Complying with the society in which they live, an author typically reflects cultural values through the heroes or protagonists. Whether a positive or negative attribute, these characteristics tell the reader about which qualities are regarded highly by that specific culture. Furthermore, the societies of the Middle Ages held elements of what came to be known as chivalry, land (which represented power), valor, and religion above all else. Ergo, Beowulf and Sir Gawain are each regarded as an accurate representation of the principles of Anglo-Saxon and Middle English cultures. After an attentive archetypal study of the heroes in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the reader can make perspicuous connections regarding the values that were
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Chasing fame and honor, Beowulf states that this is for repayment, but truly, he just wants to make himself look good. His knowledge that he was “high born and powerful” (I.198.14), was said to be the mightiest man on earth, and came to offer his “wholehearted help and counsel.” (I.278.21) fueled his drive to grow his pride, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Comparable to Beowulf, Sir Gawain is consumed with pride when the Green Knight casts an appearance at King Arthur’s round table. The Green Knight proposes that "Anyone with the nerve to try it, take this axe, here...and give me a well-aimed stroke, and agree to accept another in payment, when my turn arrives, but not now: a year and a day will be time enough. So: is anyone here able to rise?" (Raffel, 56-57). Gawain waits and lets Arthur try first, but decides that he wants to prove himself and accepts the Green Knight’s challenge.
Through these two events, a reader can infer that pride has caused …show more content…
These points emphasize that pride is not everything.
Using the magic weapon, Hrunting, Beowulf slays Grendel’s mother and departs back to his homeland. He gifts the sword to Hrothgar who, in return, showers Beowulf with gold, armor, and horses. Beowulf thanks God for his opportunity and ability to complete his heroic feats as “his courage was proven, his glory was secure” (I.1646.112). Following the Code of Conduct, Gawain keeps his promise to the Green Knight and presents himself, ready for death. The Green Knight swings his axe three times, but only finds success in the third strike, because Gawain was wearing the green girdle. The Green Knight now knows that Gawain interacted with the lady, who actually was the Green Knight’s wife. Gawain was successful in resisting for two days, but faltered on the third, hence why he was struck on the third blow. Gawain realizes that he will forever carry the burden of choosing his life over the Code of
Chasing fame and honor, Beowulf states that this is for repayment, but truly, he just wants to make himself look good. His knowledge that he was “high born and powerful” (I.198.14), was said to be the mightiest man on earth, and came to offer his “wholehearted help and counsel.” (I.278.21) fueled his drive to grow his pride, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Comparable to Beowulf, Sir Gawain is consumed with pride when the Green Knight casts an appearance at King Arthur’s round table. The Green Knight proposes that "Anyone with the nerve to try it, take this axe, here...and give me a well-aimed stroke, and agree to accept another in payment, when my turn arrives, but not now: a year and a day will be time enough. So: is anyone here able to rise?" (Raffel, 56-57). Gawain waits and lets Arthur try first, but decides that he wants to prove himself and accepts the Green Knight’s challenge.
Through these two events, a reader can infer that pride has caused …show more content…
These points emphasize that pride is not everything.
Using the magic weapon, Hrunting, Beowulf slays Grendel’s mother and departs back to his homeland. He gifts the sword to Hrothgar who, in return, showers Beowulf with gold, armor, and horses. Beowulf thanks God for his opportunity and ability to complete his heroic feats as “his courage was proven, his glory was secure” (I.1646.112). Following the Code of Conduct, Gawain keeps his promise to the Green Knight and presents himself, ready for death. The Green Knight swings his axe three times, but only finds success in the third strike, because Gawain was wearing the green girdle. The Green Knight now knows that Gawain interacted with the lady, who actually was the Green Knight’s wife. Gawain was successful in resisting for two days, but faltered on the third, hence why he was struck on the third blow. Gawain realizes that he will forever carry the burden of choosing his life over the Code of