Honor Thyself

Honor Thyself

Honor is something that is earned, but it must also be defended in order to be
upheld in the eyes of all. In “Thorstein The Staff-Struck” one’s respect is based on their
honor alone. Honor is the essence of a life worth living. In this story, a life without honor
means that the life is worthless. Death is better than having no honor. Men will easily
give their lives without second thought to earn, and protect it. Honor’s role in “Thorstein
the Staff-Struck” takes on several roles, but all of them are to achieve one common goal.
The various roles take on the common goal of achieving honor itself.
Thorstein’s nick-name “the Staff-Struck” is a strain on his honor because his
masculinity is being questioned after his first bout with Thord. Thorstein’s first reaction
to the blow to his head by Thord’s staff is not thought of as being honorable. He didn’t
respond in a way that would defend his honor. He needed to stand up for himself to
accomplish that trying task.. His response to Thord’s blow was thought of as a cowards
response. That meant his honor had been shamed by his own action, or lack of the correct
actions. After that, Thorstein’s integrity was belittled in the eyes of others. One’s honor

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lies not only in the eyes of one’s self, but also in the words, and eyes of all present, and
around. Thorstein had to avenge his honor in the eyes of the spectators for himself.
Thorstein’s father prompted his vengeance though. Thorste...

Honor Thyself

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