Medieval Romance

Medieval Romance

  • Submitted By: ARROYOV
  • Date Submitted: 12/07/2008 10:48 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 550
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 1

MEDIEVAL ROMANCE

In the stories “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” there are many aspects of chivalry such as honest, loyalty, and bravery. I would like to explain the aspect of honor in both stories. Honor by definition is a good name or public esteem, a person of superior standing, and a symbol of distinction. Through both stories there are many similarities between both men and how they carry themselves. It shows their character and that they are truly men of honor.
In the poem “Beowulf”, Beowulf shows many acts of chivalry. In the beginning he helps King Hrothgar by killing Grendel and Grendal’s mother. By doing this he shows courage and selflessness because he is not killing for himself, but for the protection of others. Grendel had killed many and wanted it to stop. Beowulf also shows honest when he told the King that he would kill Grendel without weapons and he did so. Beowulf shows honor throughout the poem, but the most evident was when he does not take the throne when King Hyglac died. He waited until the king’s son died to take the throne which shows honor towards the king, his son, and their properties.
In the story of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, Sir Gawain also shows many aspects of chivalry. Throughout the story Sir Gawain’s chivalry is tested and most of the time he comes out as a distinguished man. His first act of honor comes when the Green Knight challenges the Kings Court and no one answers. When the Green Knight begins to mock the King and his Knights, Sir Gawain accepts the challenge. By doing this Sir Gawain saves the Kings reputation and also saves the Kingdome from anarchy which shows he is honorable. Also his honesty is tested when the lady tries to seduce him. It does not work but in the end he takes a sash which he was told could save him from any harm. By not telling the host of the sash, he was nicked on the neck by the Green Knight. Sir Gawain keeps his word about the challenge and all in all, he is a...

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