Compare and contrast images of heroism in these two poems.
Heroism is a trait that we seem to have no problem identifying, yet
when asked to define what a hero is a myriad of answers emerge. This
phenomenon is not unique to today’s society; the definition of a hero
is something that is constantly under revision and debate. An example
of this can be seen in two older pieces of English literature: Beowulf,
written circa 750-900, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written
circa 1375-1400. These stories both have a main character that
possesses heroic qualities, many of which are very similar. Gawain’s
identity as a hero is not clearly demonstrated, but when compared with
Beowulf, who is demonstrated to be a hero, hiss merits earn him that
title as well.
Exactly what defines a heroic act, or a hero for that matter? Often
times we dismiss the question due to its complex nature. But when
confronted with an individual with heroic qualities we readily
identify them as a hero. So what set of traits makes up this
amorphous definition that we call hero? I would agree that the very
definition is one that is dependent upon the time and society in which
its context is being used. A person who shot someone to save the life
of another may be viewed as a hero under the scrutiny of one culture,
but in a different time or location the very opposite may be true.
Nevertheless, heroes exist and posses these ever changing heroic
qualities. Beowulf is clearly demonstrated to be a hero, and we can
observe the qualities he possesses to enable him to have that title.
While Sir Gawain’s heroic accomplishments are a little more debatable,
I would argue that he deserves the same title; he exudes qualities
which can be consider...
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...is days lamenting
his decision to use the girdle, so he isn’t ignorant of what he as
done. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing heroic about dying
without a cause, which is what would have been the case had the Green
Knight carried out his threat. I see no harm done in preparing
oneself for an encounter such as the one he went through. We often
laude heroes for their cunning in wisdom, so why should those same
traits in Gawain be looked upon negatively?
While there are many more facets to declaring someone a hero, these
are a few that both Beowulf and Gawain share. Beowulf demonstrates
that its namesake is a man who is supposed to be regarded as a hero.
This same intent is not made in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but
when the two are compared with each other, Sir Gawain is shown to be a
hero, not a simple coward that he may initially appear to be.
Both men are on a journey to test their courage and how strong their religious commitments are to God. Neither men are quite sure what their destinations are, but Sir Gawain is under the impression that his is certain death however, that doesn’t end up being the case. In Sir Gawain’s situation his beliefs are strong and he lacks any doubts toward God.
Sir Gawain is King Arthur’s nephew and one of his most faithful knights. Although Gawain modestly refutes it, he has a reputation of being an honorable knight and courtly man. He prides himself on his adherence of the five parts of chivalry and is a pinnacle display of humility, piety, integrity, loyalty, and honesty that all other knights strive for. Though Gawain sits at the high table during the New Year’s celebration at Arthur’s court, he defines himself as the least of King Arthur’s knights in terms of both physical ability and mental aptitude. Gawain continually seeks to better improve his inner self throughout the story. His only known flaw proves to be his love to preserve his own life, so much that he will sacrifice his honor in order to save himself.
Phillipa, Hardman. "Gawain's Practice of Piety in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight." EBSCO host Academic Search Premier.
Howard, DR, et al Eds. Critical Studies of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Notre Dame:University of Notre Dame Press, 1968
VII. Gawain is placed in many different situations in which he must demonstrate that he does, in fact, possess the attributes of a worthy knight.
Sir Gawain is presented as a noble knight who is the epitome of chivalry; he is loyal, honest and above all, courteous. He is the perfect knight; he is so recognised by the various characters in the story and, for all his modesty, implicitly in his view of himself. To the others his greatest qualities are his knightly courtesy and his success in battle. To Gawain these are important, but he seems to set an even higher value on his courage and integrity, the two central pillars of his manhood.
...d failing that I have succumbed to out of the cowardice and greed that I displayed there.” (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 2006, p. 78) Sir Gawain was more of a knight than the others in the court because he showed honesty within brokenness, not fake and “picture perfect”.
...Gawain’s time in the wilderness, living nature, and his acceptance of the lady’s offering of the green girdle teach him that though he may be the most chivalrous knight in the land, he is nevertheless human and capable of error.
Sir Gawain is a poem of heroism, chivalry, brave knights and even romance. The story itself is so engaging that all too easily the reader may miss many of the symbols present within. Here we will consider the symbolism and importance of the hunting scenes and how they help develop and enhance the plot.
The Character of Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell
...e the quarrels, the hatreds, the feuds,/ That will bring us battles, force us into war/ With the Swedes, as soon as they’ve learned how our lord/ Is dead” (Beowulf 2999-3002). That quote shows that Beowulf lived in a war-torn country and therefore his strength and ability to protect his people made him a revered hero. Sir Gawain, on the other hand, lived in a time when inner qualities were valued. The valuing of inner qualities along with Sir Gawain’s exceptional traits made him a hero. That being said, although Beowulf and Sir Gawain differ in some aspects, they both fit the hero archetype of being better than the ordinary man, proving oneself many times, and having a tragic flaw.
The next line expresses the way in which he has no grave stone, just a
The writers of 'Joining the Colours' and 'The Send Off' both use poetry to express their feelings about soldiers leaving for war. Each have similar attitudes about the subject, but use different approaches to try and get their message across. Both question the popular concept of war, including ideas such as heroism and glory. Katherine Hinkson, the poet who wrote 'Joining the Colours', shows the scene from two different perspectives, that of the audience watching the soldiers and also her own point of view. Wilfred Owen simply shares his thoughts by describing the soldiers leaving from a station, although the effect is no less powerful. As Hinkson is a woman, she focuses more on a mother or wives point of view, whereas Owen gives more of the soldiers perspective.
The character, Sir Gawain is an interesting character. He has many different qualities both good and bad. Though he has bad qualities, his intentions behind them are completely innocent. His good qualities far outweigh his bad ones. He makes many decisions though not always the best ones. These decisions have lasting effects on other characters from the story. The ethics of sir Gawain are a main theme throughout the story. Sir Gawain has some interesting motives to his actions that are a focus in the beginning of the story. Throughout the entire story, Sir Gawain is growing as a character. Gawain has many appealing qualities, interesting ethics and motives, and some of his decisions are questionable, but all the while he is growing
...ves him self to be the least worthy of life and praise. He tells King Arthur, “Think of your bold knights, bursting to fight, as ready and willing as men can be…And I am the slightest, the dullest of them all; My life the least, my death no loss,” (Raffel 58). Sir Gawain is very humble before his King. He offers his life in place of King Arthur’s.