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.
Over the course of the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain faced situations that influenced his character which can be taken and analyzed for a teenager today. A teenager typically faces the issue of blending in and accepting who they are in high school, and by viewing Gawain’s experiences and changes, we can use it to adapt along with our peers in school. Initially, he is seen as a humble and unpopular knight amongst every other at the round table in Camelot. However this changes after engaging in a violent game with the Green Knight. Gawain gained fame over the course of a year, and as a result it had changed his initial outlook on his loyalty to the chivalric code, as well as his values on life.
...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.
Phillipa, Hardman. "Gawain's Practice of Piety in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight." EBSCO host Academic Search Premier.
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.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Sixth Edition, Volume One. General Ed. M.H. Abrams. New York: Norton, 1993.
The Hero's Journey is a theory created by Joseph Campbell and expresses the idea that most heroes are essentially the same person embodied in different ways. Lawrence C. Rubin describes the monomyth as, “The hero, or mythic protagonist, from birth to death is on a journey, replete with demons, both inner and outer, challenges both great and small, and a cast of characters, some enemies, others allies and companions” (265). The 2001 animation Osmosis Jones is no exception to this assumption. In the film, a white blood cell named Osmosis Jones goes on an epic adventure to save the life of Frank and prove himself to the people of his community. In the beginning of the movie, Osmosis starts off as an egotistical jerk who believes he can do everything on his own; however, as the film progresses, Osmosis realizes that sometimes two brains are better than one. Jones finds out the hard way that without a helping hand, there is little he can achieve alone. Osmosis’s journey through the monomyth develops the theme of teamwork because help from others proves to be essential to Osmosis’s triumph.
The Character of Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell
Beowulf and Sir Gawain have many aspects, such as their motives, good deeds, and correcting of wrongs, in common. Many, however, seem to differ because of the type of person they are, want to be, and their drive in life. Beowulf is more self-centered yet helps those who support him while Sir Gawain protects others while having to fix the wrongs in himself. Throughout history and literature, whether ancient, classic, or modern, the idea of a perfect hero is so remote, due to their individualities as a person.
...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.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight takes its protagonist, the noble Gawain, through
He demonstrates goodness at the hand of the Green Knight. He shows courage by accepting what is to come upon him during his voyage. His journey to find the Green Knight is filled with temptations. In the conversation with him and the “Lady”, Sir Gawain showed a Chivalrous code by keeping his loyalty to the king by not kissing his wife. The lady states “if I should exchange at my choice and choose me a husband for the noble I know….would I elect before you”.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Sixth Edition, Volume One. General Ed. M.H. Abrams. New York: Norton, 1993.
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.