Theme Of Human Frailty In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Both human honor and human frailty are prevalent throughout the vast works of medieval literature. There is an undeniable pattern amongst such works that presents a heroic code of honor, but also exposes the trickery or deceit some have selfishly fallen victim to. Whether it is a boastful display of courage and bravery, or a shameful episode of cowardice and temptation, the characters of Anglo-Saxon literature demonstrate both the best and the worst of each. In this essay, I will use the poems â€Å"The Wanderer†, Beowulf, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to exemplify this point. Most of the human honor presented in these poems comes from the portrayal of a hero. A hero in Anglo-Saxon culture not only had to be tough, courageous and†¦show more content†¦Grendel’s killing of the men in there sleep shows moral weakness and frailty on his part. The men are defenseless, so it is an unfair fight that further promotes Beowulf’s honorability. Similarly to t he wanderer, Beowulf also keeps his word and never complains, regardless of how difficult or dangerous a task seemed. This proves to be one of the key traits of an honorable Anglo-Saxon hero. Wiglaf also demonstrates honor and human goodness when he refuses to back out of the battle. He says, â€Å"A warrior will sooner / die than live a life of shame† (2890-2891). Wiglaf would rather keep his honor and lose his life, than live a life of shame because of cowardice. On the other hand, more human frailty can be identified in the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. By definition, human frailty is moral weakness or an inability to avoid temptation. Initially Gawain appears to be nothing short of honorable and prestigious; however, towards the end of the story readers are shown his more frail side, one of promiscuity and temptation. As on of King Arthur’s most valuable knights, Gawain is commonly known for his loyalty to his king and his courage to face any challenge in his knightly duties. Like Beowulf, he will face any danger no matter the risk. He demonstrates the best of his human honor when he volunteers himself into the game rather than letting King Arthur risk his own life. He says, â€Å"I beseech, before all here, that this melee may be mine.† His courage and loyaltyShow MoreRelated Gawains Encounter with the Green Knight in the Green Chapel1577 Words   |  7 PagesGawains Encounter with the Green Knight in the Green Chape l Even though little is known about the author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, it is considered to be one of the greatest romances of all time. The poem tells the story of one of Arthurs noblest and most courageous knights, Sir Gawain, who is in search of the Green Chapel: Sir Gawain ingeniously combines two plots, common in folklore and romance, although not found together elsewhere: the beheading contest, in which two parties