Topic > Analysis of Beowulf's Women - 1361

Most of the characteristics used to present Queen Hygd distinguish her as one of a kind. Since the queen is said to be generous and fair, it is inferred that she knows how to treat her people. The use of diction is important because it suggests whether a queen is ideal or not. All the hostile diction used to describe Queen Modthryt infers that women should not behave obnoxiously, otherwise they will be criticized. The poet suggests that a woman should not possess destructive characteristics because it is her duty to be kind and attentive. While contrasting Queen Hygd and Queen Modthryt, it is important to note that their marital status aided their image of being either compassionate or treacherous. The role of men is emphasized because it suggests that a man is needed to keep a woman well-mannered. The poet suggests that women are highly dependent on men because they know how to lead. Only if a woman follows the righteous ways of a man will she be able to lead a society positively. The role of the man is underlined because he will use his dominance and his reason to eliminate the negative side of the woman for the good of the other.