Beowulf Society Essay example -- essays research papers

Beowulf edict The earliest known manuscript of Beowulf is thought to have been written in the one-tenth century, however, the meter had well-nigh likely been told as an oral impost for centuries before that. In fact, the meters compensatets date back to the 6th century. However, because there is only one manuscript of Beowulf still in courtesy very little is known about the poem or its author. The poem does, however, give us great taste into the stopping point of the people who peaceful and told this epic tale. Because the poem was performed orally mainly between the eighth and tenth centuries, but dealt with subject reckon of centuries earlier, it is difficult to decipher and separate the heathenish stage setting involved in the poem from one century to the next. The poem was probably unrecognizable from its original state after two cardinal years of oral tradition that would have changed its content drastically. The storyline of the poem, the battles and solid eve nts, probably maintained most of their identity while the cultural context took on another form more suited to the current culture of the people. By the time it was written, in 1000, the poem was probably most deputy of the tenth century culture yet it still managed to tell a story similar to the original version. Beowulf, then, gives us a significant insight into the cultural views of the tenth century Anglo-Saxons including their political, social and deterrent example views. The individualistic confederation was just beginning to replace the tribal system in which no individual had been seen as more definitive to the success of the tribe than either other. The individuality that Beowulf displayed helped establish new rules in society. Beyond this, Beowulf gives us an even greater insight into middle ages society. Woven throughout almost either aspect of their culture and the poem are very strict moral codes and values. Loyalty, honesty, family ties, courage and even Christ ianity play a major role in this epic poem. In each of the stories told throughout the poem elements of these values are openly displayed. All three of Beowulfs battles demonstrate qualities deemed virtuous and internal to the people of the middle ages. Beowulf, a godfearing, heroic contendrior, first faces a hulk that represents all things evil. The monster is a descendant of Cain, a bloodthirsty retaliator of man and an outcast. Beowulf confronts this evil fig... ...rated the final examination and greatest sacrifice he could make. It was a battle that he surely knew would take his life, but one he deemed worthy. Despite his incredible physical strength and courage Beowulf was unable to come after the battle within himself. Like everyone that ever lived, Beowulf grew old, weak and tired. No matter how hard he tried he was unable to escape finale and he knew that it would not be long in coming for him. He went into battle facing not only the dragon but likewise the destiny o f his own death. His death, rather than being a sign of weakness, becomes his final act of glory. Beowulf, amazingly, continues to be studied and read extensively all over the world even today, one thousand years after it was composed. Its analyse of social conflict and heroism is what has made it become a dateless classic. The issues it deals with not only pertained to life in the middle ages, but in any case with issues that never die. It contains all of the elements of a modern Hollywood film. The most important aspect of the poem, though, is the insight it gives us into middle age life. This poem most likely began as a tribute to a noble war hero, but it has become one of the greatest epics of all time.