We finished Beowulf today and most of you seemed to get it and even somewhat enjoy it. I would like to know what characteristics of Beowulf as an epic hero do you think are still respected in our society today? Are there elements of the Anglo-Saxon code of honor that are held dear in America in 2009?
Posted by A. Davis at 4:23 PM
I want to use this blog as a multi-purpose blog for my English IV AP class. I will be posting the weekly schedule on here, as well as any assignments. My favorite part is probably to showcase wonderful writing and projects! I also will probably post some school/class news at times. Finally, and the most important part to you twenty-eight over-achievers, is that I will be putting a few postings per unit and the students are required to post a comment (a THOUGHTFUL comment) every unit. These comments should take the form of an online discussion, where you read all of the comments before yours and then make a contribution. Each unit will have a blogging grade attached to it. I am looking forward to the semester both in the classroom as well as online! :)
7 comments:
Though in today's society, numerous values of the Anglo- Saxon code are disappearing, many are still around. For example, honor for our heroes is shown all of the time when we hold veteran's day ceremonies, moments of silence for those lost in battle, and honor and support for those currently over seas.However, I think we could do better. :)
I think the Anglo-Saxon beliefs of honor and courage are still around to this day. There are some people that still live to the old ways of honor. My parents have always taught me honor. Courage will always be a serious part of our lives. Without the courage of some people we wouldn't be able to live the way we do.
-Nick Hape
While some of the rules of chivalry are no longer completely relevant (i.e. waiting for an opponent to remount his horse before attacking or dismounting yourself), the basic ideas are still around and are still honorable. We still strive to play and fight fairly, and virtues like courtesy, compassion, and truthfulness are instilled in children at a young age. Our knights now don bullet-proof vests instead of mail-shirts (Beowulf), but even they pledge their allegiance to protect their leader and their country.
Interesting way to put it, Erica. :)
I believe that there are still a few people out there who live by the old Anglo-Saxon ways. For example a firefighter who, much like Beowulf, doesn't take a second thought to charging into a burning building to rescue some helpless person putting themselves at risk in the process.
I think the most widely recognized rule of chivalry used today is honoring heroes. Soldiers are respected and admired for their bravery, which could be interpreted as another piece of chivalric code. Those two aside, I think the world today could use more chivalry.
Although the themes of chivalry are not quite as prevalent today as the used to be, I think there are still several aspects of it that are valued. For example, loyalty to one's country is still very important in today's society. Truthfulness, strength, service, and courage are additional examples of virtues that are favored today. One of Beowulf's traits that I think is particularly important in our culture is protecting the poor and weak; here in the United States, we are encouraged to reach out to help other countries in need. This can be seen in recent events, namely the earthquake in Haiti and the U.S.'s response to it.
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