Feminism In Anglo Saxon Period

Women have always played a significant role not only when it comes to looking from a historical perspective, but also literature.

During Anglo-Saxon period feminism was a non-existent phenomenon, while the man became the main protagonist of most literary works. Starting from „Beowulf”written by an unknown author,women are portayed in two different but also contrasting ways. Firstly, they can be divided into peaceful,kind creatures who host the mead to men and according to Dorothy Carr Porter from Western Michigan University they are also called hostesses and peaceweavers.

Personally, I would suggest that the first group of women should be represented by both queens: Queen Wealththeow and Queen Hildeburh. Queen Wealththeow is mentioned in the poem mostly as a symbol of peace, reconciliation between two fighting tribes.

„Comes Wealhtheow forth[…]of this cup,my king and lord,breaker of rings,and blithe be thou[..]A cup she gave him,with kindly greeting and winsome words.”(Beowulf,lines 1166,1197)

Queen Hildeburh is presented in a similiar way. Despite the loss of her loved ones, she remained strong, moreover keeping all the important characteristics of a peaceweaver.

„Hildeburh needed not hold in value her enemies’ honor! Innocent both were the loved ones she lost at the linden-play,bairn and brother,they bowed to fate,sticken by spears;’twas a sorrowful woman!”(Beowulf,lines 1075-1080)

Referring to the division created by Dorothy Carr Porter the second group of women are monsters. To my way of thinking the most well-known representative would be the Mother of Grendel herself. Although,she is not a human being, her feminine role as a mother is noticeable without a doubt. Being one of the most powerful creatures, the monstrosity acts more like a stereotypical Anglo-Saxon warrior than a woman. She is strong,vigilant and hungry for revenge. She is desperate to protect her child and willing to put up a fight without any hesitation. These two ways of portraying women are in contrast to each other,however they show how differ the perception of a woman can actually be: from dedicated and gentle Queen to a brave mother.

Moving on to the Middle Ages,women were forced to face many struggles and they could not achieve much by working with their own hands,instead of this they had to rely on the help from men.

“They lived very much in the present,aware that they might experience good fortune or disaster and that death might strike at any age.” (Jennifer Ward 2006:12)

They were expected to fulfill their natural role as a mother, lady of heart. Women were supposed to be the purest and most innocent as much as it would be possible, thus becoming similar to the holy image of Mary: the Virgin and Mother of Christ. Giving birth to a child and at the same time keeping the façade of purity was not possible to accomplish.

“The lives of most women encompassed the cycle of birth,marriage,motherhood and death.”(Jennifer Ward 2006:15)

The Medieval period has brought a revolution to literature not only in the form of Chivalric romance itself, but also in the form of a whole new perspective in which women are now seen.

They are no longer side characters, in fact they play an important role in the course of events. A good example of this phenomenon would be “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight”. Women here are strong-willed and often overshadow men with their resourcefulness. Two feminine characters perfectly fit into this example: Morgan le Fay and Lady Bercilak. They both were described as a powerful enchantresses whose powers are strong enough to charm the men and set everything in motion.

“Morgan the goddess

Therefore is her name;

No one,however haughty,

Or proud she cannot tame.”

(“Sir Gawain and The Green Knight,lines 2455-255,translation by James Winny)

A smiliar approach to a female character can be seen in “The Miller’s Tale” written by Geoffrey Chaucer. One of the main protagonists is young Allison, a strong manipulative lady who is aware of her perfect appearance, thanks to which she can successfully seduce men.

On one hand she wants to remain pure, but on the other she still is perceived by men as the object of desire which corresponds to the medieval image of women.

The Renaissance period has brought even more changes. Women from noble families were able to receive proper education including foreign languages and music. The same situation can also be observed in literature. In “The Passionate Shepherd to his Love” written by Christopher Marlowe we can no longer witness any references to religion. Instead there is only nature,feelings and love for a specific lady. A similar approach to feelings can be observed in “Richard III” William Shakespeare. Women portrayed in this work are subject to their own feelings of sadness and misery. According to the summary written by Shirley Galloway:

“The women of this play function as voices of protest and morality.”

At the same time they play an important role of the voice of conscience. For example,Lady Anne judges Richards actions in a very rough but also clear way:

“And, by despairing, shouldst thou stand excused;

For doing worthy vengeance on thyself,

Which didst unworthy slaughter upon others.” (W.Shakespeare,Richard III:lines 261-263)

On the other side, Lady Anne, Queen Elizabeth and Margaret are somewhat dimmed by men.

In regard to the play, they do not have much to change or even affect the course of events itself. They are aware of Richard’s actions, by which they draw accurate conclusions from them, but they are not able to affect his behaviour.

The role of women in literature has certainly influenced the way how we perceive them today. From loving mothers to brave warriors, they created an impressive variety of characters who are still recognizable in our modern times. All of them had to face the difficult tasks imposed on them either by fate or difficult situations in which they found themselves. Each of them should be treated with respect regardless of the role, because there is an interesting story behind each one.