Beowulf

Essay by mashalovemuz March 2014

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Mariia Semeniuk

Group A-41

English Literature

Essay

The Role and Function of Women in "Beowulf"

I am inclined to believe that, the role and function of women in "Beowulf" are really overshadowed by men. Be and large it seems that women are extremely weak, powerless and always under the influence of men. Firstly, the poem itself is told from mens' perspective; secondly, it centers on male characters; thirdly, the main characters are men and lastly, it mainly describes all most important features of masculine, in particular, power, strength, violence, valor, etc. No wonder that the role and influence of woman is so imperceptible. Nevertheless, I do understand that it is true only from the point of view of modern person, the one from the 21st century.

To the best of my knowledge, the functions of women are integral to the story. Furthermore, I can say that they were essential, owing to the fact that the three women had irreplaceable roles to that of society.

There are six women that appear in the poem and they are Wealhtheow, Hygd, Hildeburh, Freawaru, Thyrth and Grendel's mother. Two of them, Wealhtheow and Hygd, are queens who play the roles of hostesses; the other two, Hildeburh and Freawaru, are the peacemakers; and the last two, Thyrth and Grendel's mother, are monstrous creatures with men-like qualities.

Firstly, it is important to note, that the function of hostess is crucial since not only do they fulfill active roles in society, but they also are the instruments that sustain the customs of society, support the kings and shows regard and admiration for the men and their statuses, while they are somewhere around the king. The example of their value and power might be a scene with the cup. The queen firstly shows high...