Comparing Heroes In Beowulf And Sir Gawain

Perhaps the most admirable quality of an author is their ability to develop and combined themes and characterizations, taking a single literary work and entering into its most ingenious phase; ultimately establishing a dominant literary theme. Today, the theme of heroes plays a substantial role in literature across the globe. A hero is typically defined as a character that exhibits distinguishing courage or bravery, one that is admired for their noble qualities. In principle, a hero’s role is to fulfill a gallant journey, which will continuously test their noble qualities. Interests in heroes extend across dividing lines of age, gender, and ethnicity. Literary heroes not only contribute unique insights into cultural life but they also positively

His loyalty and love appears to mimic femininity rather than the masculinity of the society in which he lives. While Beowulf’s and Sir Gawain’s heroic qualities are primarily attributed to masculinity, Bassanio’s noble qualities are primarily affiliated with femininity. Bassanio’s tender affections are his exceedingly heroic qualities. Bassanio throughout this play, had been driven by love, both courtly and platonic. Bassanio’s demeanor contrasts starkly with those of Beowulf and Sir Gawain; the other characters appear to take responsibility for their actions while Bassanio attempts to make excuses for himself when claiming he broke his oath out of platonic affection and gratitude. This is evident in the following lines: “And would convince for what I gave the ring, / And how unwillingly I left the ring, / When naught would be accepted but the ring, / You would abate the strength of your displeasure” (Lines 212-214). Although Bassanio is describing the understandable circumstances in which he has given away Portia’s ring, he has still committed the act. Once Bassanio gave away this ring, he reverted his heroic quality of unconditional love into his tragic flaw; he has broken his oath to Portia in order to repay Antonio’s savior. Despite the differences in heroic capabilities, characterizations, and subsequent tragic flaws, all three men are figures who while attempting to assert power, ultimately succumb to their