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Examples Of Masculinity In Beowulf

673 Words3 Pages

What makes a man? In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, masculinity is a theme that is displayed throughout the poem. Today masculinity is still portrayed in similar ways as in the time of Beowulf. Some of the same elements associated with being heroic and manly are skilled leadership, perseverance in spite of difficulty, honor through behavior. The first quality of masculinity Beowulf shows is skilled leadership. When Beowulf prepares to leave Heorot, Hrothgar says Beowulf is fit to be king: "'You are strong in body and mature in mind, impressive in speech ... if only you would undertake the lordship of your homeland'" (1845, 1852). Hrothgar says this because of all the heroic and masculine acts Beowulf has done to gain his honor, such as slaying Grendel and Grendel's mother. Beowulf also displays masculinity through leadership when he chooses to fight the dragon because it has killed …show more content…

In the boast between Beowulf and Unferth, Beowulf exposes Unferth by telling him: “'You killed your own kith and kin'” (587). The Danes see the action as extremely dishonorable and it damages the reputation of Unferth. This statement immediately shows that Beowulf is the better man and warrior because he would never do such a thing, and the Geats know for being a hero in his homeland. The second way we see honor in Beowulf is when Unferth gives Beowulf Hrunting, a sword for a worthy warriors: “And another item lent by Unferth / a rare and ancient sword named Hrunting” (1455,1458). Beowulf's acceptance of the sword shows honor because he is willing to do anything to help the Danes even if it means to bury the Hatchet with Unferth. Similarly one way honor today is displayed through masculinity and heroism is in military forces. Masculinity and heroism is shown through military forces because people look at the military as honorable men because of the bravery they display in defending his/her

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