Violence and Societal Change in Beowulf Essay - 1305 Words

It is said that up to thirty thousand men may have died at the battle of Hastings, a conflict that occurred almost one thousand years ago. World War II, which lasted less than seven years, has been estimated to be responsible for up to forty million deaths. Thus, many people often ask the question why? Why does such conflict occur? Who or what is responsible? The culprit does not hide nor has it escaped scrutiny and blame. It comes in many shapes and sizes, faces and places. It is called violence and the potential for it resides in every single person on this earth. Whose violence conquers all? It is hard to measure the significance of violence, especially when it can cause so much destruction and death as well as stimulation. However,†¦show more content†¦It is through these acts of violence that societal change is achieved and order restored. â€Å"†¦History is a continuous clash between conflicting ideas and forces†. That’s how the fifth Canadian edition of â€Å"Sociology In our Times† summarizes Karl Marx’s ideologies on conflict and change and that is the premise of Beowulf. The history of the Danish society is described during the prologue of the story and is immediately tied into violence and can clearly be identified with this passage, â€Å"Beow’s name was known through the north†¦afterward in age when fighting starts/ steadfast companions will stand by him/ and hold the line† (Beowulf 34, 19-24). The author admittedly points out right after this that â€Å"Behaviour that’s admired/ is the path to power among people everywhere† (34, 24-25). It is evident then that violence in Beowulf is a behaviour that should be associated and recognized by admiration. Furthermore, it is apparent that fighting and conflict form the foundations of the society that B eowulf lives in through this passage â€Å"The fortunes of war favored Hrothgar./ Friends and kinsmen flocked to his ranks,/ young followers, a force that grew/ to be a mighty army†. (Beowulf 35, 64-67) Hence, before Beowulf is even introduced to the poem it is understood that violence is central to the functioning of the society. The very presence of Beowulf in Beowulf arises from the need for change. This change is brought about by violence and isShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Female Heroism Through The Epic Of Beowulf1660 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf is known for displaying the importance of male heroism via Beowulf, but what about the significance of the women in the poem? The significance of women in Beowulf is overshadowed by the great heroism of the character Beowulf, but the women each have a reason for participating in the epic. The ideal woman was someone who was a noble, a mistress and loyal. An ideal woman is described in Maxim I: â€Å"at mead drinking she must at all times and places approach the protector of princes first, in front