Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are both equally complex in their thematic content and structure, and have thus served as great examples of early English literature that have been emulated and analyzed for centuries. They are both subject to various interpretations, both symbolically and thematically; however, there are several recurring instances of similar themes that can be found throughout the quests and characters in both stories.
             In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we have a protagonist who is debatably the greatest knight in all the land. He is honored in King Arthur's court and respected by all. His reaction to this fame and appreciation, however, is checked by his service as a knight, which requires him to be courteous and humble in all that he does. He, and many of the characters in this story, are a contradiction in terms, because they are so concerned with how they are perceived, yet they wish to be perceived as humble; their goals at appearing selfless are really the result of their selfish ambition. In this way, Gawain is caught up in a society that favors appearance and reputation, whether fabricated or embellished, over truth.
             In Beowulf, the scenario involving the honor system and the nature of the protagonist is very different. Reputation and identity are every bit as important in the story and time of Beowulf; however, the desire to be perceived as meek and humble is the last thing on Beowulf's mind. His intentions throughout the story are to prove himself the best and boldest, the greatest fighter and conqueror who ever lived. What is noble about this, interestingly, is that he really is the best and boldest fighter, proving himself time and again as he defeats his enemies.
             It is interesting to note the differences between the nature of Gawain's quest and the nature Beowulf's. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the quest is initiated because Gawain has committed himself to a...