At first glance the stories of “Beowulf” and “Gawain and the Green Knight” would appear to be very different. In the one you have a hero who does not mind bragging about what his heroic actions before he takes on the monster Grendel and in the other you have a quiet and dedicated knight, gentle and brave, facing another knight who does not exhibit many knightly characteristics. There are similarities though and a close reading of the stories will point out that the stories may much closer than many readers might realize...
In Beowulf, Grendel, a ferocious monster, comes to Herot, slips through the door and there snatches up thirty men and kills them. (Lines 36-38) Grendel is truly a monster. There are no redeeming qualities to him except perhaps the fact that he loves his mother. His character is indicative of society during the time “Beowulf” was written. Life was cruel and usually short and a hero or monster living in those times represented the harsh reality of that life. The Green Knight was also a monster, but although a monster, was more in line with the life style of Arthurian Britain. Some might say that the Green Knight was simply another side to the character of Gawain, the side that refused to …show more content…
They both search for glory. They both jump at the chance to go on heroic quests. And they are both skilled warriors. The differences between them are subtle and again indicative of the times in which they live. Both have a tendency to boast and both rather quickly opt for battle. But while Beowulf’ test is a test of strength, Gawain’s test is a test of character. Beowulf’s heroics turn him into a great leader. Gawain’s tests is less a test of strength and more a test of morality. His refusal of the sexual approaches of the wife develop his character but his decision to not inform the Green Knight of the gift of a scarf given him by the Green Knight’s wife results in Gawain receiving a slight wound from the Green
In Beowulf, Grendel, a ferocious monster, comes to Herot, slips through the door and there snatches up thirty men and kills them. (Lines 36-38) Grendel is truly a monster. There are no redeeming qualities to him except perhaps the fact that he loves his mother. His character is indicative of society during the time “Beowulf” was written. Life was cruel and usually short and a hero or monster living in those times represented the harsh reality of that life. The Green Knight was also a monster, but although a monster, was more in line with the life style of Arthurian Britain. Some might say that the Green Knight was simply another side to the character of Gawain, the side that refused to …show more content…
They both search for glory. They both jump at the chance to go on heroic quests. And they are both skilled warriors. The differences between them are subtle and again indicative of the times in which they live. Both have a tendency to boast and both rather quickly opt for battle. But while Beowulf’ test is a test of strength, Gawain’s test is a test of character. Beowulf’s heroics turn him into a great leader. Gawain’s tests is less a test of strength and more a test of morality. His refusal of the sexual approaches of the wife develop his character but his decision to not inform the Green Knight of the gift of a scarf given him by the Green Knight’s wife results in Gawain receiving a slight wound from the Green