Bravery was one of the most popular themes in British literature, especially from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Elizabethan period. England went through many changes during the Anglo-Saxon period and the Elizabethan period such as: wars and disputes to determine the ruling group of England and the rising of kings, queens, and knights. These factors had a huge impact on the theme of bravery, emphasizing the victory of the brave ones and encouraging bravery among people. However, British writing with the theme of bravery did not only deal with physical bravery, it also dealt with mental, emotional, and verbal bravery. Either directly or indirectly, British authors expressed this theme in many different ways, sometimes linking it with other themes and morals. Such themes were illustrated in the epic of Beowulf, The Pardoner's Tale, and in Sonnet 130.
             In the epic of Beowulf, it is quite clear that the character Beowulf was a courageous, brave man who was highly praised by his people and others. Beowulf would have best fit in the category of physical bravery, because he was full of strength and power because the Lord was with him "And Beowulf was ready, firm with our Lord's High favor and his own bold courage and strength" (Beowulf - Act I, p.14). However, his physical bravery was just a small portion of his real, sincere bravery. His real courage was obvious when Beowulf decided take on the responsibility of the poor man -who had stolen the jeweled chalice- and fight the dragon to protect his people, "The Geats deserved revenge; Beowulf, their leader and lord, began to plan it" (Beowulf - Act III, p.27). This true bravery of Beowulf poured out from his love and passion for the Geats, and was well revealed during the fight with the dragon, for he was willing to risk his own life for the Geats.
             Beowulf was not successful in fighting the dragon because he was severely injured and was about to face death, &...