Anglo-Saxon Social Structure

FONTS

Anglo-Saxon Social Structure

By Jawaad Amin, Umair Hafeez, Ramon Ramirez, Giovan Rodriguez

Relevance to Beowulf (cont'd.)

Explanation

Ms. Tovarez

English IV AP/DC

Period 7

An example of a character's role based on his social status presents

itself in the form of Shield Sheafson. Early on in Beowulf, Heaney describes Shield Sheafson's competence as a king:

A foundling to start with, he would flourish later on

as his powers waxed and his worth was proved.

In the end each clan on the outlying coasts

beyond the whale-road had to yield to him

and begin to pay tribute. That was one good king. (Heaney 3)

This administrative prowess was demanded from Sheafson due to

his position as the king of the Danes. According to the article "Anglo-Saxon Culture," Anglo-Saxon kings were required to "display the heroic ideal and be known for an extraordinary and courageous feat or for success in war" (Delahoyde). As the king of the Danes, it was only natural for Sheafson to fulfill the requirements of his position in the Anglo-Saxon social hierarchy by displaying bravery and success as a leader.

The Anglo-Saxon social hierarchy provided an organized workforce,

a rugged army, and a powerful administration. This structure suited a society's needs during that time period as it fulfilled the resources required to improve one's living conditions, and expand one's dominance over a region by conquering new territories.

The king positioned himself "at the top of the social system." Below

the king were the eolderman who were "responsible for administration and justice." The next class down the social ladder was the ðegn (thane). The ðegn "formed the backbone of the Anglo-Saxon army." Below the ðegn were the ceorls, "freemen, farmers and independent landed householders who formed the mainstay of the Saxon kingdom." The people at the bottom of Anglo-Saxon social hierarchy were "the ðeow - slaves or bondsmen. Although ðeow were slaves they did have many rights" (Levick).

Definition

Anglo-Saxon social structure is defined as a system of social hierarchy in which absolute power belongs to the king. The social ranks begin to lower from the powerful position of the king, eventually reaching the lowest rank of Anglo-Saxon society which is the position of a slave.

Relevance to Beowulf

Topic's Application to Literary Analysis

According to "The History of Beowulf," an article published by Pace

University, out of the "30,000 lines of literature left from the Anglo-Saxon period, almost 4,000 lines are preserved in the text of Beowulf" ("The History of Beowulf"). This fact indicates the Anglo-Saxon foundation of Beowulf. Since Beowulf is the embodiment of certain aspects of Anglo-Saxon history and poetry, one can understand the relevance of social structure within the lines of Beowulf. Depending on the social status of a character, the reader will be able to understand the importance and role of that character within the Anglo-Saxon world.

The knowledge of Anglo-Saxon social structure can be applied to

literature that either contains Anglo-Saxon themes, or is entirely based on a setting revolving around the Anglo-Saxon time period. By understanding the power granted and restraints enforced through the Anglo-Saxon social hierarchy, one can identify the reasons that contribute to a character's actions and position in an Anglo-Saxon world.