Albeit women have been subject to the swarthy shackles of patriarchy throughout the vast majority of history, Anglo-Saxon literature suggests that they actually occupied roles extending beyond those relative to subservience. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight demonstrate the extended importance of women. Such characters are crucial when it comes to maintaining the overall stability of Anglo-Saxon society, and, moreover, showcase far more power than many tend to give them credit for. Scholars such as McNish are in conjunction with this stance, for every single one of them is created with a purpose. In each respective piece, they serve functions such as being helpers, leaders, protectors, and aggressors, which certainly defies the
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Near the tail end of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, he is not afraid to speak his mind in a most irrational manner. For instance, at one point he correlates his situation with a biblical story when he asserts that “David / was bamboozled by Bathsheba and bore the grief” (lines 2419-2420). This is quite laughable to say the very least for the reason that the utter opposite is actually true. Thus, in this moment, I think Sir Gawain merely relies on Scripture to try to make himself feel better. This is not inherently bad, but to do so and spin the wrong tale gives rise to concern. Gerald Morgan better clarifies this in his piece called “‘The Action of the Hunting and Bedroom Scenes,’ ‘The Definition of Gawain’s Sinfulness,’ and ‘The Judgment of Gawain’s Conduct.’” Morgan postulates that “the highest human excellence is flawed” (47) through biblical examples like this, and Gawain’s misinterpretation of such stories gives this point even more validity. I concur with Morgan’s thought process, but he fails to address the glaring issue of the matter with this being an anti-feminist posture. It does indicate that Gawain is in the wrong, but Gawain’s assertion that “All wrecked and ruined…” (line 2420) insinuates that all women are corrupt. This is just as big of an issue, let alone the white lie Gawain tells to Lord Bertilak. It is germane to say that Gawain is tricked, but Lady Bertilak’s gift of …show more content…
Although they are not the main characters in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, each piece explicitly reveals that they are capable of roles that should not be coined as minor. For instance, Wealhtheow’s designation of Beowulf as the protector of the kingdom hints that she technically controls him, while also showcasing the brawn of her mind to make such a prudent choice. Speaking of brawn, Beowulf also gives some insight into this through one of its more treacherous fiends, Grendel’s mother. Granted it is rather easy to only focus on the villainous aspect of her character, it is reasonable to claim that the stand she takes for her son unveils a masculine side to her for the lack of a better word. Moreover, the aggressive personality of Lady Bertilak gives veracity to the thought that women have minds capable of quite a lot when they are used to their fullest possible grandeur. These examples amongst others prove that whilst women may not have been treated perfectly in these times, they seemed to be treated with a significant degree of respect. It is safe to say that without their presence, the world itself would have potentially grown privy to far more issues that it could bargain
Near the tail end of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, he is not afraid to speak his mind in a most irrational manner. For instance, at one point he correlates his situation with a biblical story when he asserts that “David / was bamboozled by Bathsheba and bore the grief” (lines 2419-2420). This is quite laughable to say the very least for the reason that the utter opposite is actually true. Thus, in this moment, I think Sir Gawain merely relies on Scripture to try to make himself feel better. This is not inherently bad, but to do so and spin the wrong tale gives rise to concern. Gerald Morgan better clarifies this in his piece called “‘The Action of the Hunting and Bedroom Scenes,’ ‘The Definition of Gawain’s Sinfulness,’ and ‘The Judgment of Gawain’s Conduct.’” Morgan postulates that “the highest human excellence is flawed” (47) through biblical examples like this, and Gawain’s misinterpretation of such stories gives this point even more validity. I concur with Morgan’s thought process, but he fails to address the glaring issue of the matter with this being an anti-feminist posture. It does indicate that Gawain is in the wrong, but Gawain’s assertion that “All wrecked and ruined…” (line 2420) insinuates that all women are corrupt. This is just as big of an issue, let alone the white lie Gawain tells to Lord Bertilak. It is germane to say that Gawain is tricked, but Lady Bertilak’s gift of …show more content…
Although they are not the main characters in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, each piece explicitly reveals that they are capable of roles that should not be coined as minor. For instance, Wealhtheow’s designation of Beowulf as the protector of the kingdom hints that she technically controls him, while also showcasing the brawn of her mind to make such a prudent choice. Speaking of brawn, Beowulf also gives some insight into this through one of its more treacherous fiends, Grendel’s mother. Granted it is rather easy to only focus on the villainous aspect of her character, it is reasonable to claim that the stand she takes for her son unveils a masculine side to her for the lack of a better word. Moreover, the aggressive personality of Lady Bertilak gives veracity to the thought that women have minds capable of quite a lot when they are used to their fullest possible grandeur. These examples amongst others prove that whilst women may not have been treated perfectly in these times, they seemed to be treated with a significant degree of respect. It is safe to say that without their presence, the world itself would have potentially grown privy to far more issues that it could bargain