Like many other epic poems, Beowulf was designed to be recited orally. To alleviate the difficulty of such a laborious undertaking, the speeches delivered during the epic are sparse and establish an implicit aura of importance within the composition. These gaps in the narrative serve a range of effective literary functions, from displaying the nature of the central characters to indicating a narrative transition. However, speech in the poem also acts as a method of demonstrating power, therefore those who are given speaking passages tend to have greater prominence. Observing Beowulf's speech with this sentiment in mind highlights the hierarchy of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom as well as the implications of societal expectations. In this regard, the speech acts in the poem provide insight into the patriarchal gender dynamics present during this time in history. The vast majority of women in the poem occupy diminutive roles and are either silent or anonymous, with the exception of Wealhtheow. Although her presence is brief, the queen's voice appears as an essential element in understanding the importance and capabilities of women within the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Anglo-Saxon culture was full of stories of nobility and valiant heroism, and the story of Beowulf is no exception. Reflecting on the spread of speaking passages in the epic, the text is dominated by androcentrism; emphasizing a social hierarchy built on glory, loyalty to the crown, and physical prowess, among other masculine achievements. The culture's romanticization of masculinity and honor is particularly evident after Aeschere's death, with Beowulf proclaiming “The days on earth for each of us / are numbered; he who can should gain fame before his death; it is the best memorial of a warrior when he has left this world.” However, despite the cultural conflation of masculinity and status, a close examination of wealth proves that women were not simply docile instruments that their kings could command. Due to the historical context, women's action was not absent, but simply limited to the confines of patriarchy. After Grendel is defeated by Beowulf, a joyful celebration ensues in Heorot. Emerging from the clamor of the mead hall, Wealhtheow's entrance exudes an imposing aura as she takes her seat: The hall echoed with joy, Waves of noise burst along the pews; the cupbearers carried the wine in glorious containers. Amid the fervor of victory, Hrothgar extends a familial kinship to Beowulf, although his own sons are direct successors to the throne. Wealhtheow's treatment of Hrothgar shows his majesty as well as implications of greater political significance. Her role as ritual cupbearer not only reinforces her primacy as queen, but also gives her a platform on which to speak. In her request to Hrothgar, she urges him to be generous to Beowulf and his men, but to be wary of introducing him into the Dane line. Instead, she pleads for her nephew Hrothulf to succeed her, ultimately ensuring the continuity of her house and reminding Hrothgar of the obligation he bears to his loved ones. Although Beowulf possesses physical prowess and honor of monumental proportions, Wealhtheow is obviously disturbed by the recklessness of her husband's decision to erase her lineage. By securing his family's inheritance, Wealhtheow overturns the notion of powerlessness.