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Essay / The theme of death in "Everyman" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"
"Everyman" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" are undoubtedly two of the best-known works of medieval English literature . The stories demonstrate the quintessential Christian themes of salvation, mortality, and truth that resonate throughout the genre. In this light, Death and the Green Knight both perform the same allegorical tasks, although they present radically different personalities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Obviously, the two characters would not be difficult to tell apart for a casual observer. The Green Knight is simply not bound by the formalities of civilization; instead, he is always rude and arrogant. He is first introduced into Arthur's hall: "An unknown rider rushes to the door" (136). The Green Knight does not knock, nor does he ask permission to enter. No, he "rushes" on his horse into the beautiful and formal hall, arrogantly challenging the king and his court: "But if you are as bold as all men believe: / You will graciously grant me the game I ask of law” (272-4). After boasting of his powerful weapons and skills, the knight asserts that it is his right to fight and demands proof of the king's power. The Green Knight is apparently not afraid of anyone and he wants everyone to know it. On the other hand, Death takes an entirely different approach to civilization (in this case, Everyman). While the Knight boasts of his power, Death takes a more passive stance as a courteous and humble servant2E. For example, when God invokes Death, Death responds: “Almighty God, I am here according to your will, / Your command to fulfill” (64 -5). Throughout the text, Death truly shows the signs of a faithful servant. Although he declares that he fears no man, Death humbly accepts and acknowledges his great power over all men as a simple gift from God: I am Death who [fears no man], For every man I am rests, and no man spares him For it is God's commandment That all be obedient to me (115-15) Therefore, Death is as unpretentious as the Knight is proud. Furthermore, Death and the Knight differ in their dependence and relevance to the material world. The Green Knight is obviously rich. The narrator deliberately expands on the exquisite nature of the knight's outfit: "Furs cut and fitted---the fabric was noble...and spurs of gold under [his calves]...and shoes well made" ( 151-60). ). The storyteller continues to detail the wealthy knight's physical appearance, emphasizing clothing that would have amazed even the court of King Arthur. Later, the reader discovers that the Green Knight is even richer than expected when the Knight reveals that he is none other than Lord Bercilak of Hautdesert. The Knight is thus the quintessence of nobility and material wealth in the time of Gawain. In another stark contrast, Death avoids all of the earthly possessions in which the Knight is so involved. In agreement with one of the major ideas of "Every Man", Death clearly shows that goods do not matter to him: I put [nothing] by gold, silver, nor riches, Nor by the pope , the emperor, the king, the duke or the princes, For , and I would receive great gifts, all the world I could get (125-28). Death does not only denounce material possessions; he rejects secular and non-secular positions of power enjoyed by most mortals, such as,.