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Social Values In Beowulf

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The major social values in Anglo-Saxon civilization such as glory, formidable social status, wealth, fame, and physical strength/beauty, appear in Beowulf as a driving reason to journey and explore. These social values remain present and valued in the modern world today.
It is important to note that the human body has long been admired for its appearance, valued for its strength, and used as a tool to form an initial opinion of the person in question. For example, in Thomas Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading in Between the Lines, he talks about, in chapter twenty one, the significance of physical traits. More specifically deformities. Foster’s purpose for addressing negative physical …show more content…

Beowulf journey’s to Hrothgar’s kingdom is fueled not only by the goodness of his heroic heart, but by the intent to gain glory. The tribe members mentioned in Beowulf use glory as criteria for social standing, and seek glory for God, king, tribe, and ancestors. Likewise, in modern culture the pursuit of glory is encouraged. Just as in Anglo-Saxon times, many people today search for glory in the name of God, their families, and the leadership that governs their lives. They feel that the recognition they receive is largely because of God, and they dedicate their glory to their families. Religion played a critical role in the lives of the Anglo-Saxons. Everything they did was for a purpose that served Gods wishes. Therefore, when a character achieves success in Beowulf, they immediately attribute the victory to the will of God and the minor role they play in His plan. For example, “The monster wrenched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favor. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute” (1269/1274). This explains the relationship Anglo-Saxons shared with God. When the quote references the gifts Beowulf possesses, the great hero recognizes that he only has them because god has

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