We talked of this somewhat in class, but how do Beowulf and Gawain compare as heroes? What qualities of each hero are admirable? How could you argue that the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a progression of the idea of the medieval heroic that makes sense as the society (insofar as we have studied it) was developing in the 14th century in Britain?
Great discussion this week.
8 comments:
Beowulf and Gawain are both indeed heros, but in different ways. Beowulf is more of a hero in the sense that he set out to complete a task and is a battle hero. Whereas Gawain stood up for his leader, taking on the Green Knight, and falls into temptations along the way. Gawain is much more relatable for readers and easy to understand and feel for. Beowulf is admirable for his great skills in battle and leadership; however, he straddles the line of letting the power go to his head and is rather cocky throughout. Gawain is admirable because he has an opportunity to not go through with the task, yet remains honorable and is determined to do what he set out to do. He also admits when he is wrong. Gawain hold his values and beliefs very dearly, another admirable characteristic. This story is relevant of the time period because chivalry was an extremely important virtue to knights. Gawain stands up and takes the place of Arthur, just as a good, loyal knight would do. Although the storyline is clearly not realistic, the main theme relates well and shows progression of Britain’s society during the 14th century.
Beowulf is considered a classical hero possessing characteristics such as mortality, intelligence, physical strength, determination, and leadership. Gawain is considered a chivalric hero possessing characteristics such as nobility, warrior ability, loyalty, and prowess. Underlying both types of hero is the importance of physical strength and bravery each character uses on his journey. However, it is clear that Gawain has become a new type of hero after his journey is complete. Chivalry was developing more and more into an important characteristic of knights during the 14th century in Britain. Much like the classical hero, chivalric heroes were mortal, meaning they were just like you and I, who felt emotions and met with failures. As an audience, we are able to relate in many more ways. As a result of this, the audience can better understand and perhaps even appreciate Gawain's journey in new and different ways.
Mariah,
I really liked your point about Beowulf’s tendency to let his power get to his head and become overly confident at times. While I was answering the initial prompt, I didn’t consider the differences in attitude each knight had towards his own strengths. However, the point you brought up about Gawain’s honor is very important to consider. Since each knight had different views of his strengths, it created a distinction between them outside of their typical knightly characteristics of bravery and strength and leadership. While Beowulf may have boasted of his abilities, Gawain simply stood up and took Arthur’s place without any added personal acclaim. After reading your response, it's clear that each knight’s personal views of himself also stood out as major differences of their heroic qualities.
Lisa,
I like how you describe and give examples of both the classical hero and chivalric hero. By explaining each type it make it easier to understand and clear why each knight is classified the way they are. I like that you focused more on the audience, and our feelings toward Gawain. I completely agree with you that we, as readers, can relate much more to Gawain than Beowulf. While reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, I enjoyed following him and kept wondering what was going to happen next. I was able to understand the story much more than Beowulf, too. Gawain seems very real, and as a reader I was able to understand and appreciate him, just as you said.
Beowulf is a classical hero, who encompasses strength, bravery, intelligence as well as other characteristics. Sir Gawain also displays these same qualities, but he is a direct example of the chivalric hero. Knights of the chivalric code are noble, loyal, courteous, and chaste, all of which describe Sir Gawain.
Beowulf’s bravery is admirable, even more so that he gives most of his credit to God. Sir Gawain’s most admirable trait is his loyalty. Throughout the story, he remains true to King Arthur, his quest, his belief in the pentangle code, and even his game with the Green Knight. He is also very courteous to the host and lady of Hautdesert. These traits are what embodied a true knight of the chivalric code.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a progression of the medieval hero in that the main character, Sir Gawain is a character with very human qualities. Gawain’s fear of death and his subsequent failure in revealing his receipt of the lady’s girdle is a very human emotion that many readers could relate to. Most people have felt fear in their lives, and could understand Gawain wanting to save his life by keeping the girdle for himself. Although this story involves the supernatural, Gawain brings a sense of reality to the tale in a way that Beowulf’s superhuman strength does not. In this way, Sir Gawain is a progression of the idea of the hero legend.
At the heart of the two heroes, both have admirable intentions. We learn that Beowulf comes to fight Grendel because the people were in need of help. He goes to help, as well as to glorify his image, but nevertheless, his intentions are good. Gawain does the same when the Green Knight shows up. He volunteers himself in place of Arthur to play the Knight's game, and he follows through with it until the end. They are men of their word, and they follow through with their promises. Both heroes are admirable, honest, strong, sound of mind, and stay true to their values.
I suppose as opposed to Beowulf, Gawain came from a society of order, where rules were laid out and were to become part of the warriors everyday life. I think Beowulf was more wild. He was a hero that was driven by glory and so he did what he wanted to do. However, once we reach the time of Gawain, everything is more relaxed and ordered. More rules are in place and less area for selfishness. Another argument could be that the stories became more relatable. Beowulf is this incredible heroic figure who can take on anything and succeed under unimaginable circumstances. Then you see Gawain and he is flawed. He's more human, more relatable, and the reader can understand why he acts the way he does on a deeper level.
Jill,
I most definitely agree with you. Beowulf and Gawain fit their roles perfectly. Gawain exemplifies the qualities of the chivalric code and Beowulf does well to live up to his legend. Gawain does bring a human-esque feel to his story, something that Beowulf didn't. I think, in a sense, this was a method of the authors to appeal to their audience at the time. Maybe there was this set standard where a man needed to do everything in his power to be strong and conquer, something that is seen through Beowulf. However, as the years went by, we come across Gawain and he is as fallible as they come. The standard becomes broader and so men can be afraid and want to cling to life and still be a hero. I don't know, just a thought that came to mind. :)
Gabby-
I like how you said, “Beowulf was more wild.” I think that describes him perfectly. Beowulf was a brave, strong hero who was willing to fight for honor and reputation regardless of whether his task brought about his own death. He fought for what was right and for his own glory.
Gawain fought because of a knight’s ingrained responsibility to stand up for his king and to honor the chivalric code. Even when met with opportunities to flee from his quest and the reality of facing death, Gawain remained true to his beliefs and continued with his task. Although Gawain also confronted his opponent regardless of death, he did not do it for his own glory. He did it because that was what a knight was meant to do.
Although both are heroes in their own respect, I believe this loyalty separates Gawain from the type of hero that Beowulf represents.
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