Comparing Beowulf And The Wife Of Bath - 1553 Words

Beowulf and The Wife of Bath Tale: The Battle of the Sexes Women from the beginning of time have been determined to make their mark in the world of a so-called man s world. Women believed they deserved the right to express their opinions about family matters as well as business affairs. The women in Beowulf and The Wife of Bath Tale have different issues, however they are for all the same reason: be heard by the power dominating sex. In the eighth century men were thought of as being superior to women. In the fourteenth century women played roles that made them feel superior over males. Both poems illustrate how women were used as symbols by powerful men to support their nobility. The opposing dynamics of the feeble women in Beowulf†¦show more content†¦Her main job was to serve drinks, socialize among the kings and warriors, and help bring peace between the soldiers. Hildeburh obeyed her husband s wishes and was obligated to follow through with his demands. This was another example of how women were used by men. Her father gave her to Finn for the purpose of eliminating conflicts and disputes between the tribes. By assisting her husband with these dilemmas, his image was refined and he perceived himself more prominent among his peers (Grayson). The Wife of Bath in The Wife of Bath Tale had no problem in dominating the men. She said she knew what men wanted and she knew how to get it when she wanted it. The Wife of Bath considered herself an expert on men and marriage since she had been wed five times by the age of twelve. In Beowulf, Wealhtheow and Hygd were both queens and hosted functions and events for the kings and the tribesman. Queen Wealhtheow, wife of Hrothgar, was well known as the mistress of Heorot Hall. Her main concern was that her son s, Hrethric and Hrothmund, became the rightful heirs to the throne in the possibility of the king s death. Wealhtheow was fearful that Beowulf would attain the throne for himself. Hygd, wife of Hygelac, was wise and intelligent in her role as queen, but was worried about the ability of her heir to rule the kingdom after her husband s death. Queen Hygd offered Beowulf the crown, but he convinced her to award her son, Heardred, the honor of becoming KingShow MoreRelatedEssay on Ideal Women vs Real Women in Beowulf and The Wife of Bath1486 Words   |  6 Pageschallenges a man belief; and does not symbolize perfect women. In the epic poem Beowulf majority of the characters are males; with the exception of a few females in the poem. When going back to the information of the women in Beowulf; there are some concepts that define women. One is being that women have assertive and firm role. The mother of Grendel is a female character that becomes a threat to the Danes, as well as Beowulf. Then it became clear, Obvious to everyone once the fight was over, That