Materialism In Beowulf

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We humans have come to the conclusion that we are forever evolving. Many literary works were created to preserve world views throughout the ages. Looking back, we learn about the values of the people who were before our time. There is a stark contrast between the cultures of the medieval world and those of modern civilization; in the fold epic Beowulf (Heaney) and the movie Beowulf and Grendel (Gunnarsson). In these, examples there are clear differences between the materialism and idealism of the past and present. The movie resembles how modern ideas of heroism can also mean feeling sympathy for one’s antagonist, while the epic representing past ideas entitle the hero to be ruthless; the differences are proof that every time period perceives situations such as good and evil with disparity. As values change, cultures change, and …show more content…

In the middle ages we believe that gold and other physical possessions determine one’s value. Currently we understand that there is more to offer someone than just material objects. The king can be discerned from all of the garish clothing and embellishments he wears. King Hrothgar in the epic is all about having the most elaborate of items. He bequeaths armor and gold to the defeaters of Grendel, Beowulf and his mighty thanes. This materialism displays that only the noblest have the high quality belongings. Another sense of materialism in the epic was when Beowulf kept Grendel’s claw after their fight. This action infers that Beowulf would not have gotten the credit if he did not show some sort of proof to the Danes. Beowulf is very fond of his sword. Later in the epic he duels the dragon and relies on his sword to help defeat the creatures like always. The sword was a big part of his life. It was always there to help Beowulf when he needed it and once it did not work on the dragon, Beowulf was in complete

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