Journal 2-

Throughout the story you get a taste of what Anglo-Saxon society really is, the details help embody the characteristics portrayed throughout this time period.  From the beginning you hear about warriors, thanes, and kings and their ways of life; these “people” are symbols of the “ideals of Anglo-Saxon society,” A warrior and thane embody what a man is: tough, strong and masculine.  You here throughout the story of the manliness of each warrior, the strong build, and brave heart.  You see their macho points of view: drinking, singing gaily, yelling, being loud, the women and their love for fighting and wars. 

Another characteristic you get is the values that an Anglo-Saxon society was meant to embody; the loyalty, generosity, and friendship.  Yes, in Grendel we expose what these warriors really embody something completely different, but in Beowulf you see the “loyalty and brother-hood” between each warrior.  You also see the loyalty that the Kind brings forth, Hrothgar in this case, shows his leadership and the fact that he is the “man” of the colony; he is the protector of his community.  Every thane and warrior listens to Hrothgar and Hrothgar listens to the higher power overlooking him to such as priests. 

When battle is at hand and times become too rough, Beowulf, our main character comes into play.  He wraps all of these embodiments into one.  He is the head-honcho, the main dynamic character, and the one who embodies- heroism, loyalty, generosity and the main theme of all fame.  He fully takes on the challenge given to him of slaying the “evil” Grendel, he is the only one that will take this challenge on head first and does not take no for an answer.  He shows the reader his heroism, that he is everything an Anglo-Saxon, specifically an Anglo-Saxon man should be.