Beowulf Vs. Sir Gawain - 879 Words

Beowulf vs. Sir Gawain: An Ever Shifting Heroic Ideal The epic tale of Beowulf, formed during a remarkable tradition of Old English oral poetry, illuminates the epitome of true heroism. Though the precise date of Beowulf’s origin remains a mystery, the great long poem was later written down in the early eighth century by an unknown Anglo-Saxon author. The character of Beowulf the Geat is depicted as extraordinary unmatched in strength and valor as well as exceedingly boastful and proud. Like many heroic figures, Beowulf’s entire identity rest solely in his physical and mental capabilities. Similar to the importance of Beowulf’s internal perception, Sir Gawain of Camelot places great value on his own knightly abilities. Also composed by an unknown poet—though in a far diverse time and place—the fourteenth century story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight portrays a character of exceptional merit and courage. Nevertheless, the foundation of Gawain’s heroic identity relies predominately on his abili ty to conduct himself with chivalry and honor at all times. The vast distinctions observed in those ideals that constituted heroism in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are largely established by the broad expanse of time and location between their periods of conception. In a time of early Norse culture, the impetuous and prideful character of Beowulf presents a quintessential hero for the current day and age. Though often brash and conceited in speech and manner: â€Å"IShow MoreRelated Sir Gawain vs Beowulf Essay2076 Words   |  9 PagesAlthough Gawain and Beowulf share many similarities, their characters are almost complete opposites. Both aim for some sort of fame, one more than the other; differing in the way they attempt to achieve this success. Gawain remains true and looks to humility to guide him, whereas Beowulf is very prideful and selfish, loving nothing more than boasting about his virtues. Regardless, both go through tremendous changes throughout their que sts, dealing with repercussions, and many challenging obstaclesRead MoreSir Gawain And The Merchant Of Venice899 Words   |  4 Pagesaccomplished by studying the main characters from Beowulf, Sir Gawain and The Merchant of Venice. Together, these different elements will show the long-term influences of compassion and how all three individuals are embracing its important attributes to varying degrees. Beowulf vs. Sir Gawain vs. The Merchant of Venice The three characters that will be examined include: Beowulf, Sir Gawain and Shylock. In the case of Beowulf, he was the ultimate hero who embraces theRead MoreThe Journies of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay803 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf vs. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In the worlds of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the journeys of two heroes, Beowulf and Sir Gawain, are depicted through the form of poems. The two stories have become two of the most important works of literature in the English history. In the two poems, both Beowulf and Sir Gawain face great challenges in their journeys as heroes. Beowulf embarks on a quest to defeat Grendel and his mother while Sir Gawain faces many difficulties on hisRead MoreThroughout a lifetime, only so much conflict could be bore upon oneself. There is always a1000 Words   |  4 PagesFrom my story Wuthering Heights to Beowulf and Canterbury Tales there are conflicts that have been exaggerated and then blown to preposterous proportions. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are conflicts between man and man just like there are in the world we live in today. Conflicts in books or stories could show what is going on in the real world or what an author is thinking and making up.In Wuthering H eights there could be two different conflicts man vs. man, with the conflict between HeathcliffRead MoreLiterture Final Exam Notes1143 Words   |  5 Pages English 4 SELECTIONS FOR TESTING 1. Beowulf 2. â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† 3. Canterbury Tales â€Å"Prologue† 4. â€Å"The Pardoner’s Tale† from CT 5. Sonnets 6. Elements of Style author’s names Terms (know by definition, characteristics or example). 1. Kenning: two-word poetic renamings of people, places, and things such as the kenning whales’ home for the sea ex from Beowulf: â€Å"I have come so far, / Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s lovedRead MoreFate Vs. Free Will2263 Words   |  10 Pagesone side on fate vs free will. They feel as though you have no ultimate choice and fate will always be your destiny. However, that does not mean everyone follows their destined path until death. In Homer’s The Iliad, fate and destiny as the final outcomes of a person’s life, however, at some points you wonder if a person’s destiny falls directly in the decisions made by someone. Hektor and Achilles both had choices, but ultimately believed they must follow their destiny. In Beowulf, fate generally