Beowulf And The Green Knight Analysis

The poems Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight both display powerful men and highly esteemed warriors. However, the main characters in each of these poems, Beowulf and Sir Gawain, are fundamentally different individuals. Both poems are very in that they both describe essential characteristics of valiant warriors and knights of the day. These characteristics include bravery, honor, heroism, and loyalty. The characteristics are shown in a variety of aspects by each of the characters. Beowulf exemplifies bravery and heroism throughout the entire epic poem, showing his embodiment of being the greatest warrior among men. Sir Gawain is described as being one of the noblest of knights, who exemplifies chivalry, loyalty, and courteousness. Beowulf …show more content…
Beowulf, the hard headed, gung-ho warrior, proves himself worthy in the face of any impossibility. Success, in the face of death, presents a change in character of anyone. In the case of Beowulf, he comes out as a much wiser, more mature fighter and warrior. His success helps him to develop more improved tricks and techniques to his fighting and leading style. These techniques create followers who build a legacy out of Beowulf. Beowulf’s encounters only made him better and smarter in every way. In a complete one-hundred and eighty degree turn Sir Gawain, the noble, loyal, chivalrous knight proved he was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good but fell short on his promise to Lord Bertilak. This fault proved to be one of Sir Gawain’s only. His failure to keep his word came back to nick him in the neck, making him cognizant of mistake. In this recognition, Sir Gawain shunned himself as any honorable man would. He will spend every last day of his life making up for the mistake he made in dishonoring his word which will in turn change his perspective on every further challenge he is faced