Ladee Calhoun
Hamilton
British Literature
1 October 2015
The Ruler
After the fall of Roman Empire was the rise of a new religion, Christianity. The Christianity religion was the doctrine or belief that there is only one god which differ the Roman culture. The poet as historian is known as the scop in the Anglo-Saxon culture. To understand culture, one has to understand the belief set. The hero is the most dominant archetype in Beowulf because it deals with the fraternity warrior’s culture. Although the pluralism of Anglo-Saxon culture is very similar to our American culture, the archetype of The Ruler takes place in America today because everyone wants to take control and have power over their own lives and others around.
In Literature, an Archetype is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal pattern or human nature. There are many set archetypes; The Innocent, The Lover, and The Rebel. However, the one that dominates the most in Anglo-Saxon culture is the Hero. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (Beowulf’s Last Battle 607-610). In Anglo-Saxon culture being boastful and prideful is praised because it is a characteristic of a Hero. The poem itself was named after Beowulf to show that he was the dominant hero, the one who stood in the spotlight. “Then he stepped to another still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws, grasped at a strong-hearted wakeful sleeper” (Beowulf 268-270). That night, Hrothgar threw a huge party for the brave Geats and Beowulf was the only man in the hall who was sober and awake. He had the foresight to not get drunk and pretend to sleep because he knew the monsters would come. Once again Beowulf is demonstrating the Anglo-Saxon culture existence by taking charge for what's to come.
The ancient archetype can still be valuable in contemporary times. One Man Can Change the World by Kanye West represents values that are up most the minds of contemporary Americans, thus The Ruler is the dominant archetype. The Ruler archetype inspires man to take responsibility for his own life and the society at large.
“She raised the kids, then the kids’ kids, and she did it right; Taught me how to love, taught me how to fly. All my life you’ve been that angel in disguise saying I hope you learn to make it on your own and If you love yourself just know your never be alone.” (West 51-56)
By all means, one Individual can be so powerful to a point where they’re not only successful within themselves, but they are successful and powerful enough to take care and pass on their values to other generations. In spite of family and power, The Ruler can also represent the desire to control with no defeat. “I be shinin’, they be shinin’, get your one shot don’t you miss it” (West 25). Going back to Beowulf, he is a man of control and power who has not been defeated. Each time he has done one of his deeds, he never missed his shot and comes out on top each time. Where there is a will, there is a way. Some may say that for the contemporary American the Hero archetype is still the prevailing archetype. This is untrue because the characteristics of The Ruler is valued today, rather than The Hero. One values poetry, or something simply as a song choice may demonstrate The Ruler’s archetype existence in the American culture.
“I hope that you get everything you want and that you chose
I hope that it's the realest thing that you ever know
Hope you get the pretty girls, that's pretty at everything
Million dollar cribs havin' million dollar dreams
And when you get it all just remember one thing
That one man could change the world.” (West 5-10)
People aren’t looking for a Hero anymore, they're looking for ways out to take control and power of their life. In American culture, showing responsibility and leadership is praised because it shows how independent one is and also the characteristics of The Ruler. “Went to war, came back alive: On top of that became a female black captain, when being black you had to extra extra try” (West 45-47). Today, one may fear that they are at a disadvantage to achieving their own success based off the opinions of others; rather its race or sexuality. Rulers often take it upon themselves to be the judge of the situation and turn it into a greater good. Whereas, The Hero is always needing another battle to fight to prove to others instead of oneself. To many, the songs and poetry of the people seems like simply entertainment, but as we can see through the study of Beowulf and a contemporary song: music and poetry is so much more. Today people live in an age in which language become secondary. Behind the words of music and poetry, there is always a deeper meaning that relates to someone or something. The song One Man Can Change the World by Kanye West represents an archetype that dominates contemporary American culture, The Ruler. This song may bring meaning to what goes on in people's daily lives, Rather than the poem Beowulf during ancient times. Beowulf is the symbol of a Hero, which brings a whole different meaning to what is important to people in America today. Both, The Ruler and The Hero believe what they do is for the better of society; However the Ruler stands as the Leader in the American culture.