Beowulf, Sir Gawain- Heroism
The ideals embodied in "Beowulf" and "Sir Gawain" are similar and they are different. They both portray the same image: heroes whose goals are aimed at saving the society. As long as their characters match the views of the social convention, they are seen as heroes. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain possess the ideals that are akin, that is, the definition of hero in their societies is the same and therefore, they behave in a similar manner. On the other hand, differences also exist in both epics. The type of society that each resides in is largely diverse. Sir Gawain's society can be viewed as more realistic, whereas, Beowulf's is highly supernatural. Both epics contain a hero who endures ups and downs in order to comply with the ideals of the society. What is a perfect hero? According to the societies in Beowulf and Sir Gawain, a perfect hero can be viewed as many things. Beowulf is a story of the hero; he surpasses other men, gradually being defected at the end. His great deeds are remembered by his people and are told over and over as stories of a hero. The epic of Beowulf opens with what a good king should be: So. The Spear-Danes in days gone by And the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.
A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes. Sir Gawain and the rest of the characters are seldom referred to by name. Often referred to as 'the knight', the purpose of this may be that the author is simply creating a kind of character rather than an individual. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain possess similar qualities that symbolize a good hero, however, their individualism is not revealed. Perhaps, it may not even exist. The household asleep, my handmaids too, However, in time, he reveals that he is able to resist such temptations: "'In good faith,' said Gawain, 'my gain is the greater, / Tough I am not he of whom you have heard" (Sir Gawain, 1241-1242). In addition to this ability to resist temptation, he displays a sign of cowardness when the Queen offers him a gift: "I shall give you my girdle; you gain less thereby" (1829-1830). He accepts the gift because he realizes that the girdle will protect him from harm, therefore, he is no longer classified as a brave and courageous knight. However, if it is God's will for him to die and he uses the girdle to fight God's will, he does not own up to his contract. This also indicates dishonesty from Sir Gawain. He also possesses an unheroic quality, such as selfishness: "And lined warmly and well with furs of the best. / Yet he left not his love-gift, the lady's girdle; / Gawain, for his own good, forgot not that" (Sir Gawain, 2029-2031). Beowulf matches the definition of selfishness as well. He fights, not only to save his people, but also to gain glory for himself (Beowulf, 805-835). "...we are alone here, and left to ourselves:
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Approximate Word count = 1231
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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