In his 1970 monograph, “On the medieval Origins of the Modern State,” Joseph Strayer remarked, “In an age of violence most men sought, above everything else, peace and security. There were pressures at all levels to strengthen weak governments so hat they could perform their minimum duties of defense against internal and external disturbers of peace.” To what extent does the text of Beowulf either prove or falsify this statement? What is the role of government, …showed first 75 words of 1136 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1136 total…mead hall. When the author first introduces Wealhtheow to his audience, she immediately falls into her role as peaceful greeter and cocktail waitress. The author writes, "Then Wealhtheow came forth, folk-queen of the Danes daughter of Helmingas and Hrothgar's bedmate. She hailed all of them, spoke her peace-words stepped to the gift-throne, fetched to her king the first ale-cup" (612-616). Arafat, Barak Head for a Chilly Desert Summit http://www.time.com/time/daily/0,2960,57794,00.html