Beowulf Essay Part Deux: Ms. Beowulf

     A feminist version of Beowulf would keep the storyline with a few minor changes to the character. Beowulf would become a woman with might and power to show that women can be as strong as men. Ms. Beowulf would be surrounded with women at her side as knights not as servants. But due to the context of the story's time, there would be rejection of a strong female leader saving a kingdom and then becoming the leader of that country. Beowulf, from a feminist's point of view, would cherish a strong female character emotionally and physically within her community, but  would be rejected by patriarchal kingdoms due to worn gender roles.
     A feminist would depict women as equal to men. To prove that equality, the feminist author would create a character (Ms. Beowulf) to compare her might, honor, and pride to that of a man's. Ms. Beowulf would contain both physical and emotional abilities. For example, she would contain the superhuman strength that Beowulf possesses to defeat Grendel and his mother and save Hrothgar's kingdom. Ms. Beowulf would also surround herself with men and women alike, who have physical capabilities and honor. But along with incredible strength, Ms. Beowulf would have a strict, perhaps more harsh code of honor than Beowulf would because she would make sure that those that served as her knights would not backstab her. The female Beowulf would also have a very high sense of pride because social situations and honor would be important, but that pride would be less intensified. She would ask for help from her fellow knights and would expect them to help and not run away. if Ms. Beowulf were to die, she would still crave an elaborate funeral.
    The feminist version of Beowulf would be respected within her own community, but she would face struggle in the outer world where gender roles had a strong ground to stand on. Despite being condemned for being a woman on the battlefield, Ms. Beowulf's help would still be desired, although not cherished. Hrothgar would be ecstatic that Ms. Beowulf killed Grendel, but would probably treat her as another woman in that era. When Hrothgar dies, the kingdom would turn to Ms. Beowulf for leadership and she would gladly take on a powerful role.
     Beowulf portrayed through a feminist's view would keep the storyline the same for the most part. Ms. Beowulf would be a dynamic, heroic character that is honored in her clan, but would have  difficulty getting respect from other places. Ms. Beowulf would gain physical and emotional strength, allowing her to advance her respect in those other places.