Topic > 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 epitome of 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 exhibit drastically different personalities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Clearly, the two characters would not be difficult for a casual observer to distinguish. The Green Knight is simply not bound by the formalities of civilization; instead, he is always rude and arrogant. He is first introduced entering Arthur's hall: "An unknown knight rushes to the door" (136). The Green Knight does not knock, nor does he ask permission to enter, no, he "rushes" on horseback into the beautiful formal hall, arrogantly challenging the king and his court: "But if you are as bold as all men believe, / You you will graciously grant the game that I rightfully ask of you" (272-4). After boasting of his powerful weapons and skill, the Knight states that it is his right to fight and demand proof of the king's power. Apparently the Green Knight isn't afraid of anyone and wants everyone to know it. On the other hand, Death takes a completely different approach to dealing with 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 summons Death, Death responds: "Almighty God, I am here by your will, / to fulfill your commandment" (64 -5). Throughout the text, Death truly shows the signs of a loyal servant. Although he claims to fear none, Death humbly accepts and recognizes his great power over all men as simply a gift from God: I am Death who [fears none], for every man I rest, and no man spares because that's how it is. God's commandmentLet all be obedient to me (115-15)So, Death is as unpretentious as the Knight is proud. Furthermore, Death and the Knight differ in their dependence on and relevance to the material world. The Green Knight is obviously rich. The narrator purposely delves into the exquisite nature of the knight's dress: "Of furs cut and fitted --- the fabric was noble... and spurs of gold under [the calves]... and footwear well fashioned" (151 -60 ). The narrator continues to detail the rich knight's physical appearance, placing much emphasis on clothing that would have amazed even King Arthur's court. Later, the reader discovers that the Green Knight is even richer than assumed when the Knight reveals that he is none other than the Lord Bercilak de Hautdesert. The Knight is therefore the quintessence of nobility and worldly riches in Gawain's time. In another stark contrast, Death shuns all earthly possessions in which the Knight is so involved. In accordance with one of the main ideas of "Everyman", Death makes it clear that possessions are immaterial to him: I do not attribute [anything] to gold, to silver, nor to riches, nor to the pope, to the emperor, to the king, to the duke, nor to the princes, since , and I would receive great gifts, all the world I could obtain (125-28). Death does not only denounce material goods; he rejects both the secular and non-secular positions of power enjoyed by most mortals, such as the barony of the Green Knight. Therefore, Death is completely detached from the ways of man, while the Knight is absorbed in typical human ideals. Death and the Green Knight undeniably have large personality disparities2E,.