EXAM ESSAY:COMPARE/CONTRAST

THE EPIC (BEOWULF), CHIVALRIC (SG)

AND TRAGIC (MACBETH) HEROES

Elements of the chivalric hero

Epic versus chivalric

Whereas the epic hero fights only when circumstances require, the chivalric hero sets out to find a test or adventure

Epic is particular to a nation or people (which in the case of Beowulf?), the field on which the chivalric hero performs is a dream reality. In this poem, the miraculous surprises the chivalric hero very little.

The epic hero is tested in physical combat while the chivalric hero’s task is spiritual

Changing of an era

The epic hero was the poetry of a people in constant battle (what people?), fighting for survival

A time of feudalism brought the characteristics of the chivalric hero

This was a time of peace when knights could go questing

The large leisure class wanted to be entertained

This new hero, the chivalric hero, is attuned to the niceties of conduct and the values of courtly life

Common ground

Both the epic and the chivalric hero are led by an honorable heroic code

They never fight a foe who is weaker or disadvantaged (How does Beowulf exemplify this?)

Journey/initiation/quest: Note where they travel and why

Fate (‘wyrd’) is present with bothBoth accept their failures and stand up to

insurmountable odds

Quotes of support

Your final exam essay will require quotes of support from each of these poems

Build your argumentCite the lines

This is a GRADED ASSIGNMENT, which is due either at the end of the period or turned in tomorrow after you complete it for homework