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The main characters in the story are Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, the dragon, and Hrothgar—king of the Danes
Women are an essential part of many British works. Although women are typically given the role of minor and less significant characters in British literature, they serve a greater purpose than that of which is initially perceived by the reader. Grendel’s mother in Burton Raffel’s, Beowulf, and the female creature in Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s, Frankenstein, are two noteworthy characters that are overlooked, but the roles they play and their influence are important to the storyline. Although she is monstrous and is described as having masculine features and actions, Grendel’s mother is a peaceful and loving being at the core.
In the article, Beowulf’s Androgynous Heroism, The author tells us that Beowulf is one of the “most memorable in his capacity as the masculine warrior and king.” (Robert Morrey, Beowulf’s Androgynous Heroism, University of Illinois Press) Even though he had no feminine companion beside him, he still fulfilled his roles, as he should have. Beowulf was authentically strong and unquestionably capable of standing up, even when nobody else could. He was able to stand up and arrest control when need be. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, he was struggling to be the best he could be until Enkidu died, his best friend.
This paper will endeavor to examine archetypal representations of the female in Beowulf as evidenced through both Grendel’s mother and Wealtheow. Traditional scholarship holds that Grendel’s mother is a monstrous female—either a “swamp hag” or some other form of hideous beast. However, examination of the work of contemporary scholars such as Christine Alfano, as well as a close reading of the original Old English text reveal that Grendel’s mother is not portrayed in monstrous terms whatsoever. While she is depicted as a warrior and a mother bent on revenge, she is not portrayed as a beast. Converse to this active female, lies the passivity of Wealtheow, who is commonly accepted as the archetypal Anglo-Saxon wife, a producer of male heirs and a quiet confident of the aged-warrior king, Hrothgar.
Beowulf follows the strict code of revenge, understands that honor is above all, stays loyal to his kinsmen and comrades, and recognizes that life is an ongoing struggle between good and
There are plenty of characters in the epic poem “Beowulf” but none are as dynamic as Beowulf himself. As the main character and protagonist, he is thoroughly developed throughout the poem. While some of his traits jump right out at you (confidence, strength, bravery), other are buried and subtle. Beowulf is wise, compassionate, and honorable and these characteristics shape the entire poem.
While reading Beowulf, one might think that Wealhtheow’s role in Beowulf is insignificant, or that she is merely an extension of Hrothgar, the Danish king. But after studying her character, the queen of the Danes clearly holds a far more powerful role than at a first glance. Her speeches are brief, but full of meaning and authority, and her astute counsel is often relied upon by Hrothgar. While she plays only a small role in Beowulf, Wealhtheow demonstrates that women played an integral part in medieval culture. Wealhtheow’s wisdom and respect is apparent in her role as the cup-bearer.
Is Beowulf a Hero? The poem Beowulf, tells of great the great undertakings of Beowulf, a man who has defeated many ruthless monsters and seeks fame and glory. If we take Beowulf and compare him to the Anglo-Saxon ideal hero, Beowulf fills all the necessary requirements but, when compared to modern day standards, Beowulf doesn’t quite make the cut. In the modern day, selflessness is the ideal.
In Beowulf women are seen a force of destruction: 8the action or process of killing or being killed, the cause of someone's ruin. 4They are mainly characterized as a monster avenging her son. In doing this she manages to destroy not only a kingdom but the king himself (lines 1321-1344). Leaving him brooding over a friend’s death not to mention the many innocent people she killed when she attacked his throne room. Even Beowulf-the
His relationship with Hrothgar displays a more familial relationship, one of extreme kinship, through the way they speak to each other, act towards each other, and feel towards each other. Beowulf’s relationship with Hygelac is very different, it is ironically one of pure respect and formality, displaying comitatus, and the code between a lord and his warrior, even though they are blood-related. Through these two relationships we see different sides of Beowulf and how people of the same rank can have different rank within Beowulf’s heart and
First of all, despite the fact that men are highly emphasized in Beowulf, women are highly absent in the story. Even within the first couple of sentences, the style and wording create an atmosphere in which
Beowulf reflects the traits that conformed to their masculine norms . While sorrowful Hrothgar laments the deaths caused by Grendel’s mother, Beowulf urges him to “not grieve” and to “avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning” (1384-5). However, earlier the epic alluded to a story about a princess named Hildeburh who after losing her husband, child, and brother, was “waylaid by grief” (1081). There is a definite contrast between how men and women are expected to confront loss- according to the patriarchal values, men avenge and women weep. Therefore, Beowulf is even more of an ideal masculine hero because he adheres the the Anglo-Saxon gender roles.
There are significant women who play integral parts in Beowulf. This study gives attention to Hildeburh as a woman of value. In fact, her values are not only limited to the explicates in the piece of literature, but can be related to the Anglo-Saxon society at
He has true honor and respectfully distributes treasure and gifts to those whom he believes rightfully deserves them. Beowulf’s loyalty to the Danes helps shed light on his true character. He expresses that he believes he may die in battle between Grendel, but that does not dissuade him from fighting the beast. Another example is when Hygelac dies, Beowulf is asked to take the throne. In doing so, that would mean the the son of Hygelac would be stripped of his own inheritance, which is dishonorable in Beowulf’s eyes, and thus he declines the offer.
Beowulf brought to life that no matter the time period and society there will still be distinction of a man’s role and a woman’s role. In both the poem and the movie there is a patriarchy, the men are more involved in the story, while the women are shown serving every need of a man. In the movie all the women including the queen are shown pouring and serving the mead, the women are even shown cleaning after the reopening of the mead hall. However, the movie portrays men as mentally weak to a temptresses and glory. The poem claims Cain to be Grendel’s father (line 19-21), but in the movie Grendel’s father is king Hrothgar.