Death “rituals” in literature can be considered protagonist-based. Usually the deaths of those around the protagonist will ironically suffer the same fate. Whether it is Beowulf or William Shakespeare's well-known plays Hamlet and Macbeth, there is a ritual "connection" between these literary works. These literary works feature acts of intentional and heroic death as well as heinous suicides. These deaths are ritualized differently based on religious beliefs – influenced by the year of writing – as well as the overall “goodness” of the deceased. Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic poem composed by an anonymous poet between the 8th and early 18th centuries. 11th centuries. Beowulf tells the story of a strong and courageous warrior who could defeat anyone and anything without the slightest fear. Towards the end of the story, Beowulf becomes a great ruler and rules for many years, until tragedy strikes. A dragon is unleashed, and with it mass destruction wherever and whoever it encounters. Beowulf, knowing his death was fast approaching, fought the dragon with the intention of saving his kingdom. Although Beowulf's intentions were realized, his heroic fight for the well-being of his people ended in his death. Indeed, Beowulf died a hero. As a result, the townspeople acted ritualistically. They burned his body on a funeral pyre and buried his remains with enormous treasure on a mound overlooking the sea. This ritual burial allowed everyone to remember the great and heroic King Beowulf. The tale of Beowulf represents the culture and traditions of the Anglo-Saxon – Old English period. Funeral practices in Anglo-Saxon times consisted of cremation, and burial...... middle of paper...... suicide in the hope of joining Romeo for eternity. Such examples could signify the similarities between Shakespeare's life and his fictional stories. The rituals in these literary works were based on the "goodness" of the person and the religious beliefs of the written era. From Beowulf, the protagonist was buried in a burrow with enormous treasure. In Hamlet, Ophelia's funeral takes place like a traditional Christian funeral, even though "religiously" the funeral contradicted the Christian faith. As for Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, her self-inflicted death caused no remorse. Lady Macbeth's atrocious actions and "bad" intentions prevented her from receiving a "proper" burial. Throughout these literary works, the rituals performed for the deceased were influenced by the period written, as well as the morality of the individual..