Home > Q&A > Literature > How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf?
Q

How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf?

A

Beowulf is a brave Anglo-Saxon prince, and Sir Gawain is a typical Medieval knight. They adhere to different values because the world’s picture was not the same at their times. Beowulf possesses pagan and severe characteristics. At the same time, Sir Gawain reflects Christian and feeble ones.

Detailed answer:

The definition of a hero is constantly changing. The society evolves. So, there is a great deal of variation in the importance of the morals and values within the culture. There are some differences between Sir Gawain and Beowulf.

Firstly, the genres of the stories differ. The types of Beowulf and Sir Gawain as heroes are in contrast, as well. The modern world is acquainted with only the Old English epic character Beowulf. It contains a significant number of insights. Beowulf is set in Europe during the Anglo-Saxon times. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a late 14th-century Middle English chivalric romance.

Secondly, the characters’ features and the attitude toward the heroes are different. Beowulf is like a bear. He is a bold and courageous hero. Beowulf is willing to make the village free from the horrible monster Grendel. His intentions are kind and generous to people. They admire his bravery. Everyone values the fact that he is ready to sacrifice his life in the battle.

The society’s transformation from dark to noble times provokes a remarkable shift from outer character qualities to inner. Sir Gawain is not strong compared to other knights but virtuous and loyal. The acceptance of the Green Knight’s challenge is an honor for him. He protects King Arthur’s life and puts his less valuable one at stake. The surrounding people do not understand the necessity of his action. That is why Sir Gawain and The Green Knight is a simpler comedy about heroism in contrast to Beowulf.

Looking for an inspiring idea for a paper on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight? Take a look at our Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples to find the perfect one!

Answer's rating:

IvyPanda
IvyPanda
Answered by IvyPanda
One of our experts with a specialization in Literature has kindly provided an answer to this question. Feel free to rate the answer and let us know if you liked it.

Cite This page
Select a citation style:

Reference

IvyPanda. (2022, September 6). How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf? https://ivypanda.com/q/how-is-the-character-of-sir-gawain-different-from-beowulf/

Work Cited

"How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf?" IvyPanda, 6 Sept. 2022, ivypanda.com/q/how-is-the-character-of-sir-gawain-different-from-beowulf/.

References

IvyPanda. (2022) 'How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf'. 6 September.

References

IvyPanda. 2022. "How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf?" September 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/q/how-is-the-character-of-sir-gawain-different-from-beowulf/.

1. IvyPanda. "How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf?" September 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/q/how-is-the-character-of-sir-gawain-different-from-beowulf/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "How is the Character of Sir Gawain Different from Beowulf?" September 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/q/how-is-the-character-of-sir-gawain-different-from-beowulf/.

Powered by CiteTotal, free bibliography generator
Get a plagiarism-free paper