Epic of Beowulf Essay - The Value System in Beowulf :: Epic Beowulf essays

The Value System Revealed in Beowulf Beowulf is a deeply unspoilt commentary on kind life with the main characters embodying a articulate and coherent set of values. They are besides the representatives of the come to the forelined mandate for expect and behaviour of those times. Honour, generosity and reliance may seem to be the notice words in the code. The protagonists reiterate in actions and words a mental picture in the importance of generosity of spirit and self awareness that exculpate man a responsible member of the society. Beowulf secures the future of his thanes, in face of his death, not leaving them up to their own fate. He proves that in the warrior society, human relationships must be based on mutual respect and trust rather than subordination of one man to another. A warrior vowing loyalty to his overlord becomes a voluntary companion more than his servant, taking pride argue him and fighting in battles. In return, he receives affectionate care and ab undant rewards - e.g. seen in Hrothgars attitude to Beowulfs achievements. The relationship between the relatives is also a part of the outlined characteristics of conduct - if a person was killed, a relative was obliged to kill the slayer or execute the wergild (manprice), however if the killing was accidental. In fact, the money was less important than the actual carrying out of the kinsmans duty. It is better for a man to vindicate his friend than to practically mourn states Beowulf firmly, reiterating the weight attached to the incorrupt responsibilities rather than attention displace to the materialistic possessions. They were valued highly - the treasure gained in battles improved the surface being but it was more of a common factor spiritually uniting the warriors and allowing them to fully realise their potentials. Still, family was the priority. King Hrethel (grandfather of Beowulf), however, may comprise a clash in following the code and set values. virtuoso of hi s sons accidentally killed another by code of kinship king Hrethel was nix to exact compensation from a kinsman, yet by the same code he was required to do one in order to avenge death. He was trapped in a situation without a moral way out and therefore Hrethel refused to face life any longer. married couple also appears to be a part of the general code. It was a material body of alliance between the fighting tribes e.