Christian Themes in Everyman, Beowulf,

Christian Themes in Everyman, "Beowulf," and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"

Good works and responsibility are common Christian themes in Everyman, "Beowulf," and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." In Everyman, the importance of Good Deeds is emphasized when Good Deeds is the only "character" allowed to enter into heaven with Everyman. Good Deeds even tells Everyman that he will be a "good friend at need" (Everyman 854). In "Beowulf," we see the importance of good deeds with Beowulf's loyalty. In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," Gawain is loyal and responsible until the very end of his tale. These medieval tales explore meaning through Christian beliefs and traditions. Each of these men illustrate that the things that matter the most are our actions and how we behave toward others. In short, our behavior is rewarded and we should always be aware of that. How we behave is important every day, but it becomes more important when we exhibit strength in times of trouble and temptation. These characters demonstrate strength by employing Christian values.

Responsibility is a Christian belief that we see in these three tales. In Everyman, the Messenger is quick to explain how we must all take responsibility for our actions and our feelings towards these actions will change over time. "You think sin in the beginning full sweet" (Everyman 13), he explains, but in the end it "causeth the soul to weep' (Everyman 14). The Messenger also explain how we should "Give audience to and hear" (21) what God has to say because we will be held accountable for our actions. Everyman also includes the act of confession, in which Everyman is compelled to ask God for forgiveness with a "heart of contrition" (549). The play is a discourse on how to behave in life and it ends with the lesson of good behavior revealed. We should not be so concerned with the momentary pleasures as we should be the things that matter.

Similarly, "Beowulf" has Christian themes and references that refer back to responsibility. One of the most predominant is the notion of a God that cares about his creation. Beowulf relies on God's providence as he comes within reach of Grendel and prays, "May wise God, Holy Lord, assign glory on which hand seems good to him" (Beowulf 41). Beowulf and Hrothgar worship after Grendel is defeated.

Beowulf also contains Biblical references. For example, the story of Cain and Abel is referenced when we read that God condemned a tribe of monsters as "kin of Cain" (33) and "The Eternal Lord avenged the murder in which he slew Abel" (33). When Beowulf encounters Grendel's mother, we read that he "relied on the Almighty for favor, comfort and help" (50). The handle of her sword carries the tale of the flood on it. Beowulf experiences tough circumstances and because he does the right things, he emerges a hero and can live knowing he did the best he could. Here, responsibility leads to good works and, subsequently, a good life.

In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," we see Christian values displayed when Gawain accepts his responsibility in much the same way that Grendel does. When examining the story of Sir Gawain, we cannot overlook the importance of chivalry, which is strongly associated with Christian ideals. Gawain maintain the knight's high ideals even when he under pressure. When Gawain is traveling to the Green Chapel, he speaks with God, working out his own fear and uneasiness. The result of this conversation is a renewed sense of honor and a urgency to continue. Another example of how the poet intended Gawain to carry these ideals with him is in the pentangle, in which he describes the five injuries of Jesus and the five delights of Mary. Interestingly, the pentangle a "sign by Solomon sagely devised" (Gawain 625). We are told that Gawain is admirable because of his good in works, which are "devoid of villainy, with virtues adorned/in sight" (634-5). Gawain becomes a positive role model because he is able to think clearly and behave as a noble knight should behave.