Though similar in perspective and monastic life, differences in religious values and sensibilities have created a disparity in the way Anglo-Saxons and Ancient Greeks view their heroes through literature. Both cultures drew heavily from basic pagan ideals, but the heroic ideas put forth in “The Wanderer” or “Beowulf” (Exeter Book) clearly deviates from those shown in works like The Odyssey or “Oedipus”. In “The Wanderer,” which deeply incorporates Christian ideals found in the Bible, the speaker states what he believes to be the essential qualities of a man, including strength, loyalty, fearlessness, humility, and selflessness. It is in this list of qualities where the Greek heroic ideal and the Anglo-Saxon heroic ideal first clash; essentially displaying an absence of intelligence or wit in the Anglo-Saxon hero, with an emphasis on physical and mental toughness. And because the society’s moral beliefs were so intertwined with religion and spirituality, these ideas penetrate many aspects of the culture. In contrast, Grecian morality and religion remained separate allowing for the influence of philosophy and logic to spread into these heroic ideals. Furthermore, in comparing this cultural conflict between Anglo-Saxon and Grecian values, a second example of the Anglo-Saxon value of brawn versus wit is found in Beowulf. Prized for near supernatural strength and bravery, Beowulf shows little wit in fighting monsters if compared with the quick-minded Odysseus who defeated the Cyclopes and Siren.
Theo Mandin-Lee, Christian Deamer, Marika Stanford-Moore, Sean Ehrlich
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ReplyDeleteWyl-p5-t3. Paulina Alvarez, Emily Teraoka, Angela Oh, Karen Cao
ReplyDeleteWe like how you guys compared the differences between the Greek portrayal of their ideal hero as strong, loyal, fearless, and selfless to the Anglo-Saxons portrayal of their hero as physically and mentally strong. Also, the comparison of brawn versus wit in both Greek and Anglo-Saxon is unexpected and an astute observation on your part. It would be nice if you added the differences between Greek and Anglo-Saxon religious beliefs, but overall you guys did a good job. Keep up the good work!
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ReplyDeleteWe like how you guys compared the differences between the Greek portrayal of an ideal hero and the Anglo-Saxons’ portrayal of their hero. It was interesting to see the qualities of Beowulf, possibly the most prominent character in any Anglo-Saxon literature, pinned against those of Odysseus who holds his own in Greek culture. We liked how you pointed out that one was focused on strength while the other relied on cleverness; it was an unexpected and an astute observation on your part. Also, we found the paradox of the Anglo-Saxon culture interesting, what with the value of physical strength and the steadfast praise of god seemingly countering each another’s concepts. The only downside of the analysis is the part about wyrd and moira; it would be nice if you added the contrasts between Greek and Anglo-Saxon religious beliefs, we’re sure you guys would have made some really great observations about the differences between the monastic perspectives of each. However, overall we think you guys did a good job. Keep up the good work!