Comparing Temptation In Anglo-Saxon And Renaissance Literature
Temptation in Anglo-Saxon and Renaissance Literature
“Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more! By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis, but how of Cawdor?” This quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth is an interesting representation of temptation, a theme commonly found in many classic works of literature (I, iii, 70). The universal theme of temptation is evident in both Anglo-Saxon and Renaissance literature throughout the character’s interactions and decisions in challenging circumstances. This theme appears in different ways through Beowulf, Macbeth, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It can be destructive, but sometimes it has the ability to save.
The temptation of power is seen in all three classic works, the characters often going great lengths to meet these internal and external desires. In Beowulf, Beowulf is tempted to use his strength and superhuman powers alone to defeat Grendel and save the Danes, as stated in line 267; “my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster.” Beowulf’s power was actually what saved the Danes from further bloodshed by Grendel. Temptation in Macbeth is especially strong. Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband to kill the King of Cawdor, Duncan, …show more content…
Beowulf the great hero believes that the outcome of his fight with Grendel has already been decided, as stated in the quote in line 269; “God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip.” This attitude gives him the courage, because since fate has already been decided, he might as well try anyway! Macbeth believes that the Weird Sisters’ prophecy will come true, and so he does whatever he must to support this theory, even if it means committing evil deeds. Sir Gawain thinks that his life would be least missed, and he is forever bound to the code of chivalry (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, line 137). He sacrifices himself for his king, because that is the fate that he has
“Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more! By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of Glamis, but how of Cawdor?” This quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth is an interesting representation of temptation, a theme commonly found in many classic works of literature (I, iii, 70). The universal theme of temptation is evident in both Anglo-Saxon and Renaissance literature throughout the character’s interactions and decisions in challenging circumstances. This theme appears in different ways through Beowulf, Macbeth, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It can be destructive, but sometimes it has the ability to save.
The temptation of power is seen in all three classic works, the characters often going great lengths to meet these internal and external desires. In Beowulf, Beowulf is tempted to use his strength and superhuman powers alone to defeat Grendel and save the Danes, as stated in line 267; “my hands alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster.” Beowulf’s power was actually what saved the Danes from further bloodshed by Grendel. Temptation in Macbeth is especially strong. Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband to kill the King of Cawdor, Duncan, …show more content…
Beowulf the great hero believes that the outcome of his fight with Grendel has already been decided, as stated in the quote in line 269; “God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip.” This attitude gives him the courage, because since fate has already been decided, he might as well try anyway! Macbeth believes that the Weird Sisters’ prophecy will come true, and so he does whatever he must to support this theory, even if it means committing evil deeds. Sir Gawain thinks that his life would be least missed, and he is forever bound to the code of chivalry (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, line 137). He sacrifices himself for his king, because that is the fate that he has