Honor in Thorstein The Staff-Struck :: Thorstein Staff-Struck

Honor in Thorstein The Staff-StruckHonor is something that is earned, but it must also be defended in order to beupheld in the look of all. In Thorstein The Staff-Struck ones respect is based on theirhonor alone. Honor is the essence of a life worth living. In this story, a life without honormeans that the life is worthless. Death is better than having no honor. Men will easily admit their lives without second mentation to earn, and protect it. Honors role in Thorsteinthe Staff-Struck takes on several roles, but all of them are to achieve one super C goal.The various roles take on the common goal of achieving honor itself. Thorsteins nick-name the Staff-Struck is a strain on his honor because hismasculinity is being questioned after his first gear bout with Thord. Thorsteins first reactionto the blow to his head by Thords staff is not thought of as being honorable. He didntrespond in a way that would defend his honor. He needed to stand up for himself toaccomplish that trying tas k.. His response to Thords blow was thought of as a cowardsresponse. That meant his honor had been shamed by his own action, or lack of the correctactions. After that, Thorsteins integrity was belittled in the eyes of others. Ones honor lies not only in the eyes of ones self, but also in the words, and eyes of all present, andaround. Thorstein had to visit his honor in the eyes of the spectators for himself.Thorsteins father prompted his vengeance though. Thorstein could not simply sit back,and be humiliated by his own father. That was just also much for him to deal with, nor didhe want to try. He knew he must honor his father by bringing, and restoring honor tohimself. His response, although late, was honorable. Timing is a crucial incision ofvengeance in this story though. Bijarni, the ruler of Hof, had a different role in society,but his honor was still of great importance. Bijarnis honor was questioned by hisservants, his wife, and others because they felt his reverence had b een stained byThorstein. His lack of action against Thorstein made him weak in the eyes of others. Hehad been challenged, but he had not that accepted the challenge. When honor is seen as challenged there must be action taken or soundness will be questioned. Thorhall andThorvald questioned Bijarnis honor in gossip, and in rumor. Bijarni then instructed thetwo to leave, and return with Thorsteins head, as he can not stand by while his servants