Essay on The Role of Women in Beowulf - 1640 Words

The Role of Women in Beowulf Beowulf is an epic tale written over twelve hundred years ago. In the poem, several different female characters are introduced, and each woman possesses detailed and unique characteristics. The women in Beowulf are portrayed as strong individuals, each of whom has a specific role within the poem. Some women are cast as the cup-bearers and gracious hostesses of the mead halls, such as Wealhtheow and Hygd, while others, Grendels mother, fulfill the role of a monstrous uninvited guest. The womans role of the time period, authors attitude, and societal expectations for women are evidenced throughout the poem.†¦show more content†¦923). Wealhtheow exists as the main female protagonist in the poem. She does not enter as a character until she is needed to fulfill her role as the cup-bearer for the first feast at Heorot. She is well-respected within the mead hall and in return respects the men of the hall adorned in her gold, she graciously saluted / the men in the hall, then handed the cup / first to Hrothgar, their homelands guardian (ll. 614-616). However, as Wealhtheow continues her rounds of serving, it becomes apparent that Wealhtheow has more power than that of a common cup-bearer. This is evidenced when she is able to speak to the guests of the mead hall, and receives a respectful response from the guest of honor, Beowulf. In addition to the respect that she is given, it becomes apparent that Wealhtheow is well spoken and perhaps well educated: With measured words she welcomed the Geat / and thanked God for granting her wish that a deliverer she could believe in would arrive / to ease their afflictions (ll. 625-628). These descriptions of Wealhtheows presence within the mead-hall show her obedience to her lord, Hrothgar, as well as the respect she has earned from the people fu lfilling her role as graciousShow MoreRelatedRole Of Women In Beowulf1039 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the novel Beowulf, women can be looked at as unimportant, but from Campbell’s excerpt one can see how the role of women in Beowulf is as essential as the role of men. Throughout the course of Beowulf, many men take part in acts of protection, bravery, and sacrifice, but what many do not notice is the roles women have taking part in those same actions. Although women’s acts of protection, bravery, and sacrifice in this novel seem to be minor and not as celebrated as the men’s acts, theyRead MoreThe Role of Women in Beowulf1137 Words   |  4 PagesThe Role of Women in Beowulf The women in Beowulf, which was written around 70 CE by an anonymous poet, fill many different roles, ranging from peacekeepers to wives and monsters, all of which are evidenced in the Queen Wealtheow, Queen Hygd, Hidleburh, and Grendel’s mother. The most prominent role of women throughout the poem is devoted wives and queens, which is reflected in the portrayal of Queen Wealtheow. When she is first introduced, Wealtheow â€Å"went on her rounds, queenly and dignified,Read MoreEssay about Role of Women in the Epic of Beowulf1585 Words   |  7 PagesRole of Women in Beowulf As an epic tale of heroes and monsters, Beowulf gives its readers much excitement and adventure, but Beowulfs importance is more than just literary. It offers many insights into the beliefs and customs of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon culture. Among these insights is the Anglo-Saxon view of women and their role in society. Good Anglo-Saxon women are peaceful and unassertive, greeting guests and serving drinks to the warriors and other men in the meadhall. WealhtheowRead More Role of Women in the Epic of Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society932 Words   |  4 PagesRole of Women in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Society  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Beowulf, the hero of Anglo-Saxon epic, had many adventures, and many companions and fellow-warriors are mentioned throughout his story. Some of them seem noble and courageous, truly living up to the standards of their culture; some seem cowardly. But all have gained immortality in the words, many times transcribed and translated, of the famous epic. However, the women of the time are rarely mentioned in Beowulf. Still, even from those fewRead MoreThe Role of Women in English Literature: From Beowulf up to the Late Eighteenth Century963 Words   |  4 PagesDiscuss the role of women in English literature, both as characters in works written by men and women and as authors in their own right, from Beowulf up to the late eighteenth century. The role of women in English literature from Beowulf up to the late eighteenth century mostly represented the mores and gender expectations of the time. Exceptions were Rebecca in Sir Walter Scotts Ivanhoe who epitomized an intelligent and courageous woman and Grendalls mother in Beowulf who tried to attack theRead MoreAnglo-Saxon Literature Was Composed Between The Years 6501510 Words   |  7 PagesAnglo-Saxon literature was composed between the years 650 and 1110. Beowulf is one of the most famous epics written during this time. It’s also known as the oldest surviving Germanic epic and the longest Old English poem. Most stories written during this time were about the deeds of warriors, heroic acts, and religion. Beowulf is a warrior from the Geats who is asked to come protect king Hrothgar from an attack by a sea monster named Grendel. All of these characters are men. There are very few epicsRead More Medieval Women Essay1034 Words   |  5 PagesMedieval Women The roles of women in early Anglo-Saxon culture were strictly defined. Women were viewed as possessions and served the function of the peace-weaver. In this role women were married off to warring tribes to promote peace and were to perform duties such as passing the cup from warrior to warrior during ceremonial functions. Women in Anglo-Saxon culture possessed virtually no autonomy and consequently were consistently at the mercy of their lords or husbands. The sense ofRead MoreThe Similarities Of Beowulf And Sense And Sensibility1345 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent eras and literary movements are going to have similarities. At first glance the two stories, Beowulf and Sense and Sensibility, are completely different, but if you look closer, youll find as many similarities as differences, its just that the differences are the most prevalent elements of these two literary pieces. To start off, Beowulf and Sense and Sensibility are very different. Firstly, Beowulf is an epic lyric poem; a lyric poem is a poem meant to sung, while an epic poem is an elegy, aRead MoreJohn Leyerle, Jane Chance, And J.r. R. Tolkien1422 Words   |  6 Pagesvaluable insight to their respective depictions of Beowulf’s structure. While Chance and Tolkien are accurate in terms of the representation of the monsters and historical references in Beowulf, Leyerle’s argument offers a more inclusive and whole depiction of Beowulf’s structure. Leyerle describes the structure of Beowulf as interlacing. Leyerle’s essay is more cogent than Chance’s and Tolkien’s through the definition of interlace, the significance of digressions, and historical allusions presented inRead MoreThe Importance Of Female Heroism Through The Epic Of Beowulf1660 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf is known for displaying the importance of male heroism via Beowulf, but what about the significance of the women in the poem? The significance of women in Beowulf is overshadowed by the great heroism of the character Beowulf, but the women each have a reason for participating in the epic. The ideal woman was someone who was a noble, a mistress and loyal. An ideal woman is described in Maxim I: â€Å"at mead drinking she must at all times and places approach the protector of princes first, in front