... her limited powers; accordingly, the author expands her role from that of a traditional Anglo-Saxon woman to include gift-giver and guardian of the throne. Following Beowulf's fearless victory over Grendel, Wealhtheow offers a toast to the Geats and gives Beowulf rewards for his heroism. She tells Beowulf, "Have luck with this neck-ring beloved Beowulf / accept these gifts gold- ... proper burial. Other female characters in Beowulf suggest a masculine fear of female rebellion that requires forcing nontraditional Anglo-Saxon women into their appropriate roles. The author sets up a paralle...

• Word Count: 1587
• Approx Pages: 6

... society. Good Anglo Saxon women are peaceful and unassertive, greeting guests and serving drinks to the warriors. Wealhtheow, the queen of the Danes, represents a typical subservient Anglo Saxon woman. Contrastingly, Grendel's mother is a strong and combative monster whom Beowulf must kill. By analyzing these two characters in Beowulf, we can understand the treatment and mistreatment of women in Anglo Saxon society ... degree, despite her limited powers. The author expands her role from that of a traditional Anglo Saxon woman to include gift giver and guardian of the throne. Following B...

• Word Count: 1175
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... and tone to the entire poem. It helps to explain one of the great puzzles of our epic. Why the poet himself with a plot of mere fabulous adventures so much inferior to the splendid heroic setting, unless the narrative derived a superior dignity from suggesting the most exalted hero ... of the warriors of Herot who simply by being humans, stand with the favor of God. Thus in this description of the motive of Grendel is basis for the same three characteristics earlier named as found in the Old English SatanÆ'x: envy of the creative powers of God; a joyless ... new ancillary to the basica...

• Word Count: 2211
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... not the only way that the tenets of a society are reflected in a story. Clues about the civilization's values can also be found in the general plot and outcome of the tale. Three tenets of Anglo-Saxon philosophy that are found in Beowulf are: a vision of evil in the world, a belief ... expresses his thoughts on the inevitability of death: " God must decide / Who will be given to death's cold grip" (lines 174-175). Although Grendel had wreaked havoc and filled the people with terror over many years, he too must eventually perish: "And yet his time had come, his days / ... characteristics...

• Word Count: 794
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School