Question

1. the connection on p.40, \life in 999: a grim struggle,\ describes daily life in late anglo - saxon england. what details in this picture of daily life relate to what youve read so far in beowulf? how does life in 999 compare with life today? abortion was considered homicide, a woman who terminated a pregnancy was expelled from church, taxes were levied on youths who did not marry upon coming of age

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze the details:

1. *Relating to Beowulf**: Beowulf reflects Anglo - Saxon society, where the church (Christianity, as it was spreading) and social norms (like marriage expectations) were important. The church’s stance on abortion (treating it as homicide, expelling women) shows the religious influence, similar to how Beowulf has Christian - influenced themes (even as it blends with pagan traditions). The marriage - related tax shows societal pressure on marriage, which could relate to the communal/societal structures in Beowulf*’s world.

1. Comparing to today: Today, abortion laws vary but are not universally seen as homicide; church expulsion for abortion is rare. Marriage is not mandatory (no tax for unmarried adults), and social norms around marriage are more flexible. So life in 999 was more regulated by church and state in personal choices (reproduction, marriage) than today’s more individualistic and legally - secular (in many regions) approach.

Answer:

Relating to Beowulf:

The church’s influence (treating abortion as homicide, expelling women) aligns with Beowulf’s Christian - influenced Anglo - Saxon context. The marriage - tax reflects societal pressure on marriage, similar to communal structures in Beowulf’s world.

Comparing to today:

Life in 999 was more regulated by church/state in personal choices (e.g., abortion, marriage). Today, abortion laws are less punitive, marriage is not mandatory, and norms are more flexible.