Thursday, September 29, 2011
Ash.p3.t5
The Anglo-Saxons (AS) have always valued their culture in a “heathen” way. Instead of viewing death with an after life or a new beginning in another dimension, like the Greeks, they view it as an end. Instead of juggling multiple Gods at once, like the Greeks again, they view only one, true God. There is a variety of confliction between the Greek culture and the AS culture, and Beowulf, a famous AS literature, reflects the cultural conflicts that separates each other. In Beowulf, Grendel is a demon like beast, who apparently is a spawn of Cain. This biblical allusion is a evident proof and there are hint of Christianity which is the first contrast and conflict between the Greek polytheistic view and the AS monotheistic view. To support this fact, Grendel couldn’t touch the throne of Heorot because he “was the Lord’s outcast” (line 169). The singular “Lord” is also a hint of Christianity beliefs, which that He will deliver us from evil, or Grendel. Religion is a clear, contrasting aspect, and also how each culture views death. The Greeks view it as just a passing and that the victim will have another chance at live in another world. They will send boats, horses, and other valuable property of the passing one. But in the AS culture is done. Instead of offering gives, they will commemorate him or her for what they have done. They build big barrows over the body, which is a sign of nobility and also a mark of their legacy. The bigger the barrow, the more importance or value someone has been to the world. Beowulf, wanted a big barrow built in his honor and his deeds he has done. In conclusion, the conflict between AS and Greek culture is that they have totally different view; one favoring multiple Gods while one has only one.
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First, one problem we found with the post is that AS culture is described as "heathen", however they are then described as believing in "one, true God." The very definition of "heathen" entails a lack of commitment, or belief in a god or religion (specifically a Christian god). While they may have had more heathen burial traditions, that does not mean they viewed their entire culture in a heathen way. In fact, much of the content of this post talked about commitment and reference to a god/religion.
ReplyDeleteThe concluding analysis, while somewhat of a blanket statement, draws a good line between the cultures in separating the religious views. Although this was correct, none of the post discussed how the differing religious views directly influenced the cultures.
While there is some apt analysis within the post, there are also many vague statements and details which are not related to direct influence on the culture. There is good substance, yet it is often surrounded by irrelevant or unconnected information.
ash.p3.t8