The Cultural Background Revealed in "Beowulf" Krista N. O.Odess Mrs. Lisa O. November 7, 2017 British Literature Peer Editing Edition kno1120@hotmail.com
K.N.O.,Odess, 2 The Cultural Background Revealed in "Beowulf" I. Introduction: "What in this story actually reveals the life style of the author and/or the people of that time?" II. In codes of conduct A. Honor B. Skill in warfare C. The gentlemen's feud III. In traditions and everyday acts or habits A. The Mead-hall B. The story tellers C. Religion IV. Conclusion
K.N.O.,Odess, 3 The Cultural Background Revealed in Beowulf "Beowulf" is renowned story sometimes used by teachers in curriculums for historical writing as a wonderful example of Anglo Saxon literature and a glimpse at the life style of the author and the time he lived in. However, what do our teachers see in this piece of literature that makes it such an example of Anglo Saxon literature and culture? The author is unknown to this day, but for the sake of this essay, I will be referencing the document as translated by Frances B. Gummere, as I show you quotes and explanations in order to show you this work of art as our teachers see it. The first subject we will explore together, is codes of conduct. First things first however, what are codes of conduct? A basic definition would be: a set of rules (spoken or unspoken) that shape the conduct of the people of a particular community. In that time and area, honor was a necessity for men to gain, as was an honest reputation. This honor could be gained by performing great feats, aiding a neighboring estate in times of trouble or warfare. This can be seen when the author writes, To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly till great grew his band of youthful comrades. (Chapter 1 lines 12-15) and "...that I would work the will of your people fully, or fighting fall in death, in fiend's gripe fast. I am firm to do an earl's brave deed, or end the days of this life of mine in the mead-hall here." (Chapter 9 lines 74-78).
K.N.O.,Odess, 4 A true hero, in their eyes, was willing to do the honorable deed expected of him even if it meant dying honorably as well. Another common occurrence was that of feuds between men, families, or clans. If two of said groups had an argument and neither one would back down for fear of harming his honor, for pure stubbornness, or for belief in his side of the dispute, they would challenge one another to a duel or start a war. If the argument was one sided, the one might offer a truce or give a peace offering in order to maintain the peace and to prevent the possible loss of his land. This we can see as we study the text which says, many a year, feud unfading, & refused consent to deal with any of Daneland's earls, make pact of peace, or compound for gold: (Chapter 2 lines 39-42) as Grendel refused all attempts at a gentlemanly way to end the feud. Another key cultural concept is in traditions and everyday habits. One of the major themes in this story, is the mead-hall in which Grendel wreaks havoc nightly. It came in his mind to bid his henchmen a hall uprear, a master mead-house, mightier far than ever was seen by the sons of earth, and within it, then, to old and young he would all allot that the Lord had sent him, save only the land and the lives of his men. It is important to know that the mead-hall was a common building in that time, though not anymore. In the modern US, we eat in dining rooms in our own homes, but in the time that Beowulf was written, mealtimes were held in mead-halls every day. It was generally a common room where peopled gathered together to eat, hear song and tales and the history of their people. We can learn this from other writings of that time, however it is solidified when the author of "Beowulf" writes, he heard each day the din of revel high in the hall: there harps rang out, clear
K.N.O.,Odess, 5 song of the singer. He sang who knew tales of the early time of man, how the Almighty made the earth, fairest fields enfolded by water, set, triumphant, sun and moon for a light to lighten the land-dwellers, and braided bright the breast of earth with limbs and leaves, made life for all of mortal beings that breathe and move. (Chapter 1 lines 36-46) Also by this we can infer that Christianity had indeed reached them and become the accepted religion. Another tradition, which corresponds with the honor system we have already examined, is that of sending men to aid a suffering neighbor. Generally, they would be sent to other clans, which if you have studied the feudal system, you will know that each grant of land was owned and ruled by a lord or king, and the people who lived there worked the land in return for protection from the lord or king's protection. In some cases, the two clans might form an alliance, although that is not the case with Beowulf. Hygelac's, we, fellows at board; I am Beowulf named. I am seeking to say to the son of Healfdene this mission of mine, to thy master-lord, the doughty prince, if he deign at all grace that we greet him, the good one, now. The honor we have discussed could be earned this way, that is, in defeating an enemy that a neighbor could not. Well, my reader, what do you think of your lessons now? Now when you read such works of literature, I hope you will be able to see them through the eyes of a historian. Perhaps you will find yourself writing great works about the historical content of literature. Perhaps you will become a great historian who will discover new cultural backgrounds through an ancient peoples' history. Perhaps, however, history does not interest you. In that case, I hope that this has at least given you a new appreciation for the work of a historian.
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K.N.O.,Odess, 7 Works Cited Gummere, Francis Barton. "Chapter 10." Beowulf. Lit2Go Edition. 1910. Web. <http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/89/beowulf/1539/chapter-10/>. November 06, 2017.