Question

heroism tends to be defined in masculine terms in both beowulf and sir gawain and the green knight. what does it mean to be a hero in both stories? what role is left for women in the respective societies? do the religious elements referenced in the stories contribute to our understanding of heroism in the stories.

Answer 1

In both Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, heroism is defined in terms of physical strength, courage, and the ability to defeat enemies. The heroes in these stories are typically men who go on quests and engage in battles to defend their people and gain honor and glory.

In Beowulf, the role for women is limited to that of supportive figures, such as the queen who mourns Beowulf's death. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the role for women is also limited, with the main female character, Lady Bertilak, serving as a temptress who tests Sir Gawain's chivalry.

The religious elements in both stories do contribute to our understanding of heroism. In Beowulf, the hero's ultimate victory over the dragon is seen as a triumph of good over evil, and is attributed to the intervention of the Christian God. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the hero's quest is seen as a test of his moral character, and his failure to live up to the chivalric code is presented as a failure in his Christian faith.