Loyalty In Beowulf, Hamlet, And King

“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence” (Colin Powell). Striking the manifesting ideals of loyalty in English Literature reflects a strong sense of character in the tales of Beowulf, Hamlet, and King Arthur. Bound to the history of the medieval times, their loyalty to their people, church, and effect on modern day chivalry has made a large impact. The medieval times were always known for their concepts of knights, castles, the feudal system, and the chivalry that has been passed down through many generations that has created various stories. Throughout the period of medieval citizenship, a majority of the people had a high belief of loyalty to the common people. "A knight cannot

“Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt, Do not itself unkennel in one speech, It is a damned ghost that we have seen, And my imaginations are as foul, As Vulcan's stithy” (3.2.80-84). Where throughout the story, having other associates of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were turned against Hamlet by Claudius for his own duties. "If 'a steal aught the whilst this play is playing, / And scape detecting, I will pay the theft" (3.2. 90-91), which declares Horatio’s full loyalty at looking upon Claudius’ reaction towards Hamlet’s play. Due to Horatio, Hamlet was able to complete another step to fulfilling his father’s plea to carry on his vengeance. Hamlet also displays a strong sense of his loyalty to his passed away father. In the beginning, Hamlet Sr., as a ghost, has came back to tell his son of his death by his brother, Claudius. For Hamlet Sr. is set to return to purgatory (place of remorse) after revealing his wishes for his son to enact revenge. “O cursed spite, / That ever I was born to set it right!” (1.5.197-198). Hamlet’s idea and purpose in killing Claudius is to bring rightful peace back to the state of Denmark. That is to say, Hamlet had a sense of loyalty to his father as Horatio had to

In Beowulf, the hero looked upon God as his savior for getting through every tough situation, which is also his supporter against Grendel and his mother. As though Grendel was strong, Beowulf had a chance to defeat him with his sense of hope. "The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me" (1.4). The chivalrous, Beowulf has full belief that his God is there for his protection and strengths as a hero for him to live on. There is also a strong sense that God's protection must be earned by a warrior being true to his chivalry, values, courage, honesty, pride, and humility to attain his protection. The people of this age were very inspirational towards their church for it gave meaning to the people and brought hope. "Blessed God out of his mercy this man hath sent to Danes of the West, as I ween indeed, against horror of Grendel" (Beowulf). By praying for someone to fight against their troublesome Grendel, they exhibit high loyalty in the church by appealing to their God. In this time, churches sought to improve the behavior of the warrior nobility. In addition to attempting to add Christian virtues to the chivalry the code of knightly conduct, led the church sought off to set up limitations on medieval warfare of the