Beowulf Ending (post #4)


Although, the poem is ending on a gloomy note, I believe that there is also some positivity. For my fourth close reading post, I would like to analyze the lines on the last two pages of the story. The Geats seem very upset, especially Wiglaf, about Beowulf’s death. In this blog post, I am going to explore the role that the patriarchal society played in Beowulf. Throughout the novel and even in the last few pages of this text, Beowulf is the classic example of a member of this patriarchal society. Throughout the novel, a male soldier was characterized by his lineage, not by his physical actions. This was also true for Beowulf. Because Beowulf’s mother came from royalty with soldiers, then he immediately received a reputation for being a strong soldier with a huge ego. His huge ego was exemplified when he tried to slay a dragon by himself, he was clearly in way over his head. I feel like this was also him feeling pressure that he had to act brave or die. On the last pages, Beowulf is celebrated like a strong hero, this is an example of this patriarchal society. This is an example because unlike the other pyre funerals we have read about, Beowulf receives armor, jewels and gifts to be burned with him. Next, the Geat woman speaks. I wonder why she is important enough to be mentioned in the poem but not important enough to receive a name. She predicts mass mayhem and destruction for the Geats. The author calls Geatland “her nation” and that it will be destroyed. I am wondering why they choose a woman without a name to convey this message. Is it a real concern or should her concerns not be taken seriously? The novel concludes with the Geats praising Beowulf. He will always be remembered as a hero in this patriarchal story.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 24, 2017 at 4:26 PM

    The unnamed woman's concern should be considered valid and taken seriously. By not giving her a name, the author continues the pattern of referring to women as either the daughter of ___ or simply without a name. Regardless, the omission of a name indicates a lack of importance and emphasis placed on women. It likely signals the inevitability of violence and conflict, despite the conclusion to the story and the ending of Beowulf's life. Perhaps the warning signals how even with powerful leadership, groups will continue to persistently fight and argue over past feuds. While not a clear cut ending, the warning eludes to what follows after the conclusion of the story.

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