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

Role Models in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight virtuousness has always been a virtue revered by society. Writers throughout the ages sire 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 unavoidable 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 regular enough that by analyzing different literary heroes, one can utter the standards of excellence that are common to different peoples. The title characters in both(prenominal) Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight were both considered paragons of excellence by their peoples. Yet, upon close follow-up of the specific actions of these characters, stark differences emerge. While Gawain is virtu ous 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 accentuate perfection and thus he is flawless. Beowulf on the contrary adheres to the code of heroism, which is oftentimes less stringent on mans actions, and much more open to interpretation. Gawains actions weigh the social mores of 14th century England, where a comfortably knight was judge to adhere firmly to the code of chivalry. Gawain is the model knight, gallant and valorous, not to think of a devout Christian. Gawains superb character traits are bolstered by his consideration as a member of King Arthurs court. Th... ...ulf saw themselves as promoter 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 tarnish leaders. O n 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. plant life 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