Gender in Beowulf: Textual Construction of Patriarchy and Masculinity

EXAMINING THE REPRESENTATION OF GENDER IN BEOWULF: A POSTMODERN ANALYSIS OF A TEXTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF PATRIARCHY AND MASCULINITY
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Beowulf, the epic poem composed between the 8th and 9th centuries, stands out among its peers as a powerful testament to the construction of masculinity and patriarchy in Western culture. Through its 3,182 lines of alliterative wildness, the poem showcases its characters' attempts to grapple with the idea of good leadership and how to maintain the title of 'good king.' This paper explores how Beowulf constructs its version of masculinity and patriarchy and continues to influence literature today. Using a postmodern lens to analyze Beowulf critically, this paper will explore how these masculine ideals were perpetuated through literature and how they can still be seen in modern works.
Beowulf is widely recognized as a representation of masculinity that emphasizes traditional ideals of bravery, strength, and prowess in battle. In the poem, Beowulf is depicted as an iconic hero who displays forte and valor in the face of adversity, which in turn serves to bolster the male-dominated social order. According to Heaney, “Beowulf is a man of courage and a mighty fighter…His heroic bearing and ready response to every challenge bring him distinction and fame. p23.” These characteristics exemplify the prevailing notion of manly honor and courage and are used to construct a symbolic notion of being a man. In addition, Beowulf is characterized as an idealized warrior who can slay enemies and easily conquer all obstacles. This highlights traditional masculine power, whereby men are expected to be strong, resilient, and courageous in the face of danger. As Cavell states, “These characters’ monstrous bodies echo the valued artifacts of the human world, to the extent they embody the precious objects of armor and weaponry (p. 158).” These depictions of masculine gallantry and power promote patriarchy, where men are assumed to be superior to women and are seen as the ultimate source of authority.[Heaney, Seamus. 2000. “From Beowulf: A Special APR Supplement.” The American Poetry Review 29 (1): 21–28. /stable/27783312.] [Cavell, Megan. 2014. “Constructing the Monstrous Body in Beowulf.” Anglo-Saxon England 43: 155–81. /stable/26326811.]
With its heroic themes, Beowulf is often seen as an embodiment of masculinity. The protagonist is an archetypal hero, a sturdy and daring warrior expected to take risks and show valor in the face of danger. This expected behavior reinforces certain ideals of masculinity, such as strength and courage, and suggests that these are the key characteristics of a true man. The expectation of taking risks and demonstrating courage is further highlighted by the poem's many references to heroism and the hero’s willingness to risk his own life for the good of others. The poem indicates, “He rose in the realm   and became a famous warlord, fighting dawn to dusk ferociously.” By presenting this version of masculinity as the ideal, Beowulf reinforces that male behavior should follow certain patterns and expectations. Furthermore, this heroic figure reinforc...