Michael Waller

8/26/03

Grendel #1

Women’s Role in Grendel

In Grendel, John Gardner emphasizes the importance of women despite their position of servitude through his usage of the character Wealtheow. In typical Anglo-Saxon times, it was typical for women to be offered as tokens of peace within the noble courts. Wealhtheow's brother, King of the Helmings, bestowed her to King Hrothgar to promote peace amongst the Helmings and Scyldings: "She had given, her life for those she loved. So would any simpering, eyelash batting female in her court, given the proper setup, the minimal conditions." The men in the novel, even her brother, did not make any considerations for Wealtheow’s feelings or ties to her current situation. Her plans were abandoned to fulfill their own desires; she was not a Scylding, nor did she desire to be one, but she understood the importance of the arrangement and endured.

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Queen Wealhtheow put up an excellent disguise when hiding the pain she experienced from being forced to be Hrothgar’s wife. Wealhtheow was wistful; she missed her land and her brother, yet she persevered. She exhibited courage and soundness of spirit as she handled her precarious position with tact and reverence. Queen Wealhtheow showed excellent dignity and was admired by the entire community. Her presence "brought light and warmth, men began talking, joking and laughing, both Danes and Geats together." She created a positive feeling throughout the kingdom. In addition, Wealhtheow gave Beowulf advice about proper etiquette, how to speak to ...

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