Compare and contrast images of heroism in these two poems

Heroism is a sign that we seem to know no problem identifying, yet when asked to define what a hired gun is a myriad of answers emerge. This phenomenon is not unique to todays society the interpretation of a hero is something that is constantly under revision and debate. An example of this scum bag be seen in two older pieces of English literature Beowulf, written circa 750-900, and Sir Gawain and the kB Knight, written circa 1375-1400. These stories twain have a main fictional character reference that possesses lofty qualities, many of which argon very similar.Gawains identity as a hero is not clear demonstrated, besides when comp ard with Beowulf, who is demonstrated to be a hero, hiss merits earn him that title as well. Exactly what defines a venturesome act, or a hero for that matter? Often times we oust the question due to its complex nature. But when confronted with an individual with chivalrous qualities we promptly identify them as a hero. So what chastise of traits makes up this shapeless translation that we c altogether hero? I would agree that the very definition is one that is dep exterminateent upon the time and society in which its background is macrocosm apply.A person who shot someone to save the life of some other may be viewed as a hero under the interrogation of one culture, but in a different time or location the very opposite may be true. N invariablytheless, heroes exist and posses these ever changing heroic qualities. Beowulf is clearly demonstrated to be a hero, and we mass ob answer the qualities he possesses to enable him to have that title. patch Sir Gawains heroic accomplishments are a little more debatable, I would fence in that he deserves the uniform title he exudes qualities which discharge be considered heroic in the context of Arthurian Legend as well as today.Although we can attribute no authorship to Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we can see that Beowulf was meant to be a hero and if nothing else, Gawain was portrayed as the storys protagonist. One such government agency this was through with(p) was by having neither of the main characters as all powerful formulas in fact each Beowulf and Gawain served some sort of high authority. Beowulf, through emerge approximately 2/3 of the story serves Hrothgar. Similarly, Gawain was not ruler of his domain but served King Arthur. It is important to note that while both served other men, they were not themselves servants.Beowulf traveled from his farming to assist in the ending of Grendel, and Gawain chose to be a knight of the Round Table and indeed viewed his assistance to Arthur and his kingdom as an honor. By the construct of having both main characters serve others, the author has created more capacity for heroism to become apparent. If the President of the unite States were to prevent nuclear war, the people would obviously be relieved and thankful that he fulfilled his duty. If a soldier on the field execute the same task, he would be regarded as a true hero.Transcending ones handed-down role and going above and beyond is a characteristic which helps to set heroes apart from other people. Sir Gawain goes above and beyond his role when declaring his intention to involvement the Green Knight. I would come to your counsel before your court noble. /For I find it not fit, as in faith it is known, /When such a boon is begged before all these knights, /Though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself (lines 347-350) King Arthur at this point had already accepted the challenge, yet Gawain resolved to take his place because he was aware of the danger and risk winding in letting the King fend for.He admits just a fewer lines later that I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest /And the love of my life would be least of any (lines 354-355) This indication that is ability to fight is low makes his decision to fight that much more heroic, and this is all done in the nam e of Arthur. Beowulf, on the other hand, does not have an issue of inferior strength, but quite the opposite- he seems to posses a sort of miraculous strength. Even so, his level of self recessraint and wisdom prevents him from overthrowing Hrothgar despite his boss abilities.This amount of loyalty and service is a trait that helps develop his character even further as a hero. Both Gawain and Beowulf having been in similar instances serving a higher authority have shown heroic qualities although they may have differed. While the two main characters in discussion are being portrayed as heroes, they are still human and have fallibilities. It is the dynamic experience, the rise and fall of these characters which makes them real and human, that shows what they are truly make of.This insight may prove to be disappointing or dispiriting for many, I find the revelation to be comforting as it reasserts that a hero isnt an idyllic state but a condition which can be humanly attained. Beow ulfs rise and fall is demonstrated rather clearly throughout the progression of the story. At his peak, he kills Grendel with his bare hands. In the atomic number 16 take a chance with Grendels mother he is victorious, but requires the use of armor and the stain Hrunting. As time passes, he becomes king.He helps to slay the dragon that is terrorizing the land with the assistance of Wiglaf and his men, but at the cost of his life. This failure of his strength is foreshadowed before by Hrothgar, Choose dear Beowulf, the better part, /eternal rewards. Dont give way to pride. /For a brief while your strength is in bloom/ but it fades quickly (lines 1759-1762). Beowulfs wisdom, which he relies on throughout the story even diminishes as he faces the dragon, as shown when he elects to strike first by himself with adequate knowledge that his strength is not as great as it used to be.Another interesting point is that while in the service is Hrothgar is heroic qualities shown through but when he became leader, he was still a hero but many of the qualities such as his wisdom and strength in this instance have decreased. Likewise to Beowulf, Gawain experiences a rise and fall. His circumstance is reasonably different than Beowulfs however. Gawains worthiness to even be named a hero is a great deal put into question, and his final deeds tend to overshadow the previous ones when that retainer is made.This is an unfair judgment as no one would rescind Beowulfs spatial relation as a hero because of his pride blinding his judgment towards the end of his life, but would still consider him a hero because of his previous heroic actions. The same is true of Sir Gawain. Near the end of the story when he thinks he will die and flinches when the ax is coming down on his neck, hes viewed as a coward. Ill concede that it was a cowardly thing to do, but then Im forced to ask the rhetorical question, What would you do? Moments later, Gawain recomposes himself, doesnt flinch and gets nicked.Of course, one could argue that Gawain is a coward disguised as a hero because of his protest to the Green Knight claiming his debt is paid, and that he decided to use the green girdle. First of all, Gawain spends the rest of his days lamenting his decision to use the girdle, so he isnt unintentional of what he as done. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing heroic more or less dying without a cause, which is what would have been the case had the Green Knight carried out his threat. I see no harm done in preparing oneself for an encounter such as the one he went through.We often laude heroes for their cunning in wisdom, so why should those same traits in Gawain be looked upon negatively? While there are many more facets to declaring someone a hero, these are a few that both Beowulf and Gawain share. Beowulf demonstrates that its namesake is a man who is supposed to be regarded as a hero. This same intent is not made in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but when the two are compared with each other, Sir Gawain is shown to be a hero, not a simple coward that he may initially wait to be.