Disraelis policy during the Bulgarian Crisis of 1876 Essay Example for Free

Disraelis policy during the Bulgarian Crisis of 1876 Essay To what extent was Gladstones religion the driving force behind his attempt to sabotage Disraelis policy during the Bulgarian Crisis of 1876? Of all the Bulgarian atrocities perhaps the greatest1 was the label Disraeli ascribed to Gladstones 1876 pamphlet The Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of the East, which concentrated into a single utterance a profoundly excited public mood struggling for articulation.2 With the publication of this pamphlet, Gladstone effectively undermined Disraelis policy of unwavering support for the Turks in the face of the Bulgarian massacres, and emerged at the forefront of the Bulgarian Agitation. The popular pressure that ensued ultimately forced Disraeli to abandon any overt military support of the Ottoman Empire, and to declare neutrality in the issue. While the consequences of Gladstones action are known, his reasons for involving himself in the debate are questionable. Gladstones fervent religious beliefs could have provided the main impetus for his involvement, but other arguments, such as his intervention being an anti-Conservative political strategy, are perhaps more plausible given an examination of the evidence. In examining this issue, it is important to understand the depth of contempt that Gladstone and Disraeli held for each others foreign policy. It was not their principles that differed: both believed in a policy of non-intervention in European affairs except for in those that could impact British interests. However, their methods were entirely different. Disraeli believed very strongly in the ruling right and superiority of the established aristocracy in Britain, and this certainly transferred across to his foreign policy, as illustrated by his endorsement of Austrian aristocratic Habsburg rule in Italy in 1851. He felt that Britain had a duty to Europe as the wealthiest and most powerful Empire, and that this would best be served by preserving British influence and furthering the spread of the British Empire. Gladstone also wished to preserve British interests, but often found this to conflict with his nationalism, sympathy with the unalienable rights of smaller nations to their nationhood3. In terms of Italy, therefore, Gladstone could not support Austrian rule because it contravened his nationalistic beliefs, despite the fact that Habsburg domination could have proved more beneficial to Britain. This is mirrored in his stance in the arbitration of the Alabama settlement: Gladstone appeared to capitulate to American demands as opposed to supporting British interests, as he believed that it was the most moral course of action. It was from these differences that the deep opposition to each others foreign policy was born. Disraeli saw Gladstones policy as counter-productive in terms of British interests, accusing him of wanting to dismantle the Empire, while Gladstone found Disraeli to be far too much of an imperialist and insensitive to the rights of foreign nations. Disraeli not only poured scorn on Gladstones foreign affairs, but also disliked his dogmatic religion. It is possible that the modern focus on Gladstone as a highly religious politician was brought about by Disraelis very public attacks on his fervent religious beliefs. Disraeli held nothing but scorn for Gladstones religion, and talked with disdain of him always preaching, praying, speechifying or scribbling4. For Disraeli, Gladstone used his religion to mask his true intentions to appear pious while actually manipulating and manoeuvring his way through politics. Perhaps it is Disraelis emphasis on ridiculing Gladstones religious beliefs that has inspired the concept that he was first and foremost a highly religious man. However, the general consensus is that Gladstones Evangelical upbringing led to a strong sense of religious morality that could be said to have permeated all aspects of his life, including his politics. In modern Britain it would rarely be expected for a Prime Minister to admit to religion colouring their policies: as Alastair Campbell famously declared, we dont do God. Blairs revelation that he ultimately looked to religion for his decision in declaring war on Iraq was frowned upon by many who felt that personal beliefs and convictions should not have an impact on decisions that will affect whole countries. However, in the far more religious Britain of 1876 this was not so controversial. Religious issues permeated every aspect of life, including law and politics. The attitudes of the day are clearly demonstrated in the Bradlaugh Case, in which confirmed atheist and elected MP for Northampton Charles Bradlaugh was barred from taking up his parliamentary seat because of his refusal to take the religious Oath of Allegiance required for entry. This issue was disputed regularly in parliament, showing the height of religious feeling of the time. Gladstone in particular made no secret of his religion, or of his beliefs that it was entirely applicable to politics. In his book The State in its Relations to the Church (1838), Gladstone raised the idea that religion and politics were inextricably linked: the Church was the conscience of the State, while the State had a duty to lend its consistent, unwavering support to the Anglican Church. Although his views later changed to reject the exclusivity of the Church of England, throughout his life he retained the belief that religion should be firmly ingrained in the running of the country. Gladstones beliefs caused him to take an ethical stance in foreign policy, which contrasted greatly with Disraelis firmly imperialist Beaconsfieldism that attempted to secure the best outcome for Britain, sentiments that prefigured the practical criticism of mixing religion and politics today. Disraeli and Gladstone held the greatest of contempt for each other in their foreign affairs, each believing the others policy to be entirely nonsensical and unworkable, attitudes that stemmed from their differing interests. While Disraeli held British interests at heart, Gladstone had a catholic largeness of vision and sympathy embracing Europe as a cultural and spiritual community5 stemming from his views on the unity of the Christian church, and believed that European affairs should be conducted with the best interests of the community at heart. Although Disraeli felt that it was necessary to support the Turks despite their actions in Bulgaria in order to deter Russia from gaining power on territory on the pretext of moral intervention, Gladstone would have found this inexcusable according to his personal moral code and European sense, principally derived from the intense fervour of his Christianity6: as Magnus perceptively states, Gladstone felt that Disraelis interpretation of [British] interests excluded considerations of justice, or of humanity7. It was not only Gladstones European sense that would have rendered support of the Turks inexcusable, but the very nature of the events taking place in Bulgaria. Gladstone consistently cast himself as a moral crusader in his policies, particularly regarding Ireland and in his opposition and criticisms of Beaconsfieldism. Following the brutal massacre of 15,000 Bulgarians, Jenkins argument that the moral Gladstone was spontaneously seized with a passionate sympathy for the sufferings of the Balkan Christian communities8 seems plausible. Gladstone would most likely have been incensed by Disraelis initial denial of the rumours of the massacres, already believing Disraelis foreign policy to be aggressive, expensive and unprincipled. However, Abbot refutes Jenkins claims in stating that the part playedby Gladstones high moral principles has tended to be exaggerated9, and states that the vast majority of his moral outbursts in terms of foreign policy were made when he was in opposition. As a moral stance in foreign policy was a common one for the opposition to take at the time, this indicates that Gladstones intervention was possibly not entirely fuelled by religion. Gladstones role as a cabinet minister during the Crimean War could have provided another factor in his intervention. The Treaty of Paris that brought the war to a close increased the necessity for co-operation within the concert of Europe, as it had substituted a European conscience expressed by the collective guarantee and concerted action of the European powers10 for a pre-Crimean war guarantee of the protection of Christian minorities by the Russians. Turkey had promised better treatment for the Christians of the Ottoman Empire, and Gladstone felt morally obliged to ensure that the terms of the Treaty were not breached, particularly with reference to the protection of the Balkan Christians. Following Russias breach of the Black Sea clauses in 1870, Gladstone was even more determined to ensure that the European Concert continued to function in its protection of the minorities. It seems unlikely that Gladstone wanted to preserve the terms of the Treaty of Paris for purely political reasons, as the maintenance of the balance of power within Europe required Russia to be contained, not encouraged to expand into the Balkans supposedly in order to protect the inhabitants. It is possible then that Gladstone intervened for the same reason as the Russians gave: in order to protect the Christians from an alien nation with an alien religion that mistreated them. A sample from his pamphlet gives a clear indication of his attitude towards the Turks Their Zaptiehs and their Mudirs, their Bimbashis and their Yuzbashis, their Kaimakams and their Pashas, one and all, bag and baggage, shall I hope clear out from the province they have desolated and profaned11. While this has racist overtones, it is difficult to determine whether this is due to a difference in religion. Jenkins raises the possibility that Gladstone could have felt sympathetic towards the Christians, but quashes it with the statement that Gladstone was stronger on the rhetoric of indignation than on detailed knowledge of what was happening in the Balkans12, never having visited the area or displayed any previous interest in it. Indeed, on the subject of previous massacres of Christians, Gladstone had remained suspiciously quiet, despite episodes like the massacre of the Maronite Christians in 1860 which left between 7,000 and 11,000 dead. It seems unlikely that a wild desire to protect those of the same religion only appeared during this particular occurrence, particularly as Gladstone failed to intervene when the news of the massacres initially broke, waiting another two months to bring himself into the limelight. Although Feuchtwanger claims that Gladstones life in politics was a constant quest for God13, the historians emphasis on Gladstone as a singularly moral, religious politician is overly simplistic, and does not take into account Gladstones practical, political nature. There is an obvious practical angle for Gladstones participation in the Bulgarian Agitation: propping up a declining Ottoman Empire was not a viable long term policy for Britain. The tradition of Palmerstonian foreign policy supported Turkish rule in the East, partially in order to maintain a balance of power in Europe, but mostly as a matter of self-interest: in order to protect trade routes in the Mediterranean. Particularly following the Crimean War, the expansion of a hostile Russia would have been detrimental to British trade and to British power and influence within Europe. In the short term a strong Turkey would act as an efficient barrier to Russian expansion, but the Ottoman Empire had become increasingly corrup t and weak; the Bulgarian uprising and subsequent massacre was not the only such occurrence. Moreover, overtly supporting the Ottomans would anger the Dreikaiserbund of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia: although it was best not to allow the alliance of these three countries to grow too powerful, neither was it sensible to pursue a policy of mindless support for the Turks whose influence was already declining. Prior to the confirmation of the truth of the massacres, Disraeli, advised by the pro-Turkish British ambassador Elliot, had made moves towards supporting the Turks against Russia, and even went so far as to dismiss the rumours of the massacres as coffee house babble. In sabotaging Disraelis policy by stirring up public opinion, Gladstone effectively limited the options open to the prime minister and possibly prevented him from forming a dangerous alliance with Turkey. Furthermore, it has been suggested that Gladstone in fact saw a better solution to the problem of Russian expansion than bolstering Turkey. From his attitudes towards Italy it is clear that Gladstone favoured nationalism, and believed that all people had the right to national self-determination. Blake claims that Gladstone was hostile to any sort of forward policy14, an unnecessarily harsh statement from the pro-Disraeli biographer: in fact, in supporting nationalism, Gladstone proposed a solution ahead of his time. The creation of Balkan states was the solution used in 1935 to contain Russia, but it would have been equally applicable here. It could be argued that Gladstone was contradicting Disraelis policy because he could see a flaw in the reasoning. It is evident from his pamphlet that he wanted the Turks removed from Bulgaria, but further to this, Magnus claims that he repeatedly urged that the matter should be taken out of Russian hands15 and that this was a solution more realistic16 than Disraelis. Ever politically expedient, Gladstone intended to attack British support of the Turks as well as advocating Russian containment, reasserting the balance of power in Europe. Of course, it is entirely possible that Gladstone was simply launching a direct attack on the policies of the government without any real moral or religious reasoning. A response not born out of righteous indignation or passionate sympathy for the suffering of the Bulgarians but of an attempt to make the government appear weak or badly led would explain his delay in joining the Agitation. Gladstones particular rivalry with Disraeli would have provided motive enough for such an attack: the two men held the greatest contempt for each other, stemming from the repeal of the Corn Laws and the split of the Conservative party in 1846. Although their practical aims were often remarkably similar in foreign affairs, their ideologies differed vastly and each held the others principles in utter contempt. It would not be beyond the bounds of rational thought to assume that in sabotaging Disraelis policy the only thing that Gladstone intended to do was to make him look like a fool. It could be argued that even in this there was a religious motivation. Disraelis Jewish background has led to the suggestion that his anti-Russian foreign policy had more to do with anti-Christian feeling. Feuchtwanger claims that Gladstone was aware of this and distrusted Disraeli for it: all his deep suspicions about Disraeli were aroused; he now even suspected him of being influenced by Judaic sympathy for the Turks and hatred of Christians17, although Blake dismisses such suspicions as absurd18. At a stretch, the poor relationship of the two politicians could also be said to have its roots in their differing religious views. Gladstone may have resented Disraelis conversion from Judaism to Christianity, which could be interpreted as only having been undertaken for social gain and not true faith. Shannon suggests that Gladstones return to the political arena could have been for selfish reasons; that he wanted to restore his bond of moral rapport with the masses19 and adds that it was less a case of Gladstone exciting popular pressure than popular pressure exciting Gladstone20: rather than Gladstone carefully crafting his attack on Disraeli, he merely saw an opportunity to join the virtuous passion21 sweeping the nation and manipulate it to his advantage. Again, this would explain the delay between the beginning of the Agitation and Gladstones involvement. His action in publishing the pamphlet drew him back to the forefront of political life, and his continuing focus on the Midlothian campaign throughout the next four years was an important factor in ensuring his re-election as Prime Minister in 1880. Many historians agree with Shannons interpretation that Gladstone wanted to reforge his links with.mass audiences22, but disagree on the reasoning for this. Shannon and Blake are both of the opinion the Gladstone simply seized upon the opportunity to take part ina moral crusade23 in an attempt to inject himself back into the contemporary political field. Although the consequences of his action suggest that this is a realistic motive, and that he could have chosen to speak out against Disraeli to ensure his own self-advancement, this does seem unlikely considering Gladstones character; Blakes portrayal of Gladstone is excessively negative, probably due to his pro-Disraeli sentiments. The perhaps more reliable Jenkins contradicts these claims of intervention for self-advancement, as It did not follow that what he did was contrived for his own convenience24 and claiming that he was driven on Bulgaria by the same sort of elemental force which had seized him at the time of his Neapolitan pamphlets25. This is a far more accurate judgement given the evidence: Gladstone constantly looked to his moral principles in seeking to do what was best for Britain and for Europe, and it seems unlikely that he would have stirred up such a commotion merely to return himself to the forefront of political affairs. Shannon states that Gladstones first love had been the Church, and to the Church he remained ever faithful26, but despite the politicians overt Christianity historians are unable to agree on the extent to which his religion impacted his policies. In terms of his reaction to the Bulgarian Atrocities alone, numerous theories have been put forward as to the cause: his animosity towards Disraeli, his strong belief in nationalism, a wish to unite with the masses protesting a cause. Although these theories are superficially disparate, a closer examination reveals that they are all underpinned by Gladstones strong sense of morality. This morality caused him to reject Disraelis policies as unprincipled, to campaign for the creation of the Balkan states and to view Europe as a spiritual community that Britain had an obligation to protect and preserve. Ultimately, Gladstones politics were motivated by morality; a morality derived from his fundamental, unwavering religious beliefs. 1 Blake, R., Disraeli, St. Martins, 1967, p.602 2 Shannon, R.T., Gladstone and the Bulgarian Agitation 1876, Nelson, 1963, p.110 3 Abbot, B.H., Gladstone and Disraeli, Collins, 1986, p.95 4 5 Shannon, R.T., Gladstone and the Bulgarian Agitation 1876, Nelson, 1963, p.4 6 Shannon, R.T., Gladstone and the Bulgarian Agitation 1876, Nelson, 1963, p.5 7 Magnus, P., Gladstone, Penguin Books, 2001, p.240 8 Jenkins, R., Gladstone, Macmillan, 2002, p.401 9 Abbot, B.H., Gladstone and Disraeli, Collins, 1986, p.22 10 Magnus, P., Gladstone, Penguin Books, 2001, p.239 11 Feuchtwanger, E.J., Gladstone, British Political Biography, 1975, p.183 12 Jenkins, R., Gladstone, Macmillan, 2002, p.404 13 Feuchtwanger, E.J., Gladstone, British Political Biography, 1975, p.13 14 Blake, R., Disraeli, St Martins, 1967, p.760 15 Magnus, P., Gladstone, Penguin Books, 2002, p.241 16 Ibid. 17 Feuchtwanger, E.J., Gladstone, British Political Biography, 1975, p.181 18 Blake, R., Disraeli, St Martins, 1967, p.600 19 Shannon, R.T., Gladstone and the Bulgarian Agitation, 1876, Nelson, 1963, p.13 20 Ibid. p.110 21 Ibid. p.107 22 Jenkins, R., Gladstone, Macmillan, 2002, p.406 23 Blake, R., Disraeli, St Martins, 1967, p.600 24 Jenkins, R., Gladstone, Macmillan, 2002, p.401 25 loc. cit. 26 Shannon, R.T., Gladstone and the Bulgarian Agitation 1876, Nelson, 1963, p.3

Practice Commentary :: English Literature

Practice Commentary This passage taken from Denton Welch’s Maiden Voyage, introduces the readers to the main character (whose name is not mentioned) in a place that is not well known to the main character. Through the use of foreshadowing, symbolism, effective setting and characterization the author is able to successfully display a situation where an adolescent’s rebelliousness leads him into trouble and unexpected events. This passage begins with one of the characters, Mr. Butler, telling the main character, â€Å"Foreigners are not very popular here.† This very first line of the passage acts as a great opening sentence as it foreshadows the horrifying event that follows and it sets up the ominous and menacing mood of the passage. However this sentence is written so that it is an understatement and thus even though it still foreshadows the event that follows in a subtle way, it does not decrease the effect of that event has on the readers. If the foreshadowing had been made more obvious like, â€Å"Don’t go outside or else they will kill you.† then the readers would not be so surprised when the identity of the object found by the main character is revealed and when the main character finds himself trapped. The author also uses symbolism in order to reveal the identity of the object found by the main character. It is first mentioned as a â€Å"black speck† and because the color black is usually associated with death and evil it catches the reader’s attention and arouses suspicion. Next as the main character gets closer to the object he wonders, â€Å"if it could be a cat crouching in the middle of the road,† or even a dark boulder. By this time the readers are sure that the object being mentioned is going to be an unusual yet scary thing because it is being compared to a black cat (which is seen as an omen) and a boulder (which is seen as an obstacle in ones path). The most important aspect of this passage is its setting as through the setting, the situation of the main character feeling imprisoned in the villa and then becoming trapped is made to seem more realistic and is also made easier to imagine. In the starting the villa in which the main character is staying is said to be surrounded by poplar trees that are tall and thin and are planted in straight lines. This gives the readers the feeling that these trees act as barriers between the villa and the Chinese city that lies outside and maybe even guards the people living inside the villa from the outside dangers. Apart from this it gives a sense of why the main character

Reflection: Patient and Surgery Center

Kimberly Blatnica Preceptor Site: Surgery Center at Regency Park Clinical Reflection 4 17 October 2012 Today’s clinical experience allowed for new education and skill practice. I was able to precept in post-op, which was a great change. Being in pre-op, we are responsible for receiving clients from the OR. We then monitor them, reeducate, prepare for and perform discharge, and cleaning the area that was used by disinfecting, tossing and replacing linens, and moving the bed to an empty room in pre-op. We receive report from the circulating nurse and the nurse anesthetist when they first bring the patient to recovery.Together we hook the patient up to the monitors and record the first set of vitals together. These include: blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, temperature, pulse ox, pain (if patient is conscious), and an ECG reading if they were general. When I first arrived to clinical today- I was told we were going to be busy. I was also able to work with clients’ receiving urology and ENT procedures, not just cataracts. Urology was new for me but I was excited to be doing something different. Learning needs identified for this experience were only regarding urology patients.They differ due to the use of general anesthesia, the need to void before discharge, education of post-op care, and pain medication administration. Learning needs I identified from this experience includes education about the different urology procedures and education, how to effectively care for a general anesthesia patient during recovery, and complications. I met my needs by asking many questions during clinical and the use of our textbook. One of my client’s primary concerns occurred after he received a cystoscopy with the insertion of an indwelling urethral stent.This patient was a 52 year old male, with mild hypertension. No other health concerns were noted in his chart. He originally scheduled the procedure in order to remove a very large stone. However afte r waking up and speaking with the surgeon, he was told he had been too inflamed for the procedure. The surgeon asked him to schedule a second attempt for the removal for next week, in hopes the stent would decrease the swelling. This client also did not know how to care for the stent. The stent will make a patient feel the constant urge to void. This sensation is often relieved by pain medication.It is very uncomfortable and can easily be dislodged while passing stool, wiping, cleaning the area, and getting dressed. This specidic stent is attached to a string that hangs outside the patient’s body. The stent can lead to infection if the area is not kept clean. These were important concepts to discuss with the client. Main points I helped to educate were: take pain medication every 6 hours to eliminate the likelihood of increased pain, drink plenty of fluid to help flush the renal system, no bathes, signs of infection, situations when to calling the doctor is a must, and how to care for the stent.I also helped administer 2 rounds of Fentanyl and two Percocet to help relieve his discomfort and urge to void. He was then able to void which resulted in blood tinged urine. We assured the patient this was normal for the first void following surgery. He was in a lot of pain during this process. It was more comfortable for him to stand, but during his stay he spent most of his time sitting. He also had a forty-five minute drive home, which is why we decided to administer two Percocet, instead of one. One course objective I met today was: demonstrate effective communication skills.This was completed during every education session I had with my patients and their family member/friend prior to discharge. Regardless of the procedure, every person is provided with post-op care instructions. A second course objective I met was: collaborate with patients, families, health care team members, and others in the provision of care. I worked side by side with great nurses all day. We worked as a team with interventions, time management, discussions about the patient’s needs and concerns, reports, and preparations. We also worked close with those working in the OR.Also, while educating patients, sometimes there is a need to collaborate alternatives. This is important to maintain outstanding health care. Report on one patient at least 3 times throughout the semester| The 52 year old male described previously received surgery today in hopes of removing a painful stone. He was experiencing abdominal pain and has had a history of past stones requiring surgery. Diagnostic studies for this patient included a previous x-ray and today’s cystoscopy. The indications for surgical stone removal include: stones too large for spontaneous assage, stones associated with infection or impaired renal function, stones which cause persistent pain, nausea, or ileus, a patient’s inability to be treated with medication, or a patient with only one kidney (Le wis, 1137). Those associated in this case were size, risk for infection, renal function, and pain. An aspect that differed from a typical care was the inability for stone removal and severe inflammation (Lewis, 1137-8). The passageway was so swollen; the surgeon could not even get near the stone’s location.Furthermore, usually patients will know why they have the reoccurrence of stones, while this patient did not. They hope after removing the stone, they will be able to prevent further episodes by testing the actual stone’s composition. Another patient I cared for today was a 17 month old male. His diagnosis was unspecified chronic nonsupportive otitis media. He received a typanostomy. Many symptoms and complications of otitis media in our text are congruent with this patient’s history- even though this patient is not an adult.The patient has a history of purulent exudates, bilateral hearing loss, and inflammation of the middle ear (Lewis, 426). Differentiating from our text, the child was often times seen pulling on his ears as a result of pain; while our text states it’s more likely to be painless (Lewis, 426). Complications of this disorder results in chronic inflammation which was most likely the cause of his pain. Typanoplasty, ear irrigations, antibiotics, analgesic, and surgery are all recommendations for those with Otitis media (Lewis, 426). These interventions were in the patient’s file.Today, he had the tubes removed from both ears and left with a prescription for Tylenol and antibiotics. This procedure was recommended if medication was not successful (Lewis, 426). | Report on at least ONCE throughout the semester | Today during the recovery of the 52 year old male mentioned above, we noticed he did not have his two prescriptions written. It was important we found the surgeon before he left (this happened to be his last case). The patient was missing his prescription for his antibiotic and pain medication. Both impo rtant for his recovery and duration between surgeries.My preceptor paged for the surgeon, and he happened to return before she returned to the patients area. I was feeding the patient ice cubes when he asked me what the call was for. I was able to show the surgeon his orders and blank scripts. He filled them out and I began to explain the use of and directions for both medications. I was able to communicate with the surgeon both effectively and professionally. Furthermore, it helped the surgeon was very nice- to staff and patients. I did not think or feel much about the interaction ahead of time. It happened so fast, but once it was over I was proud of myself.I feel even as a student nurse, you still have to be prepared for anything. If I could, I would change the fact the prescriptions were written out ahead of time. At the surgery center we have receptionists that organize our charts. These staff members keep the jobs of nurses and doctors organized and effective. A couple weeks a go, I was going through a chart and noticed a patient’s medication reconsolidation form was missing. By speaking to the receptionists, they were able to obtain another copy. This form is very important when discussing medication regimens with patients in post-op.It is important for new medications to be explained and checked for incompatibilities with other medications the patient is prescribed. I felt speaking to the receptionists was not much of a challenge; however, without their help we could have had a more serious complication. I do not feel receptionists get enough credit in the medical setting. They may not be running around all day; however, without them at the surgery center (which does not have EMRs) they play a role in patient safety and allow everyone else to perform their duties. |

William Shakespeare s Beowulf And The Genesis Of The Beowulf

An Eye for an Eye In Old English the amount of compensation paid by a person for the death of a person’s family is called â€Å"man law† or wergild. During the Anglo-Saxon period, it was considered a dishonor if one failed to avenge the death of a family member. Wergild is a sign of loyalty, which is a recurring theme throughout in Beowulf. In the epic, not only did Beowulf seeks wergild for the death of his friend, but Grendel’s mother looks to avenge her son’s death. The need for wergild is a constant theme in the epic. In order to understand the poem Beowulf and the importance of wergild, one must understand the time period it was written and its purpose. Leonard Neidorf discusses in the article, â€Å"VII Ethelred and the Genesis of the Beowulf Manuscript† that the English leaders in the early 11th century wanted to promote loyalty by using the story of Beowulf. He express that, â€Å"Connected to loyalty in Beowulf, and doubtless of equal impo rtance to English leadership at a time of Viking invasion, are the martial responsibilities that both descend from loyalty and enable loyal behavior to be displayed† (Neidorf 123). Having a story that honored wergild rather than the mourning of a death in a glorious battle, shows how Beowulf was related to the 11th century kingdom that was invaded by Vikings and how the King wanted to promote loyalty. Before Beowulf’s epic adventure began, his father Ecgtheow, swore his loyalty to Hrothgar because he helped him in a war and paid a blood-price