Essay Comparing the Role Models in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green

Role Models in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight rectitude has always been a virtue revered by society. Writers throughout the ages take a shit tried to capture the essence of excellence in their works, often in the form of a title character, who is the embodiment of perfection, encapsulating all the ideal traits incumbent for one to be considered an excellent member of society. However, the standards for excellence are non universally agreed upon. On the contrary, one mans idea of excellence may very well be anothers idea of mediocrity. Yet, human nature is uninterrupted enough that by analyzing different literary heroes, one can snitch the standards of excellence that are common to different peoples. The title characters in some(prenominal) Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight were both considered paragons of excellence by their peoples. Yet, upon close followup of the specific actions of these characters, stark differences emerge. While Gawain is virtuous and exemplifies selflessness, Beowulfs heroism is marred by his pursuit of fame and wealth, which seems to dominate his every action. The discrepancy can be explained by a contextual analysis of both heroes. Gawains code of chivalry exclamatory perfection and thus he is flawless. Beowulf on the contrary adheres to the code of heroism, which is much(prenominal) less stringent on mans actions, and much more open to interpretation. Gawains actions contrive the social mores of 14th century England, where a frank knight was evaluate to adhere firmly to the code of chivalry. Gawain is the model knight, gallant and valorous, not to book of facts a devout Christian. Gawains superb character traits are bolstered by his lieu as a member of King Arthurs court. Th... ...ulf saw themselves as instrument by which the end of achieving glory for their society could be achieved. They didnt leech on to society and drain precious resources as do many of todays viola te leaders. On the contrary, they gave back to their people and lived up to the ancient notion of the good citizen as first advanced by Plato. Present society would be the better for it if more people like Gawain and Beowulf were born. They were truly excellent members of society. workings Cited and ConsultedBede, The Venerable. Ecclesiastical History of the English People. 731 AD. Beowulf. Ed. Burton Raffel. New York Signet Classic, 1999 Brewer, D.S. Courtesy and the Gawain-Poet. Ed. John Lawlor. capital of the United Kingdom Arnold, 1966 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Ed. Brian Stone. New York Penguin, 1974