Discussion of Differences between Beowulf and Thorstein

Discussion of Differences between Beowulf and Thorstein

1. Create a character sketch of the former "fierce viking," Thorarin, Thorstein's father. He appears in paragraphs 1, 5-13, 47-48, and 67-75. Compare his attitudes about reputation and revenge to the attitudes of Beowulf about the same things.

2. In Beowulf fame is a key value; in "Thorstein the Staff-Struck" the related value of reputation is a key motivation for several people. What's the difference in viewpoint between Beowulf and "Thorstein the Staff-Struck"?

The subject of Bjarni's reputation comes up in paragraphs 24 & 31-33.
The subject of Thorstein's reputation comes up in paragraphs 3-17.

3. Explain the differences between the portrayal of women in Beowulf and in "Thorstein the Staff-Struck"

After the killing of Thord, the woman to whom Thorstein speaks is apparently a servant. She appears in paragraphs 17-22.
Bjarni's wife, Rannveig, appears in paragraphs 31-40.

4. There is a grim fatalism throughout Beowulf; in "Thorstein the Staff-Struck," paragraphs 55-64, Thorstein talks not about fate, but about luck. Just what does Thorstein mean by "luck"? (Pay particular attention to paragraph 64, in which Thorstein says that if he had chopped off Bjarni's head when he had the chance, that would have been because his bad luck was stronger that Bjarni's good luck.) What's the difference in viewpoint between Beowulf and "Thorstein the Staff-Struck"?