Essay on "Beowulf: Portrait of a Society the Story"

Essay 4 pages (1115 words) Sources: 1 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Beowulf: Portrait of a Society

The story of Beowulf is one that reveals many things about an ancient culture that is surprisingly much like our own. When we think of ancient cultures, we often conjure up crude images of people and practices that could benefit from improvement. However, the "Beowulf" poet is concerned with representing a society that is dedicated, loyal, faithful, brave, and strong. Beowulf is a man that demonstrates what it means to be loyal; he is a warrior completely devoted to his code of honor. The world is filled with danger, best expressed through the presence of dragons. As with any other danger, this is faced and fought without hesitation and with very little fear. While the world is filled with many dangers, there are just as many good things in the world for which we can be content. The poet presents us with a dynamic and optimistic view of the world through colorful characters.

One tradition that "Beowulf" reveals about the medieval community is the important of loyalty.

The hero cannot be a very good hero is he is not loyal to his people. Loyalty is introduced early in the story when Hrothgar announces that Beowulf will be handsomely rewarded for his loyalty and heroism in the form of a "rich treasure" (Beowulf 385). Here we see the importance of loyalty in that it is recognized by others and it is worth compensation.

Loyalty functions in two ways in this scene. In one manner, Hrothgar rewards Beowulf's loyalty with treasures. In another manner, Beowulf is only doing what he feels he must do by honoring the warrior's code. The code demonstrates the importance of kinship in society because Beowulf is helping Hrothgar because Hrothgar's father owed Beowulf's father. Beowulf's appearance and deed are "to follow up an old friendship" (376). Here we see how loyalty is extremely important because it reaches beyond generations. Beowulf did not know Hrothgar but it did not matter in this instance. A debt needed to be paid and Beowulf honored this tradition.

The warrior code is linked to loyalty in that it relies upon the hero to remain faithful to a particular set of behaviors. The "Beowulf" poet magnifies this ideal with Beowulf in almost every instance. One of the most significant is the Beowulf's acceptance of the battle with Grendel. He does demonstrate any fear or regret and says, "Now I mean to be a match for Grendel,/settle the outcome in single combat" (426-7). Beowulf is confident and proud and never do we see him try to get out of this commitment. He approaches the king for permission and his blessing and battles the dragon. The warrior code can be seen when Beowulf does not turn away from the battle even when it looks like Grendel might win. Beowulf emerges victorious because he did not back down and honored traditions that were important too him - loyalty and his warrior code.

Loyalty and the warrior code is significant because others in the story exhibit behavior that mirrors Beowulf's actions. Beowulf's men prove they are loyal when they fight for his survival. They "Worked to defend/their lord's life, laying about them/as best they could with their ancestral blades" (794-6). When facing the dragon, Beowulf is loyal and when he needs help, we encounter a different situation in that… READ MORE

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