Similarities Between Sir Gawain And The Great Gatsby

Life can be strenuous and arduous. Throughout history, humans experience horrific situations and develop undesirable behavioral characteristics. For example, Macbeth values domination, diminishing his relations among his colleagues. Furthermore, his death results from his hubris and paranoia. In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Gatsby amasses wealth and participates in illegal businesses. As a result, these decisions develop Gatsby’s naivety, inciting his death. Unfortunately, corruption continues to dwell within society. Recently, in Paris, France, terrorists invaded public attractions and murdered innocent citizens. Conversely, citizens stereotyped Muslims, creating tensions between religions and ethics. However, humans also possess honorable characteristics, factors that comprise medieval romantic tales. These stories present morals that prevent modern-day tragedies. One example of a medieval romance tale is Sir Gawain …show more content…
In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain encounters these peculiar elements. For example, when he slashes towards the naked neck, splashing blood over the floor, the Green Knight miraculously survives. The author wrote, “But [the knight] never faltered or fell for that, but swiftly he started forth upon stout shanks and rushed to reach out his lovely head. And the stranger sat there as steadily in his saddle as a man entirely unharmed” (155-162). In reality, these events are inconceivable. However, the incorporation of supernatural elements creates suspense, capturing the audience’s attention. As a result, authors have the ability to promote chivalric idealizations and provide entertainment. Otherwise, humans would cease to adapt characteristics, the catalyst for catastrophes. To summarize, supernatural elements provide entertaining methods in portraying messages, but ultimately, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight created precedents for future literary