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Examples Of Materialism In Beowulf

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These lines were spoken by an unnamed rider, who has come to deliver the news of Beowulf’s death. He recounts the bloody history between the Swedes and the Geats, and then reminds all present how Beowulf has “kept our coffers and our kingdom safe” (3004). Naturally, as the king “keenest to win fame” (3182), Beowulf is then rewarded with a supremely grand funeral pyre. Despite just having sacrificed his life to win the enormous hoard of treasure guarded by the dragon, he decides to burn it at his funeral to honor himself. Having fought so hard to win this prize, why is he now completely disposing of it to satisfy a funeral that he will not even really attend? I believe that these lines raise a meaningful question about materialism in Beowulf’s culture. For example, lines 3010-3011 read, “His royal pyre / will melt no small amount of gold:” It indicates specifically that the grandeur of Beowulf’s final resting place will be worthy of royalty, and that a considerable amount of valuable gold will be sacrificed in it. Additionally, the text points out how no follower nor lovely woman will be able to make use of these treasures, even though he is regarded as “the man most gracious” and “kindest to his people” (3182). This portrays Beowulf as an incredibly materialistic individual who has to satisfy …show more content…
For instance, Wiglaf admonished the deserters, saying, “the lord of men who showered you with gifts and gave you the armor…” (2865-2866). If Beowulf’s companions had truly followed him loyally, they would not have broken and run. However, they stood with Beowulf only for the materialistic rewards that it brings them, and it showed when the time came. Furthermore, we see that after the slaying of Grendel and his mother, Beowulf keeps trophies: Grendel’s arm and his mother’s head. It doesn’t satisfy Beowulf to have just killed them, he would rather retain physical

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