Heroism in Early British Literature
Expressing yourself succinctly and concisely, choose one of the following topics and write a response of approximately 400-600 words (approximately three-five paragraphs). Use only the primary sources (the literary selections themselves) for your essay. Instead, examine the topic from your own perspective. You may quote, summarize, or paraphrase from the primary sources. A bibliography (such as a Works Cited list) is not required.
The depiction of heroic qualities changed radically from the eighth to the seventeenth century; however, several of the characteristics of individual heroes remained constant. Beowulf protects and is generous to those under his purview (but his pride would have been considered overweening in the sixteenth century); Sir Gawain is courteous to ladies of the court (but his concealment of the girdle would have been considered cowardly to successive generations). Eventually, even the concept of hero is problematical in works such as Paradise Lost. Using examples from at least three literary works studied so far this semester, analyze the concept and characteristics of the "hero."
The concept of the “hero” has undergone significant changes throughout history, particularly from the eighth to the seventeenth century. While heroic qualities have evolved, certain characteristics have remained constant across different literary works. In analyzing the concept and characteristics of the hero, three literary works studied this semester demonstrate the shifting perceptions and complexities associated with heroic figures.
In the epic poem Beowulf, the eponymous hero embodies traditional heroic qualities such as bravery, strength, and loyalty. Beowulf’s protection and generosity towards his people exemplify his noble nature. However, his pride is depicted as overweening, which would have been seen as excessive and arrogant in later centuries. Beowulf’s self-confidence and desire for glory are celebrated in this early medieval work but would have been criticized as hubris in later periods. This demonstrates how the perception of heroism changed over time, with a greater emphasis on humility and selflessness emerging in later literary works.
Similarly, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the character of Sir Gawain embodies heroic qualities but also reveals flaws that would be seen as problematic in subsequent centuries. Gawain’s courteous behavior towards the ladies of the court aligns with traditional chivalric values, emphasizing his honor and respect for women. However, his concealment of the girdle, which was a form of protection against the Green Knight’s blow, would be considered cowardly by later generations. This demonstrates a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of heroism, where flawed actions or decisions can complicate the image of a hero.
In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the concept of heroism becomes even more problematic. The central figure, Satan, challenges traditional notions of heroism by embodying characteristics such as ambition, rebellion, and self-determination. While Satan possesses qualities associated with heroes in earlier works, his actions are ultimately portrayed as destructive and morally reprehensible. This challenges the conventional idea of a hero as a noble and virtuous figure. Milton’s portrayal of Satan as a complex and contradictory character reflects a broader questioning of heroism and its inherent moral ambiguities in seventeenth-century literature.
Throughout the literary works studied, the characteristics of heroes evolve, reflecting changing societal values and ideals. The traditional heroic qualities of strength, bravery, and loyalty persist but are increasingly complicated by flaws and moral ambiguities. The depiction of heroes becomes more nuanced, reflecting a deeper exploration of human nature and the complexities of individual character. The evolution of heroism from Beowulf to Paradise Lost reveals a shift from a simplistic and idealized view of heroes to a more critical and introspective understanding.
In conclusion, the concept and characteristics of the hero have evolved over time, with shifts in societal values and literary conventions shaping these changes. While certain qualities such as bravery and loyalty remain constant across different literary works, the depiction of heroes becomes more complex and morally ambiguous. Beowulf exemplifies traditional heroic qualities but is also portrayed as prideful. Sir Gawain embodies chivalric values but conceals the girdle, challenging conventional notions of heroism. Paradise Lost further problematizes heroism by portraying Satan as a complex and morally ambiguous figure. These examples demonstrate the evolving understanding of heroism throughout the eighth to seventeenth centuries, reflecting a deeper exploration of human nature and the complexities of individual character.