A Comparison Between the World of Beowulf and Modern America :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

A Comparison amidst the World of Beowulf and Modern AmericaDespite numerous cultural and scientific advancements, sustenance in modern America continues to bear resemblance to the Anglo-Saxon world. Although it may take time and some loss of pride to take away it, since characteristics of hu bit nature have stayed the same, from drub place to personal relationships, the similarities amid the two worlds are uncanny.Comitatus, an agreement between a lord and his thanes, may seem a little strange at first. However, a imminent look reveals a striking similarity between that code and todays work place. A lord or the modern-day boss chooses the best thanes/workers in the land through their experience in battle or a resume of previous employment. The lord/boss provides his thanes/employees with a share of his riches/salaries. In return, a thane/employee promises to remain loyal to his lord/boss, ready to swoon in battle or at the office, finishing a jut before a deadline. If a ba ttle is won or a deal is closed, an ideal lord/boss, whose greatest characteristic is generosity, will set apart the treasure among his thanes, or award a big bonus correspond to his employees. A violation of this agreement results in the exile/firing of the thane/employee, and a loss of livelihood followed by shame and embarrassment. The Anglo-Saxon standards of a faithful leader can be further seen in the modern American political process. The quotation referring to the good prince who by giving splendid gifts charm still in his fathers house makes sure that later in life beloved companions will stand by him, that the people will run him when war comes ( Norton p.27 ) provides a formula for political success. People tend to estimate and vote for candidates who seem to offer the greatest rewards, such as tax revenue cuts or needed legislation. Furthermore, those who support a candidate expect favors in return if that candidate is elected, just as gifts and bribes have become a way of retaining loyalty and trust. Even the idea of a smear weight-lift existed in Anglo-Saxon culture and can be seen when Unferth twists the truth close to Beowulfs competition with Breca for he would not all(prenominal)ow that any other man of middle-earth should ever achieve more glory under the heavens than himself. ( Norton p.33 ) end-to-end the poem, similarities between personal relationships then and now are evident. Betrayal indoors a family, murder caused by jealousy, and marriage for the wrong reasons are all themes in Beowulf, yet a look at todays soap operas, call down shows, and movies reveals that little has changed.