The code of chivalry Gawain attempts to live up to, is represented in actions of loyalty, courage and courtesy (which he is to King Arthur, Guinevere, and God). Aspects of the chivalry code derives predominantly from “traditional warrior rules (cf. Homer); others are Christian additions, aiming for ideal of a noble gentlemanly warrior” (Black 2) The action of showing these particular qualities defined a true knight. Knights had to meet the expectation of being loyal to the king or overload who had appointed them as a knight. In addition, they had to be loyal to “their lady”- who was usually the wife of the King but also could have been the wife or love interest of the knight as well.
In spite of the weaknesses, Ivanhoe and King Richard demonstrate true chivalric characteristics. They exemplify integrity, loyalty to the king, a love for adventure, and bravery. Through this book the reader learns the meaning of moral guidelines due to the examples set by King Richard and Ivanhoe. These examples challenge us to search for our own moral guidelines. Without these we have nothing to strive for.
When King Lear asks Cordelia to profess her love for him she merely answers that she loves him according to her bond, no more. Enraged, the king banishes her without an inheritance or dowry. Cordelia tries to explain that she will not speak of her love for him in order to get fortunes since this would be deceitful. However, Lear refuses to understand and Cordelia leaves imploring her sisters to care for him. What makes Cordelia a good character here is not only that she refuses to flatter her father in order to deceive him out of his wealth, but also because she accepts her father's punishment and leaves willingly even though she knows it is not a just punishment.
Towards the end of the story she explains to Othello how her husband asked her to steal the handkerchief from Desdemona She clearly states she know it is the right to obey her husband, but she was not going to support him in his wrong. She is one of the few in this time period to disobey their husband. Emilia is not the type of wife to support him in his wrong-doing. She stands up to her husband. Comparatively, men have and will always try to turn any situation to them.
For example, in the literary works Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, the epic poem Beowulf, and the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, each main character’s ethics are determined by their way of perceiving what honor is. Honor means to be loyal, diligent, dedicated, strong willed, to stand for what you believe while ignoring all the consequences, standing up for something few others or no one else will, and being looked up to as a role model. The poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a tale about a knight named Gawain,
A friend and I are equally loyal to our children and their well-being, however our perspectives on vaccinations differ greatly. Although we may never agree on our differing perspectives, I respect and understand her perspective because it is based on her loyalty to responsible parenting, a value I share. Her perspective is quite persuasive, so I don’t rely on loyalty alone when comparing it to my own
Beowulf’s high self-regard acts as a promise to his people. It is a promise saying that he will provide for them and he can keep his country in order and away from harm. Because Beowulf speaks very highly of himself he is required to support his claims and give to the people. Hrothgar claims that flaunting is a way to keep the Geats happy because they believe what he says. “I will stand by my word make good my promises.
Another example of Darcy displaying his good pride is through his love for Elizabeth. Darcy expresses his love for Elizabeth by paying for Wickham’s debts. As a result, he helps the Bennet family from having to pay a fortune. Darcy conveys his strong admiration for Elizabeth not by direct love, rather he turns to her family as a way of transmitting his adoration for her. This act of helping her family shows how his love for Elizabeth is so powerful, it causes him to help her family for the sake of helping them and not for a good reputation.
Ramsay’s protection for his wife makes it so that their understanding for one another grows, which enables them to stay together and protect each other from harm. While Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have their differences, a specific quality holds their marriage together and provides hope for the future. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay remain together even after having eight children, which shows that even though there may be struggles with their relationship, there are times where the relationship is good and loving. Mrs. Ramsay wonders if Minta and Paul will have a successful marriage and be able to stay together like she does with her husband. She believes that “there was one quality -- she need not name it -- which was essential: the thing she had with her husband” (54).
There are however, a number of other necessities besides giving the husband a baby that a woman has to meet in order to be considered a good wife. Most of them similar to those she had to meet as a daughter. A good wife should in addition cultivate her good qualities, while disposing of her vices. As for her appearance, she is expected to keep her good looks for her husband, possibly also to impress his friends. It is expected that she will be loyal and obedient to her husband, always at his disposal.