Beowulf Ending

I find it interesting that in Beowulf, the women are given little thought and the inanimate objects are described in much more detail. Many times, the women are described in two or three sentences, usually detailing their actions to serve men, or descriptions of how they are in bed. The women are treated more like objects than the objects themselves are treated like objects. 

Treasures like swords, goblets, and jewelry are given more thought and detail. These objects are glorified and given almost divine qualities. These objects are given a purpose, whether it's for battle, glory, or status, while the women in the book are given a sole purpose of serving the men and going "back to their place."

There's even the example of Modthryth, who was supposedly "tamed" after marrying off. Why couldn't she just remain who she was? Why are women of so little value in the times of Beowulf that they're either treated like an object, or must be changed in order to conform to a standard set by men to benefit themselves. If the men in Beowulf can accept a sword or a weapon for its little flaws, why can't they accept their wives for who they are. 

If the men can treasure their weapons, why can't they treasure the women in their lives? The men in the book idolize their swords and their armor and what ever else they use in battle, yet they won't respect the women who have helped them get to where they are. Or the women who take care of them after a battle. These are the women who give them heirs. You'd think the men would respect them a little more. 

The men buy rings and gold for their wives to show wealth and status, using these objects to display their wives as if they were objects themselves. These treasured goods are used to just further the objectification of these women. 


Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 23, 2017 at 11:53 AM

    I totally agree with you that in the story the objects get more detailed descriptions than women, and the ocean gets more praise and description (with feminine adjectives too), but actual women in the story get no attention. The queen of the Geats was praised for lifting morale and being beautiful, her only value is that she's ornamental.

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  2. Chelsea MannSeptember 24, 2017 at 4:31 PM

    I think that this is an interesting point because it is often said that men treat women like objects, but this proves that most of the time women aren't even treated as good as objects. While women are responsible for doing many things for men, it is not appreciated because it is what is expected of them. Yet it is not expected for men to always have objects that better them in battle and other things, thus having these items make them better in the eyes of others. Women are just there because they are supposed to be and the men in this story treat them as such.

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