Beowulf, one of English's first masterpieces, was a tale that depicted many values of the Anglo-Saxons" society and culture. In fact, Beowulf criticizes many of the values the Anglo-Saxons uphold. During the Anglo-Saxon period, many wars were fought and much bloodshed was used to claim certain territories. Through these hard and violent times, the people of the time were very protective of their self-interests and own social standings. Throughout the poetry, the characters" interaction between one another, questions the major belief of self-interest in the Anglo-Saxons" culture through speech and actions.
Beowulf's criticism through speech can be clearly understood in the dialog between Beowulf (the hero of the tale) and Unferth (a jealous warrior of Beowulf) as they exchange insults with one another:.
Are you the Beowulf that strove with Breca.
In a swimming match in the open sea,.
Both of you wantonly tempting the waves,.
Risking your lives on the lonely deep.
For a silly boast? No man could dissuade you,.
Nor friend nor foe, from the foolhardy venture. (389-394).
As Unferth attempts to make a fool out of Beowulf, Unferth presents the Anglo-Saxons" value that everyone has to compete with one another to become the best in the society. Thus Beowulf replies:.
My good friend Unferth, addled with beer.
Much have you made of the deeds of Breca!.
I count it true that I had more courage,.
More strength in swimming than any other man.
In our youth we boasted - we were both of us boys - .
We would risk our lives in the raging sea. (406-411).
Beowulf's speech made Unferth feel unworthy as a noble thane, as the public realized that the society is based on a reality of negative comments and heroic deeds; the image of self-interest is strongly criticized.
Self-interest is also portrayed through the actions of Beowulf and his "noble" men. The two scenes that can demonstrate the author's intention on criticizing the Anglo-Saxons" values are the battle of the dragon and the battle of Grendel's mother.