The characterization of Sir Gawain and Beowulf stems from the concept of heroism and moral superiority that was common in early British literature. Sir Gawain is quickly introduced when he responds to the Green Knight’s proposal, but the author of Beowulf introduces his character slowly, describing every detail of his grand entrance. Although Beowulf is introduced from the very beginning as a great and valuable warrior, and Sir Gawain as one of little loss, we can learn the most about each character not from the author’s description, but from their own words, actions and the praise they get from others. Sir Gawain sees himself as feeble and worthless, but his friends hold him in much higher regard. “Much mournful lament was made in the hall …show more content…
Although Sir Gawain has many noble qualities, the author was not afraid to reveal his faults. When Beowulf was written, heroes were expected to be strong, brave and morally incorruptible, but by the time Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written, culture and religion were beginning to change. Heroes were no longer expected to fulfill every characteristic of greatness, so characters like Sir Gawain were allowed to develop more ample personalities and show their human side. In his apology to the members of the Round Table, Sir Gawain shows unbridled shame and humility. “This is the grief and disgrace I have got for myself from the covetousness and cowardice that o’ercame me there!” (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 40, lines 2807-2808). While Sir Gawain consistently shows both his weaknesses and his strengths, readers can only see one side of Beowulf’s personality. Although they have many differences, Beowulf and Sir Gawain are both representatives of heroism. Beowulf is presented as flawless, while Gawain is presented as imperfect, but both characters are an embodiment of the values that were held highly in their