Essay - Beowulf: Portrait of a Society the Story of Beowulf is...

Beowulf: Portrait of a Society

The story of Beowulf is one th*****t reveals many things about an ancient culture that is surprisingly much like our own. When we think of ***** cultures, ***** 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 ***** dedicated, loyal, faithful, brave, and strong. Beowulf is a m*****n that demonstrates what it means to be loyal; he is a w*****rrior completely devoted to his code of honor. The world is filled with danger, best expressed through the presence of dragons. As with any other *****, this is faced and fought without hesitation ***** with very little fear. While the world ***** ***** with ***** dangers, *****re are just as m***** good things in the world for which we can be content. The poet presents us with a dynamic and optimistic view ***** the ***** through colorful characters.

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

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

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

***** warrior ***** is linked ***** loyalty in that it relies *****on the hero to remain ***** ***** a p*****rticular set of behaviors. The "Beowulf" poet magnifies ***** 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 f***** Grendel,/*****tle the outcome in single combat" (426-7). Beowulf is confident ***** proud and never do we see him try to get out of th***** commitment. He approaches the king for permission and his blessing and *****s the dragon. The warrior code can ***** *****n when Beowulf ***** not turn away ***** ***** battle even when it looks ***** Grendel might win. Beowulf emerges victorious because he did not back down ***** honored traditions that were important too him - ***** and his warrior code.

Loyalty and the ***** code is significant because others