Over the past two months, as a class, we have analyzed a variety of texts reflecting the foundational aspects of early British literature. From the oral stories of Beowulf of the Anglo-Saxon period of England to its decline and the emergence of Arthurian Romance, exemplified by the tales of Morte D'Arthur, introducing the legend of King Arthur. These narratives would later become a source of inspiration for the English Renaissance, a period marked by significant artistic and cultural advancements that ultimately cleared the way for the rise of one of England's most celebrated monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. While belonging to different genres and historical periods, each work, in its own right, conveys themes of leadership. However, while 'Morte …show more content…
Conversely, Queen Elizabeth I's speech encapsulates a different facet of leadership, one marked by strength and unwavering resolve. King Arthur is a legendary British king from the tales of 'Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. Malory often portrays Arthur as a noble and virtuous ruler who inspires loyalty and bravery in his knights. His quest extends beyond mere conquest; he strives to create a realm of peace and prosperity. As Arthur reflects on the complexities of leadership and the desire for peace amidst the chaos of war, he reflects, "For though I preached against it, I quickly found that peace in each man's heart was all men's hope, And heaven's will" (Malory). This sentiment stresses Arthur's deep understanding that true greatness lies not in the clash of swords but in the tranquility within each individual's soul. Following the era of Arthurian Romance, the English Renaissance emerged, heralding a new dawn of creativity in British Literature. In 1588, Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne amidst the looming threat of a Spanish Armada on the way to invade …show more content…
With these resolute words, she conveyed her unwavering prowess, embodying the spirit of leadership and fearlessness reminiscent of the legendary figures of England's past, including King Arthur himself. However, while both monarchs may share similar ideas of leadership and duty to their kingdom, how they convey their messages differs. The fictional King Arthur, the legendary king of Camelot, conveys his message of duty to his country through the lens of chivalry and honor. In "Morte d'Arthur," Arthur emphasizes the importance of upholding the values of justice and righteousness in service to the realm. His knights, bound by oaths of loyalty and chivalry, are called upon to fulfill their duty to protect the kingdom and its people, even at the cost of their own lives. Arthur's leadership style relies heavily on the principles of honor and nobility, inspiring his subjects to fulfill their duties through a sense of moral obligation and loyalty to their
A leader in any tale is an exceptional figure, whether good or evil, they also display tremendous strength above all others be it physical, emotional or mental. Their qualities instill in them a reverence that all of their subjects come to realize and respect. The role of leader is usually first assigned to a different character and upon completion of his journey the main character usually becomes the leader or a figure who has the potential to lead others, the leader is usually a well-known, revered, however they are alone, both figuratively and physically. Beowulf written by an unnamed poet has multiple characters that the reader can identify as leaders, one whom is within the first five lines of the text. Shielf Sheafson, is described as the scourge of many tribes becomes the first Cyng of the Danes. In Sir Gawain the Green Knight also written by an unknown author, features many leaders the greatest of which was King Arthur, followed soon by Sir Gawain and the rest of the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Gawain’s trial is actually a journey to test his leadership girls. At the end, he realizes his error and becomes the leader figure he should be. Finally, Paradise Lost written by John Milton features two leaders, Lucifer and God, though each relies on either end of the section they both in body characteristics of a leader. The leader figure through time has many of the same traits. Each leader carries with them a particular set of characteristics that make them a leader usually through a sacrificing something, there is also a sense of reverence, omnipotence, and solitude.
Who was King Arthur? Most people would tell of a great King; a devoted circle of heroic knights; mighty castles and mightier deeds; a time of chivalry and courtly love; of Lancelot and Guinevere; of triumph and death. Historians and archaeologists, especially Leslie Alcock, point to shadowy evidence of a man who is not a king, but a commander of an army, who lived during the late fifth to early sixth century who may perhaps be the basis for Arthur. By looking at the context in which the stories of King Arthur survived, and the evidence pertaining to his castle Camelot and the Battle of Badon Hill, we can begin to see that Arthur is probably not a king as the legend holds.
In order to accurately analyze Beowulf, the reader must understand first what exactly is leadership, what makes a good leader, and lastly, how does leadership affect the context of the poem as a whole.
Beowulf. Sullivan, Alan, and Timothy Murphy, trans. Longman Anthology of British Literature. Gen. Ed. David Damrosch. 2nd compact ed. Vol. A. New York: Pearson, 2004. 32-91.
One of the main topics discussed in lesson one is the fact that heroes over time and overseas all heroes have something in common; which is true in the case of King Arthur and Beowulf. It is obvious that they are similar in the fact that they are both heroes, but what makes them an idol of their time and in their culture are poles apart. There are many things that are different about Beowulf and King Arthur, but the ones that stand out the most are what kind of hero they are and what actions they did to make them heroic. Both heroes possess qualities that others do not have, but it is what they do with those abilities that prompts someone to write a story about them and idolize them in time.
For the most part, Beowulf’s characteristics describe those of a triumphant warrior who played a major role in defending the lives of his fellow citizens, while leading a thriving country. Although Beowulf soon became king, he died for his people, and was remembered as a victorious fighter. Beowulf is at least in part a study of kingship because it discusses the qualities that produce a good king, the disadvantages during his rule and how he overcame them, and the problems that arose upon his death.
Morte d Arthur In the Medieval Period, knights dedicated their lives to following the code of chivalry. In Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, a number of characters performed chivalrous acts to achieve the status of an ideal knight. Their characteristics of respect for women and courtesy for all, helpfulness to the weak, honor, and skill in battle made the characters King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette examples of what knights strove to be like in Medieval society. Because of the examples of chivalry, Le Morte d’Arthur showed what a knight desired to be, so he could improve the world in which he lived. Respect for women and courtesy were two major characteristics that knights longed to develop, and King Arthur was able to demonstrate them in two specific instances.
There is no question that Beowulf was a great leader. His fearlessness, selflessness, and faith in God all aided in shaping him into the great warrior and the great king that he was. Ancient civilizations and modern populations alike should all strive to live their lives in accordance with the characteristics of a great leader that Beowulf demonstrated, no matter where they come from or who they are.
In the era of my rule, a king was not someone who simply delivered orders to his “men” while he sat on his throne awaiting confirmation of a victory. Men admired their leader for: outstanding courage, selflessness to his tribe, personal valor, and ability to survive despite the toughest opposition. Heroism and leadership are characteristics that brought my fellow men to abide by my side despite the situation, which in response led me to become such an aspiring leader, and in the end a hero – the demonstration to attain glory through brawls. Traditions, natural laws, and religion are descriptions of my heroism and leadership.
Humbert Humbert is a pediphile plane and simple. It has been argued that's Humberts unnatural love for what he calls “nymphets” originated from his childhood love Annabel. They sent one summer together when they were teens and he instantly fell for her. That summer ended in tragedy when Annabel died and Humbert was emotionally lost. Due to the fact that Humbert never had any closer in his relationship with Annable, his emotional maturity was eternally set at that of a teen. As he progressed through life his only sexual desires were directed towards children of smile characteristics of Annable. These were his nymphets; “between the age limits of nine and fourteen there occur maidens who, to certain bewitched travelers, twice or many times older
What role did the great King Arthur play in the way English Literature is perceived? The Arthurian Legends reveal King Arthur as a chivalrous king and not as a historical figure but as a myth of mass amounts of achievements. From his search of the Holy Grail, to his perfect society in Camelot and his development of the Round Table, King Arthur’s legend displayed his heroic character. Through the many countless legends of the glorious King Arthur, England’s society underwent a drastic change in the outlook on life. With the influences of King Arthur came an extreme change in philosophies and lifestyles. Countless situations on how exactly the people of England altered their views on life were they became more cultivated and highly intellectual amongst themselves. The majority of the English society felt the need to escape the strenuous lifestyle that the Industrial Revolution brought upon. The Arthurian Legends was an effect of the Romantic Era and resulted in the abstract thinking, and the beautiful arts such as music, paintings, poems, and stories. The birth of the Arthurian Legends came from Celtic mythology and medieval romance and the existence of the presence of magic confirm the conception of artistic intellect. Whether or not King Arthur truly existed the ideas of him dramatically changed the English society and English Literature to its current form. The Arthurian Legend has proven to be extremely influential and benefited the people of England during the Romantic Era. Therefore, even if he is a fictional figure of English history King Arthur’s childhood, his countless glorious achievements as the king of Camelot, the final down fall of his strong empire King Arthur validated his importance to English literature. ...
King Arthur Arthurian legends are well known in today's society. However, very few people know of the "real" Arthur -- who he was and what his accomplishments were. This paper will establish the difference between legend and truth, show evidence to support and explain who the real Arthur was, and shed some light on the sometimes confusing Arthurian legends. To establish any sort of idea that there was, in fact, a "real" Arthur, it is imperative to look at the legendary Arthur and his impact on different cultures. Arthur's beginnings are shrouded in mystery, though it is generally accepted that he is the bastard child of Uther Pendragon and Ygerna.
22 of Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. Rpt. in Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag.
English literature is continuously developing into a more complex, and interwoven network of shared, or argued ideas. Proof of this goes back into all of the varieties of literature that we have discovered from times past, as well as anything new that is written today. One example of these works of art that has been studied intensely over the years includes the story of The Duchess of Malfi written by John Webster somewhere between 1580 and 1625. This is a story of tragic loss, desperate love, and vicious vengeance which all comes together to form one of the greatest tragedies of all time.
Many periods of time throughout history have developed their own forms of literature. From 1558 to 1603, Queen Elizabeth I reigned during the golden age in English history. The Elizabethan Era had a large growth of literature because Queen Elizabeth supported and encouraged the fine arts more than any monarch in England’s history did. The literature of the time was characterized by a new energy, originality, and confidence based on Renaissance humanism. During the Elizabethan Era there were many things that affected the literature and the way authors during this period wrote. During the Elizabethan Era there were religious aspects, major political events and the Renaissance that contributed to the literature, which influence various popular authors during the Elizabethan Era.