Topic > Analysis of Gender Roles in Beowulf

Gender roles have always been typical, in the sense that men are superior to women and follow what their husbands say. This has usually been the case for many years due to men dominating the world. Women have always limited their power and actions because of men. The situation has changed recently, but men and women are still not at the same level. It is not similar to the book because some women show leadership and this shows the difference in the Anglo-Saxon era. In the book Beowulf, women play important roles as monsters, peace weavers, and hostesses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The women in Beowulf show their characteristics, which is surprising to know that in those times women like these were horny. A character who demonstrates evil, monster-like characteristics is Grendel's mother. Grendel's mother is never described as nice or sweet but is known as a "monster woman". Grendel's mother is not as powerful as Grendel but has committed some actions similar to him. It was a point where "Beowulf was almost killed by Grendel's mother." By almost killing the protagonist, it portrays the characteristics of the monster/enemy she is known for. Grendel's mother has so much anger inside her because she wanted to "avenge her son's death". He took revenge by killing Hrothgar's "counselor" in his sleep. Grendel's mother is involved in several murders due to revenge for her son's death. Later in the story she is killed by “an ancient blade forged by giants,” which puts an end to Grendel's mother role and his villainous characteristics. Grendel's mother was an important character in the book because of her courage in fighting a man, or the protagonist to be precise. It shows how the women in Beowulf are brave and stand up for themselves and their families. Another woman who plays a unique character in the book is Wealhtheow, queen of the Danes and wife of Hrothgar. His duty was to "[visit] every corner of the hall, offering the jeweled cup to veterans and younger men." It seems like a nice task to do, but the purpose is to show hierarchy. She shows hierarchy because she passes the cup first to her husband, then to the knights, and finally to Beowulf, which represents the low level she is at. Levels can change based on the work done, such as when Beowulf defeated Grendel, his level went from third to second. The action taken by the queen shows that she is not the typical queen who follows her husband's commands, but rather an independent woman who makes her own decisions. She displays the characteristics of a peace weaver. While there are women like Grendel's mother or Wealhtheow, there are also people like Queen Hygd. Queen Hygd had a similar purpose as Wealhtheow for she also "went about the hall with a vessel of mead and placed goblets in the hands of the combatants." The difference between Wealhtheow and Hygd is that Wealhtheow had to give the first cup to her husband to show her husband's hierarchy or power. While for Queen Hygd, he passed the cup in no particular order, which explains how Beowulf is not treated any differently than when he was with Hrothgar. She describes the role of a hostess because she simply passes the drinks around without any other context. Finally, we see the importance of women and gender through the perspective of men. Beowulf and other men portray the typical male personality by not allowing women to express it. There are also other men who repress women by preventing them from advancing before men. The women of Beowulf, however, fight as long as they can for themselves. The typical behavior of the men portrayed in Beowulf is that in which the)