thane, is presented as a fearless warrior to the audience. This acknowledgment of Beowulf causes the readers to instantly recognize that Beowulf is a well-respected man. Beowulfââ¬â¢s magnitude is seen at the very beginning of the poem as the narrator states, ââ¬Å"The man whose name was known for courage, the Geat Leaderâ⬠(Heaney 25). Beowulf is announced to the Danish people with magnificence. Before proving Beowulfââ¬â¢s heroic qualities, the viewers are conscious of the fact that Beowulf is a great warrior and the son of a well admired man. It can be distinguished that from Beowulfââ¬â¢s opening statements he will become a hero. Bravery is a key characteristic that identifies a hero. Throughout the entire poem Beowulf appeared to possess infinite valor. He displayed courage in his swimming competition with Breca, and in his fights with Grendel, Grendelââ¬â¢s mother, and the dragon that fatally wounded him. In all of Beowulfââ¬â¢s struggles, he revels wisdom, strength, and motivation. In his clash against Grendel, Beowulf utilizes his sheer strength to kill Grendel. He used his mighty strength to rip off the monsterââ¬â¢s arm from the shoulder. As stated by the narrator, ââ¬Å"The monsterââ¬â¢s whole body was in pain; a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulderâ⬠¦ Beowulf was granted the glory of winningâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ (Heaney 55). The defeat of Grendel fulfills Beowulfââ¬â¢s heroic duty. This is also seen with Grendelââ¬â¢s mother. After Grendelââ¬â¢s death, Grendelââ¬â¢s mother desires to avenge her child. Beowulf fights her in water and still prevails. By keeping true to his word Beowulf is able to prove his worth. Near the end of poem, Beowulf faces his last episode. He takes on a dragon that is creating havoc upon the city. Before facing the dragon he knows that he might die and yet still fights with glory and all of his might. On page 171 Beowulf states, ââ¬Å"This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except meâ⬠¦ I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord awayâ⬠(Heaney 171). Beowulf yet again completes his task as he kills the dragon, however, he immediately dies from his wounds. Beowulf, a true hero, confronts his death with bravery. It is Beowulfââ¬â¢s strength, determination, and courage that enable him to become a distinguishable hero in modern society. Although Beowulf is portrayed as a true Anglo-Saxon hero, he has qualities that would depict him not as one in current society. From Beowulfââ¬â¢s initial introduction he is seen as being conceited and aggressive. During the first feast, Beowulf tells of the story of his swimming race. Beowulf states, ââ¬Å"I was the strongest swimmer of allâ⬠¦Time and again, foul things attacked meâ⬠¦but I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my swordâ⬠¦My sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night-dangers and hard ordeals I have never heard of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves.â⬠(Heaney 37). This quote reveals the cockiness of Beowulf. He is very arrogant as he believes that he is the best and the bravest. Arrogance is not a characteristic of a hero. Another flaw is shown in Beowulfââ¬â¢s character as he fights Grendel and Grendelââ¬â¢s mother. Beowulfââ¬â¢s quarrel with Grendel exposes his true expression of violence. While Grendel and Beowulf are wrestling, Beowulf manages to get Grendel in such as position where he ripped off Grendelââ¬â¢s arm from the socket. This violent act can be seen as very brutal. The killing of Grendel in such a way would deny the right to name Beowulf as a hero in present society. In addition, the killing of Grendelââ¬â¢s mother has the same effect. While battling Grendelââ¬â¢s mother, Beowulf seeks assistance from an ancient blade. With this sword, he delivers a final blow to the neck of the monster. After determining that she is death, he still proceeds and decapitates her. He then returns with the head and displays it in Heorot. The decapitation of Grendelââ¬â¢s mother illustrates Beowulf as disrespectful and in violation of the heroic code, which doesnââ¬â¢t identify him as a hero. In the eyes of contemporary society Beowulf can be recognize as a paradoxical character as he is embodied by both heroic and callous qualities.
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