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

Role Models in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green KnightExcellence has always been a virtue revered by society. Writers throughout the ages have 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 beau ideal traits necessary for one to be considered an excellent member of society. However, the standards for excellence are not universally agreed upon. On the contrary, one mans idea of excellence whitethorn very well be anothers idea of mediocrity. Yet, human nature is constant enough that by analyzing different literary heroes, one can discover the standards of excellence that are common to different peoples. The title characters in both Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight were both considered paragons of excellence by their peoples. Yet, upon close inspection of the specific actions of these characters, destitute differences emerge. While Gawain is virtuo us 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 summary of both heroes. Gawains code of chivalry emphasized perfection and thus he is flawless. Beowulf on the contrary adheres to the code of heroism, which is more less stringent on mans actions, and much more open to interpretation. Gawains actions reflect the social mores of 14th century England, where a good knight was expected to adhere firmly to the code of chivalry. Gawain is the model knight, tribal sheikh and valorous, not to mention a devout Christian. Gawains superb character traits are bolstered by his status as a member of King Arthurs court. Th... ...ulf saw themselves as means 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 featherbed leaders. On the contrary, t hey 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 best for it if more people like Gawain and Beowulf were born. They were truly excellent members of society. Works Cited and ConsultedBede, The Venerable. Ecclesiastical History of the English People. 731 AD. Beowulf. Ed. Burton Raffel. forward-looking York Signet Classic, 1999 Brewer, D.S. Courtesy and the Gawain-Poet. Ed. John Lawlor. London Arnold, 1966 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Ed. Brian Stone. New York Penguin, 1974