Essay On Gender Roles In Beowulf

What is it to be considered a hero according to the Anglo Saxons? What qualities must one obtain? What are some ways that you can demonstrate a heroic deed during this time? Lastly, what are the roles that each gender plays to demonstrate the roles that are given to them? Back in the 6th century, the roles of of men, women and children differ from those of today. The men were to be the heroes, have control, fight in battles, lead the kingdom. The women were to obey the men’s judgement, sustained a good clean household, and follow behind the men. The children were the ones to follow in their parents footsteps, be obedient, and grow. In Beowulf, there are many different characters that demonstrate those various roles and meet those expectations. In the literature Beowulf, the kings were the head, the “Lords”, they were at the top of the chain in the kingdom and had to lead with great judgement and make …show more content…
Depending on your rank in society told you how you would have to live. If the parents were poor, those children were more than likely to be in the same situation as them. If you were middle class, you’d take over the family business. However, you did have a little more freedom in how you wanted to go about your life because the importance of where you came from didn’t matter. On the contrary, being of high wealth and of great descendants, the choice wasn’t in your favor. If you were the son of a great king, you had to take the throne next. Young girls of great descendants had to be married into another royal family. In Beowulf, it is seen how the kings became kings from their parents. For example Heardred, the king of the Geats, became king after the passing of his father, Hygd. Then Wealhtheow was married to Hrothgar to become the peaceweaver, she didn 't have much of a choice but due to the Anglo Saxon culture, this had to be