Beowulf and Grendel
The tale of Beowulf stands as the first work of English literature in history. It gives insight into the culture and society of centuries past, a life dominated by fate and lore, beings and deeds larger than life. Such was the way of life in the world Beowulf illustrates. The tale even briefly touches upon the role of women with the character Welthow. A thousand years after Beowulf was composed, the story was revised and retold by John Gardner, whose first person narration of Grendel gave the old tale new dimensions, while preserving many underlying themes. One of the only female characters found in both Beowulf and Grendel is Queen Wealtheow. Rhetorical devices are used in each piece to show the similarities and differences between the traditional Welthow from Beowulf, and Gardner's Wealtheow. Her existence serves a similar function in both tales in that she is objectified and placed on a pedestal, but differs in Gardner's portrayal, where he endows Wealtheow with depth and emotion. The rhetorical devices of repetition and diction serve to show the similarities between the two Wealtheows, while tone is used to contrast Wealtheow's social differences. Wealtheow's most notable feature in both tales is the function she serves i
Welthow belongs in the tale of Beowulf, as much as any female character can fit into a male-dominated environ. Thus, Welthow and Wealtheow bear relation in their objectification through the use of repetition and diction, one as a shining but undeveloped ornament in court who encourages Beowulf to slay Grendel, and then as a lonely pawn who inspires hatred and sympathy from Grendel. " Rather than being regarded amongst the people and population of the Danes, Wealtheow remains separate and apart, more closely related to the treasures of the king, which she shares more characteristics with rather than the people she lives among. ", foreshadowing the role and duties she will come to fulfill. "But she was beautiful and she surrendered herself with the dignity of a sacrificial virgin (Gardner 86). Similarities can also be found between the old and new Wealtheows in that the use of rhetorical device consistently establishes the sense of duty accorded to each woman. Welthow happily fulfills her role as queen, she is a role model in her righteousness and devotion to her family. In addition to serving as a function to the kingdom and element of the story, each Wealtheow maintains their role as wife and queen. Wealtheow is an outsider and alone in Grendel. She is optimistic in her assumption that her sons will be cared for upon the death of their father. "May happiness come to the Danes' great ring-giver; may the Geats receive mild words from your mouth, words they have earned! Let gifts flow freely from your open hands. Welthow's devotion to her children is exhibited in her grandiose speech that encompasses Hrothgar, Beowulf, and Hrothulf. When Hygold presents Wealtheow to Hrothgar, he says, "Let her name from now on be Wealtheow, or holy servant of the common good (Gardner 86). Judging from her interaction in court, Welthow feels at ease among the Danes, she belongs.
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