Language Art IVA-CP
20 November 2012
Comparison Essay
“Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” have similar story lines. Beowulf is a poem about a long narrative that celebrates a hero’s deeds. The short story “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” deals with a legendary knight obeying a code of chivalry that represented a combination of Christian and military ideals. Beowulf and the Green Knight share, a common arrogance while Wiglaf and Sir Gawain endure a test in character.
First, Beowulf and the Green Knight are arrogant throughout both stories. When Beowulf gave his speech before fighting the dragon, he was very cocky. Beowulf claims Grendel was “torn limb from limb” (59). Beowulf is cocky about not using a sword to kill Grendel. The Green Knight shows arrogances when he talks to King Arthur He says, “you haven’t a man that could match me” (229). The Green Knight is being cocky about King Arthur men being weak and not accepting his challenge. Beowulf and the Green Knight are known for their arrogant attitude.
Next, Wiglaf and Sir Gawain experience a test that cause’s character growth. Wiglaf supports Beowulf during his last battle. Beowulf rewards Wiglaf when he “Gave him his gold-covered helmet, and his ring” (64). Beowulf knows he can rely on Wiglaf to lead the Danes. Sir Gawain shows character growth at the end of the story “Sir Gawain indeed stands out above all other knights” (238). He was once the weakest knight and after his test he became a strong loyal knight. At the end of “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Wiglaf and Sir Gawain became Dynamic characters.
Beowulf and the Green Knight are over confident, while Wiglaf and Sir Gawain become leaders due to a test in character. Beowulf is an epic hero with superhuman strength. The Green knight tests Sir Gawain. Wiglaf shows loyalty through the fight with Beowulf. Sir Gawain becomes a strong brave Knight. Sir Gawain is the best character because he stands up to the Green Knight by accepting his challenge. He is honest, brave, loyal and a noble hero with honorable intentions.
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