During the Anglo-Saxon era, even though Anglo-Saxons borrowed some aspects from Greek culture, such as monastic life, there are many cultural differences between them. Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, one of the famous poems of this era, portrays the cultural differences between the Greeks and the Anglo-Saxons. Historically, Viking often challenges Anglo-Saxons, so they go though numerous wars. This national event places heroism as their highest social value, and the society expects the people to show intrepid, strength and bravery. This social value influences the culture, society, government, religion, literature, and art. The heroism in Beowulf expressed by the main character Beowulf reflects the society during this era. He represents what a perfect hero is during that time period by fighting the human eating monster Grendel, Grendel's equally horrid mother, and also a fire-breathing dragon. The author Heaney also shows fighting and winning a war is not the only trait of heroism by describing Beowulf’s old age as a wise ruler of the country. Another difference between Greek and Anglo-Saxon comes from the religion. Greek believes in pagan: diverse gods and goddesses of different earthly matters. When Anglo-Saxons succeed the invasion of Rome, they take this religious aspect. However, when roman missionaries come, they accept Christianity also; therefore both religions coexist in a country. One of example of pagan in Beowulf is, “Sometimes at pagan shrines they vowed offerings to idols, swore oaths that the killer of souls might come to their aid and save the people”(p.13:175-178). Heaney also mentions the aspects of Christianity in the story: “They thanked God for that easy crossing on a calm sea”(p.17:227-228). Even though all Anglo-Saxons have different religions, there is only thing they all believe in: the afterlife.
by Diana Kim, Ashley Chang, Jenny Yu, Justin Park
This analysis of the Anglo-Saxon culture thoroughly explains the religion, literature, and moral views during this era. Beowulf is a perfect example of all these traits compiled into one play. This team chose descriptive quotes in this play that perfectly described the existence of Christianity and Paganism.They also explained how Beowulf was a "perfect hero", and how his description in the play symbolized the ideals during the Anglo-Saxon era. This team did a great job explaining and portraying many aspects of this time period.
ReplyDeleteWylie, Period 1, Team 4:
Claire West, Edward Tyler, Danny Shapiro, Ivy Arbolado