A Historical View of Beowulf and Sir Gawain
             When reading English literature, it is important to have some knowledge of the history of the text and to become familiar with some of the historical aspects alluding to its content. In order to exemplify my point, I have researched two significant poems of English Literature, "Beowulf" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". By exploring the backgrounds of both poems, it helped me to better understand many themes in the poems and various details, which would have been insignificant without knowing some historical or cultural information.
             Beowulf is the longest surviving Old English poem. Its completion date ranges from 450-700 AD and the Beowulf manuscript was written circa 1000 AD. Understanding the culture that produced the oral completion is important when reading and analyzing this epic. The historical and social constructs of this time clarify Beowulf as an epic involving its subject matter and thematic concerns. Beowulf allows its readers to understand the means by which these societies existed. Beowulf embodies the characteristics and behaviors that were common to the Germanic peoples that invaded England in the early fifth century. These Germanic tribes were a warrior race displaying fierce and cruel characteristics. Along with these malicious qualities, the most important aspect of these societies was courage. This virtue took precedence over all others in constructing societies and in maintaining their existence.
             Beowulf clearly exhibits these Germanic characteristics. Beowulf displays great courage in his battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother and the dragon. It is imperative for Beowulf to act courageous in the duels so that he can uphold the ideals of this society. A Germanic hero's accomplishments are not achieved in victory alone, but in unwavering courage in all circumstances. Also, it is important to ...