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

A Comparison Between the World of Beowulf and Modern the StatesDespite numerous cultural and technological advancements, life in modern America continues to bear resemblance to the Anglo-Saxon world. Although it may take time and some loss of pride to admit it, since characteristics of human nature have stayed the same, from work positioning to personal relationships, the similarities between the two worlds are uncanny.Comitatus, an agreement between a lord and his thanes, may seem a little strange at first. However, a closer looking for 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 wealth/salaries. In return, a thane/employee promises to remain loyal to his lord/boss, ready to die in battle or at the office, finishing a project before a deadline. If a battle is won or a deal is closed, an ideal lord/boss, whose greatest characteristic is generosity, volition divide the treasure among his thanes, or confront a big bonus check to his employees. A violation of this agreement results in the exile/firing of the thane/employee, and a loss of livelihood followed by pity and embarrassment. The Anglo-Saxon standards of a good leader can be further seen in the modern American political process. The quotation referring to the good prince who by liberal splendid gifts while still in his fathers house makes sure that later in life beloved companions will stand by him, that the people will serve him when war comes ( Norton p.27 ) provides a formula for political success. People tend to favor and vote for candidates who seem to offer the greatest rewards, such as taxation 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 counseling of retaining loyalty and trust. Even the idea of a smear campaign existed in Anglo-Saxon culture and can be seen when Unferth twists the truth about Beowulfs competition with Breca for he would not allow that any other man of middle-earth should ever achieve more glory under the heavens than himself. ( Norton p.33 )Throughout the poem, similarities between personal relationships wherefore and now are evident. Betrayal within a family, murder caused by jealousy, and marriage for the wrong reasons are all themes in Beowulf, yet a look at todays soap operas, talk shows, and movies reveals that little has changed.