What does it take to create a change??

   Throughout our lives as well as the lives of all of those before us, there have always been many important social issues which people try to either pretend that they do not exist due to their own best interest, people who ignore these issues, as well as those brave individuals who have the courage to stand out above the rest to make a change in this world. But i ask myself what does it take to truly be able to say that you have managed to make a change for the best in this world? Is it taking a stand by using your freedom of speech in public places such as the freemont strip or UNLV campus in order to attempt to force on others your religious views? Is it done so by changing your Facebook profile picture from yours to that of a cartoon for a few days to help bring awareness of child abuse?
   Throughout this past week of preparing for my finals as well as simply observing what goes on around on campus, and what is taking place within my social life, as well as being a part of a close friends final project for his sociology class which he choose to put together a montage against GLBT bullying, It all really got me thinking all the writers which I have read this semester from this class and all my others, I've learned to agree with most writers, art does last forever! What does this have to do with what I have been rambling on about you may ask yourself?
   Well its simple, all of my favorite writers till this day including: Alexander Pope, as well as William Blake, Jonathan Swift and many others demonstrate this within there writings which all have great meaning and purpose behind them. A few examples of how this is done is demonstrated with Alexander Pope's, "The Rape of the Lock" for the fact that his work demonstrated how being so vain leads nowhere good, and these women who are nothing more then beauties should realize that before its too late! William Blake's, Songs from the Innocence and his Songs from the experienced are multiple poems which demonstrate the struggles that many in the world had to go through whether simply innocent children and or grown adults. William Blake also was and artist who made plate paintings that went with his poetry and provided a visual to go with his writings. Lastly Jonathan Swift was a man good with words and who used this to his advantage to get what he wanted out to the world with the use of satires.
   So what does it take to create a change? Getting out there one way or another! If you manage to catch the interest of at least one individual and that manages to get the attention of others then by all means do it! Raise awareness after all, theres no harm in that! But be smart about how you raise awareness, its better to do something that will create a long lasting change in the lives of others or yourself, then to simply take part in something that will fade off and be forgotten.

Happy Holidays!!! :)

The Rape of the Lock: Vain Beauties

   The Rape of the Lock, by Alexander Pope makes it very clear how people within ones society react towards what is considered to be attractive. This is still something very much seen today! But what is of most importance to realize is that it is one thing to be aware that you are a beauty and another thing to act in such a foolish manner due to being nothing other then being vain!
   Alexander Pope places much emphasis on hair, and within one of the footnotes within this reading even states that this is present due to the fact that "Berenice, the wife of Ptolemy III, dedicated a lock of her hair to the gods to ensure her husband's safe return from war." This is clearly a great demonstration as to the level of importance which was placed on a women of beauty to be expected to have beautiful locks of hair. It's almost as if beautiful hair is a must in order to be considered a beautiful women in the first place.
   Pope also greatly emphasizes within The Rape of the Lock, the charm of women who are beautiful and how they act proper and always provide a smile and how when they turn someone down, they never do so in such a manner which would be considered to be an insult to anyone. The beauties spoken of within The Rape of the Lock, receive the exact same reaction from all men, and that is nothing less then a breath taking aw-reaction. These are the women who bring excitement and light into a room with their charm and dazzling looks!
   Sadly though, Pope does not mention that there is anything more to be offered by these women, they are simply to a great extent considered to be nothing more then trophies to men. The Rape of the Lock also mentions that women hide their flaws by presenting a pretty face which functions as a distraction which does not allow others to see the true individuals that they are. Lines 9-20 From Canto 5; however, make it clear that in reality beauty won't do anything productive for you at the end of the day. Beauty can't cure anything and just because one is considered a beauty, it does not mean that it will keep you from aging and of course with aging comes getting wrinkles! Oh no!!
   Being as these women are not seen as anything other then looks due to the distractions which they have formulated from allowing anyone to see who they are on the inside, Pope makes it clear that in order to be a women who is beautiful, but can manage to gain pleasure from reading The Rape of the Lock, the women must have a sense of humor, and be willing to admit to things how they are and not feel offended. But of course in the end "Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll;" (Canto 5, line 33).
   The lesson well taught within this reading is clearly as follows, no matter how beautiful and charming you are, you will not gain much of anything at all from it later on in life. Therefore, embrace beauty, but do not ever make it the only thing you have to offer! Overall absolutely enjoyed this reading!

Paradise Lost: Forever?

   The well written Paradise Lost, has done an amazing job with re-mytholigizing the story which was written in the Genesis of the story of Adam and Eve. And has created many changes by adding much about satan and well as satan's minions which were not told within the original story, Paradise lost also provides a more detailed explanation of how Eve was convinced by being told that nothing bad will happen, after all if God created this fruit which provides those who eat it with the ability to create their own opinion on what is right and wrong as well as allow them to form their own personal opinions? Where as this is not demonstrated in much detail within the reading provided in the Genesis. After Eve is in fact convinced to eat the forbidden fruit, Adam then realizes that because Eve ate the fruit she will in fact suffer consequences for having done so, and due to his enormous love for her and to want to continue to be with her, he eats the forbidden fruit as well even though he does know it is wrong to do so. In the reading in the Genesis it is not in the least explained that Adam knows it is a bad thing to do. Lastly, another very important part of Paradise Lost to note is that in this reading it is clear that when Adam and Eve are kicked out of the garden, and are never to come back to the place where they have known as their home they leave together feeling a rush of emotions and sadness, almost as if regret is present. The emotions present clearly demonstrate that all the perfection which was present in this garden is now forever lost, and will not be recovered.
   All the emotions and additional pieces of information provided within Paradise Lost that is not present within the original story of Adam and Eve has made it so that this story provides the readers with many explanations to things that were never previously explained in the Genesis. This leads me to the fact that for this reason many learn to see the story of Paradise Lost as not only a re-mytholigization, but more like a story which is believed to be as a more truthful version of the original. This great work was written in such an extraordinary manner that many do not see this story to be false, if not take this story into great  consideration when learning this religious story of Adam and Eve. For this reason Paradise Lost is the most successful re-mythology of the story of Adam and Eve.
  

The Questioning of Sexualities: Blog ungraded

   Throughout the years and till this day still, it has been made very difficult for those who are part of the GLBT community to come out in the open without waiting to be greatly judged and critiqued from left and right by all those who do not find same sex love to be acceptable. Therefore leading those wanting to come out to possibly even begin questioning their own sexualities for no other reason then not wanting to become a disappointment to the society which they are a part of. A great example as to how these concerns by the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender community has been around is clearly demonstrated in Shakespeare's, The Twelfth Night. Between the love of Orsino and Viola, it is of much importance to realize that Orsino kept thinking over and over to himself that this love was in fact not okay for the fact that he knew that by the views of society, it was not acceptable for a man to love another man. Orsino did in fact fall for the man which Viola pretended to be. After Orsino discovered that Viola was not a man, but actually a woman, it is almost as if he gained a great relief. This love to Orsino finally became acceptable. In reality though was it not just societies aproval that Orsino needed?
   Our societies even till this day make it so that gay marriage is not permitted like that of a marriage between a man and a women. Does this mean that love is not true love simply because it's of the same sex? Gender roles till this day also are still greatly apparent in all cultures. Men are expected to be the providers and head of the household whereas women are expected to care for and nourish their loved ones. Is this to say that the roles can not be reversed?
   Many great writers such as Shakespeare greatly demonstrate that these gender role issues have been around for many years and it is in fact necessary that society begins to accept the fact that for those who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender they are still human beings which play a normal role in our society no matter what gender they find themselves attracted to and it not mattering what gender role they choose to play. After all is it not important to realize that no individual human being is worth more or less then the one he or she stands next to?
  

Amelia Lanyer: Late Blog

   The reading of Amelia Lanyer, for once has provided me as the reader with a different point of view on Adam and Eve, the story of Adam and Eve has been re-mythologized so many times that is almost impossible to know what story one is truly supposed to follow. After having finally read the story as told exactly by the Genesis did I finally begin to realize and recognize the changes which were present throughout these various re-mythologies.
   The greatest difference which was very obvious throughout the story as told by Amelia Lanyer is that for once Eve is being defended and not only being viewed as the one to blame for all of the circumstances which have arisen by the decision of eating the forbidden fruit.
   This difference may seem insignificant to some, but to me this difference in how the story is told provides the audience/reader with a very different view point as to women being the cause of problems which arise, and this for some leads to thinking in a much more sexist manner. Such as Adam had no blame, it was no one other then Eve's fault. Therefore making it seem that no one, but the women is to blame in this situation as well as many others.
   This story leads one to do what one is told as well as naturally taught to not do, which is question authoritative discourses. Among these are those of our religious, political, societal, educational, parental, and law authorities which we have grown to believe should not be questioned. Questioning these authoritative discourses by deciding whether Eve is to blame or not, may lead to a change of one's own interanimation of discourses.
   All this brings me to the conclusion that whether Amelia Lanyer, just as many others simply took the story of Adam and Eve and re-mytholigized it, it is clear that she has successfully planted the thought in my mind that it is possible that my previous views on how to portray Eve can in fact now be questioned, and I have now come to the conclusion that there is a possibility that previous writers could have simply been sexist and Eve could be more innocent then I have thought her to be all along.
   Another term greatly discussed within class was that of Dialogism, after learning the meaning of this word, I discovered that there is much more behind this term then I ever thought to be present. This is for the fact that, it is important to realize that during the time period in which this re-mythology of the story of Adam and Eve was written was in fact a much more male dominated time period and for this reason alone it is in fact possible that people may have not questioned there previous beliefs as to the story of Adam and Eve for the fact, that it was highly doubtful that a man could be at fault, or much less that a women wasn't at fault, for the fact that this time period was such a sexist society in which women were barely beginning to be viewed a bit more as individuals who were to be worthy, and not just as the lesser version of the man. However, when a story such as this one is read today in a different time period where women are just as powerful as men, this is when it may begin to affect the internally persuasive dialogue of an individual more then ever.

Modern Works of Art

   After almost having competed the entire semester within this class, I have greatly learned that my passion is in fact for the Modern works of art. Modern works of art place all the chivalry off to the side, as well as all the romance and greatly focus on the culture as well as the society.
   Modern works of art by writers such as Shakespeare provide much historical knowledge of that time period and is also an extremely enjoyable classic to enjoy. Modern works of art demonstrate the importance in gender roles, as well as the social classes, and also demonstrate the changes from the previous era's. It is very important to understand that those in the Modern era do not follow the same points of views as those in the Victorian period, if anything they are on the opposite end of the spectrum.

V- Hero or Villain?

   After having watched the movie in class the first question that came to mind during the first part was is this man sane? Is it good to kill so many people even though they have done harm? Is he seeking anything other then just revenge?
   The movie begins by having V saving the woman EV who were attempting to punish her for being out past curfew. After saving the girl, V invites her to join him for his spectacular musical show in which there is the destruction of the statue with lovely fireworks for all the people to see.
   V is working on killing many people who have done great harm to others, and warns them that their death will soon arrive with the symbolic presence of a red rose. Although V is in fact killing many it is of great importance to understand that he is not going after innocent people. V who hides his face behind a mask is against the government and has great beliefs that if enough people come together and go against the government they can achieve the accomplishment of making a positive change.
   Although one would believe that a hero does not need to create any destruction before being able to solve a problem, the fact that V only has good intentions in mind and is looking out for the interest of others, makes him a greater hero then villain.
   This movie not only allows me to understand that V is a hero, but it also permits me to better understand that if people unite together for a good cause change is in fact possible, even if it must have its consequences which in this case was the death of V at the end of the movie. A true hero is one who is willing to sacrifice his own life to better the lives of others, and for this reason V is nothing more then a good hearted hero.

Macbeth: Desperate for Kingship!

   The work of Macbeth, by Shakespeare demonstrates a great hunger for power and what a person is willing to do and how they are willing to get anyone possibly in their way out of the picture. Macbeth, being a man greatly driven by the desire to obtain more power then what is already at his hands is a man that with the encouragement of his wife is willing to kill anyone which needs to die in order for him to have the throne! The only way in order to gain the power of kingship as soon as possible would be by murdering the king and by murdering the one who he thinks at the moment could be his one only other competitor Banquo. After the deaths of many others including that of Lady Macbeth took place, Prince Malcolm put together an army to fight against Macbeth. Macbeth managed to kill many people in desperation for the throne, but this man's life was finally put to an end by MacDuff.
   After having just read any works of Shakespeare for the first time in my life, I am quickly discovering that there are many messages and much meaning within his works. At first they do not appear to be very clear being as there is much to take in, but in reality after further analyzing the readings I've quickly discovered that this work is a great demonstration as to how just one man can take down so many innocent people over nothing more then being desperate for kingship! Macbeth fought and died for this desire of his, but in reality it does not appear to me as if it was truly even worth it. This reading to me gives me the message that although it is important to desire and strive for what you want there are limits in life and it is important to understand that there are others greater and more powerful then you who will in fact bring you down from your high horse!

The Questioning of Sexualities

   Throughout the years and till this day still, it has been made very difficult for those who are part of the GLBT community to come out in the open without waiting to be greatly judged and critiqued from left and right by all those who do not find same sex love to be acceptable. Therefore leading those wanting to come out to possibly even begin questioning their own sexualities for no other reason then not wanting to become a disappointment to the society which they are a part of. A great example as to how these concerns by the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender community has been around is clearly demonstrated in Shakespeare's, The Twelfth Night. Between the love of Orsino and Viola, it is of much importance to realize that Orsino kept thinking over and over to himself that this love was in fact not okay for the fact that he knew that by the views of society, it was not acceptable for a man to love another man. Orsino did in fact fall for the man which Viola pretended to be. After Orsino discovered that Viola was not a man, but actually a woman, it is almost as if he gained a great relief. This love to Orsino finally became acceptable. In reality though was it not just societies aproval that Orsino needed?
   Our societies even till this day make it so that gay marriage is not permitted like that of a marriage between a man and a women. Does this mean that love is not true love simply because it's of the same sex? Gender roles till this day also are still greatly apparent in all cultures. Men are expected to be the providers and head of the household whereas women are expected to care for and nourish their loved ones. Is this to say that the roles can not be reversed?
   Many great writers such as Shakespeare greatly demonstrate that these gender role issues have been around for many years and it is in fact necessary that society begins to accept the fact that for those who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender they are still human beings which play a normal role in our society no matter what gender they find themselves attracted to and it not mattering what gender role they choose to play. After all is it not important to realize that no individual human being is worth more or less then the one he or she stands next to?
  

Selling What One Does Not Own As Our Own

   Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, greatly has arisen many questions in my mind from a religious aspect, ethical and moral aspect. Being raised as a Catholic, I have been brought up with believes that one should never make any type of deal with the devil. Much less should one agree to sign off their soul to him. As a human being on the other hand without having a religious stand point in mind, my ethics and morals still come into play. Among these ethics are knowing the difference between what is right and what is wrong. With this comes knowledge that every decision and road we choose to follow in life may have consequences.The desire to  gain all of the knowledge in the world in order to broaden and expand one's own horizons as an intellectual by in exchange selling your soul to the devil to me does not seem like the brightest thing to do in anyway possible.
   One can not sell off what to begin with does not belong to us, one also knows that when a promise is made to anyone whether it is the devil or not, one is expected to keep our end of the bargain and not back down. It is indeed possible that he enjoyed the benefits from having so much knowledge right at his hands, but is it worth it?
   In class many discussed as to how there are many other stories or cases in which people do make the deal with the devil with good original intentions in mind, and with the understanding that consequences do come along with this decision. But that is exactly what is of most importance here is understanding that when you sign off your soul with your own blood, not one person is forcing you into this, as a grown individual, you are in fact responsible for going through with this, and you are indeed responsible for keeping your end of the bargain. As with any other deal you can't expect to take without giving in return.
   The next question which greatly brought my attention with this reading was why not learn your lesson from your mistakes, and attempt to accept it and not place the blame on others? Although there are some occasions in which people are tricked into doing things that they do not want to do, at times people just make decisions while focusing more on what they will be gaining then by focusing on what they very possibly could be losing. Is it a natural instinct as a human to automatically attempt to place the blame on someone other then yourself in order to avoid admitting that a wrong decision was made?
   Could it possibly be that it is just common that people make decisions at a young age when they are much more carefree and less fearful, which at an older age are regretful about and much more fearful of the consequences which they simply did not care about before?
   Marlowe provide's all his readers with a great lesson. Realize that actions come with consequences and once you agree to something you are in fact responsible for keeping your end of the bargain.

Nothing More Then False Promises

    If you choose to be with me all give you everything I possibly can! Beds made of roses, gorgeous gowns, slippers made of gold and a life filled of nothing, but butterflies, romance, beauty, and a life with no worries! Can life get any better? Maybe this would be perfect for a disney fairytale story, but reality is that The Passionate Shepherd To His Love, by Christopher Marlowe although it makes me feel butterflies in my stomach, and allows me to feel the romance, the reality check is life isn't perfect and although he can promise his love all the beauties of nature. It does not change the fact that life is not perfect, life consists of worries, and issues which can't just be tossed off to the side and paid no attention to. 

   What better way to strike up a reality check to Marlowe as well as his readers then by mirroring word for word, how every line is nothing more then an unrealistic promise which can not be kept. The Nymph's Reply To The Shepherd, by Sir Walter Raleigh does an amazing job being successful at telling everything exactly how it is. Truth is flowers die, the youthful becomes old, whats viewed as pleasant and enjoyable won't always remain that way. My favorite line of all "is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall". This line tells it all without not even having to say much at all. What's that you may ask? It's crystal clear... yes, spring is filled with beautiful flowers, great weather, pretty trees, and filled with all types of natures beauty. But reality is fall will get here eventually, and as pretty as spring may have been, those beautiful flowers are going to die, the gorgeous perfect weather will become hideous and unpleasant, and those big beautiful green trees will drop all their leaves and be left bare. 

   Reality is although life has its pleasant times, it also has the unpleasant. Why make false promises? I feel that Raleigh did an amazing job demonstrating to Marlowe, that although its sweet that he is such a romantic reality is we don't live in a perfect world or a world thats even close to perfect. Courting a girl is adorable don't get me wrong, but reality is that not all girls lack brains so why make nothing more then false promises? If anything these false promises make it seem as if Marlowe has nothing worthy to actually offer the girl. Can't win a girl over without having something more to offer. In this situation I'm sorry to say it Marlowe, but your sweet words that come from the heart may just not cut it, especially now a days. 

   After having read these two poems separately, at first I did find courting a girl in this manner to be a sweet gesture, but then after having read them side by side I had a great change of heart. Marlowe's work became nothing but unrealistic nonsense. Reading both side by side also truly gave me a clearer view as to how Raleigh used the exact same writing technique, by creating his stanza's of the same length as Marlowe's, as well as by maintaining the same number of syllables per line make the poems rhyme in the same manner. Hate to have to break it to Marlowe, but reality is Raleigh has greatly left your works to look nothing but foolish in so many manners. What more is there to say other then better luck next time! The moral here is clearly don't make false promises unless you are ready to make a fool of yourself and reality is no one wants that. 

Truly Heroes? Or Simply Flaw Filled Knights?

    Many thoughts and ideas came to mind when it came to me beginning the brain storming process of writing my paper. The idea that greatest brought my attention was the thought of whether heroes were truly heroes or simply men with plenty of issues and flaws. The heroes we have been reading about have all proven to act very selfishly. Whether their selfish acts were caused by desires to be the best, and to increase their own ego's, or for a loved one, or simply for having the drive to live their life for as long as possible, these heroes have shown their true colors in many ways.
     The hero stories which captured me the most have in fact been those of Beowulf as well as that of Lancelot. The reasons why these two knights and heroes have captured my attention greatly was for the fact that Lancelot created a love triangle which led to many deaths including that of his own. Where as Beowulf has reached an intense level of desire to win and be the best, and be able to brag of everything he does.
     This led me to the simple question are these men truly heroes? or simply knights filled with flaws? Do these flaws make these heroes any less worthy? Do these knights still have good intentions at heart? Are they still following chivalry? Or are they just acting on what is for their own best? Although these men are acting selfish in many ways they do care for others.
     In many ways it just seems as if these men are putting themselves before others for once. However, isn't that natural human nature? Is it simply not considered acceptable for heroes for the fact that a thought has been placed in our minds that states that heroes should place the lives of others before themselves; however, there is in reality nothing wrong with them being selfish at times. In fact it is very probable that the reason why heroes like Beowulf and Lancelot act in the manner in which they do is for the simple fact that they have high expectations which have been created of them, and therefore anything less then these expectations are considered to be unacceptable in the eyes of many.
    This leads me to the answer that even though beowulf and Lancelot are in fact filled with various flaws, it does not change the fact that they are not perfect human beings, they are allowed to have flaws like the rest, and they are not any less worthy or heroic for acting selfishly at times. At the end of the day they still have saved the lives of many, and have in fact served all their chivalry duties that are expected of them as knights. They are honest and true honorable men for their people, while at the same time looking to do what's best for themselves as well.

A War Created By Love

   Morte Dartur, greatly demonstrates how the love of a knight and that of the Queen of King Arthur, has arisen many issues. The knight who was once loved by all his fellow knights, loved by his King Arthur, as well as held the heart of his beloved Queen, was known for caring for those around him as well as for having saved the lives of others on multiple occasions. The knight by the name of Lancelot had greatly earned the respect of his people; however, once many became aware of his affair with the Queen Guinevere, betrayal to his King Arthur became present. After King Arthur was told of this and proof was provided to him of these accusations, the war began.

   In attempt to save the life of Queen Guinevere, Lancelot rescued the Queen from the fire. However, this fairytale rescue where they both rode off and away from all dangers only created more complications. This event led to the death of many other knights who were loyal both to Lancelot, as well as to King Arthur. Although all the evidence points directly to Lancelot as well as the Queen Guinevere for being guilty of adultery, are they to be blamed for all the chaos?  Are they responsible for all of the deaths? If not blame Lancelot and Queen Guinevere who is to blame?

   After having analyzed Morte Dartur, various thoughts have come to mind such as the fact that those who are to blame for the chaos and the deaths are in fact those that ran off and snitched to King Arthur. This also greatly leads to the question of who proved to be a better knight? Those who ran to snitch to the King or Lancelot who had an affair with Queen Guinevere?  Lancelot’s only flaw as a knight appeared to be the fact that he betrayed the King Arthur by having an affair, but he did in fact serve his King well. King Arthur previously had no issues with having had an idea of the affair that is taking place up until the day it was brought to his attention by another knight.  

   Although feelings of pity have been created towards Lancelot and Queen Guinevere due to the fact that their love is truly genuine, and sincere, it does not create any hatred towards King Arthur for the fact that he was accepting of their love. This love triangle has been created in a manner in which it is not possible to blame Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, or King Arthur. It is only possible to blame those who were attempting to prove themselves to be better knights then Lancelot. In the end what is clear from this reading is that Queen Guinevere was kind and greatly cared for her King Arthur as well as for Lancelot. King Arthur was a great Christian King, who was kind to his people and loved and protected by his men, and Lancelot was one of the men who greatly protected King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, as well as saved the life of many others. All three died a harsh death, but they all died loved and honored in this war created by a chivalry love. 

Beowulf An Epic Times Hero

What are the makings of a hero? To many a hero may be an individual who greatly protects others, whether with super powers, or with there strength. However, it is of much importance to know that a hero is not only made up of strengths, if not every hero has a weakness... usually the weakness of heroes are much more complicated to distinguish then those of your everyday human being? Why you may ask yourself? It's simple every hero has a drive for victory that is never ending.

This leads me to wonder if its possible that a hero is so victory starving that they are constantly placing themselves at risk in order to save the day. However, when it comes down to it, can this possibly healthy? Does this drive actually keep them at a sane mentality or are they eventually turning themselves to be just as insane as the villain?

The villain is always known for starting the issues which arrise; however, in reality the heroes are constantly looking for new villains if not the same villains due to there great desire to win a victory. In some cases such as with Beowulf this has made the hero to be known for his conceitedness as well as his gigantic ego which is present throughout the entire story.

This is clearly even visible many years after Beowulf had won in battle with Grendel as well as with Grendel's mother. However, these victories as well as being a great ruler greatly cared for by his people weren't enough victories for Beowulf. This was demonstrated at an older age about 50 years after he had defeated Grendel's mother when a dragon appeared. Beowulf at an old age believed himself to still be capable of earning this victory. However, in this situation it was not possible for Beowulf to defeat the dragon alone. He did; however, manage to accomplish this by the help of the young Wiglaf.

Clearly, this is an example of how although a hero would love to win every battle, as well as to always have a feeling of pride and a large ego from there accomplishments, Beowulf is only human and is not invinsable; however, it brings him pleasure to know he died with great honor protecting his people, once again demonstrating he is in fact an epic hero.

An honored knight!

       What does it take in order to become a knight of honor? Making sure to satisfy the needs of every person you come into contact with? Protecting your people? Protecting those in Royalty? Doing everything neccessary to live to protect and serve as well as to honor your King?

         The life of a knight is clearly not simple. There strength, kind heart, and respect to themselves as well as to those they serve is present. A knight places his life in danger in order to possibly save the life of another. Knights are known for dying with honor, as well as with pride. A knight is willing to lose his life in an instant in order to provide safety for those around them. The list thing that comes to mind when the word knight comes to mind is betrayal. Much less a betrayal to your own King. However, what does it take to know if it is worse to betray your King or if it is worse to betray yourself as well as your own heart?

         In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain had great respect for his king and did everything possible in order to please as well as to serve him with respect and much honor. In a beheading game, Gawain attempted to behead the Green Knight; however, he was in fact unsuccessful and therefore, he knew that soon the Green Knight would attempt to behead him in return and would most likely be successful.
Almost every knight has a beautiful irresistable women who may or may not be tamed. In the case of Gawain this was no exception. A beautiful women had indeed won his heart; however, being as this women was untamable because she belonged to his oh so honored king, this created a betrayal to his king. Although in a way Gawain was in fact betraying his king with his heart having fallen for a wrongeful women, Gawain still went on a journey which he had to take in order to complete his mission. Although, Gawain had come to the conclusion that death was near for him, it does not change the fact that his love was present for this women which had know created second thoughts about death, these thoughts had created much fear.

       This fear soon led Gawain to admit to the Green Knight what it is he had done, and what he felt. This leads me to the conclusion of what truley makes Gawain an honorable knight? Is it the fact that although he greatly was emotionally hurting himself for loving someone he shouldn't he still remained by his kings side? The fact that although, he had become cowardly when it came to death he still went on his journey? Or the fact that he was indeed truthful to the Green Knight? It appears to me that all of those are qualities of a great knight, and although some of his actions are complicated to understand and attempt to analyze, he still performed all the duties expected of a knight.

Expectations of a Hero

        What defines a hero? Is it the way he behaves? His braveness? His courage? The decisions which are made under pressure in order to save the lives of others? What defines a hero is different for every individual being as we each have different ethical values, morals as well as different points of view as to how to deal with decisions which are made throughout life.Most heroes are thought to be males. When the word hero pops into my head, the image which comes to mind is not often of a female, but instead, what comes to mind is the image of a strong man with some sort of super power or weapon which can defeat all. Those heroes who come to mind are Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and the only women who comes to mind is Wonder Women, clearly this is a great example as to how men are much more commonly viewed as heroes then women are.

       This brings me to the question of if women are always to be viewed as the victim in the story or the prize girl of the hero. Another thought which greatly comes to mind when I place more thought into the fact of women always being the victims in the stories would be all the Disney fairytales which most of us read stories on or watched movies about as a child. Among these stories are the princesses: Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, and many more.. who's prince charming always is the hero who saves there day.

       Heroes are known for always saving the day; however, I can not help but wonder if they hurt those who are close to themselves in the proccess. As well as if they are in fact completely sane... It also brings some of my ethics into question. Such as is it okay for a hero to kill those who get in their way? What makes it ok for the hero and completely innapropriate for the villain? Both the hero and the villain have a purpose and a goal in mind. It is clear that if it weren't for the villains those who are viewed as hero's would not be seen as heroes without them.

        The obvious difference as to what makes the person a hero and not a villain, is not the powers which they may have, nor there great strength, but the fact that a true hero has in mind the safety of the people, there well being, and place themselves in great risks and dangers in order to save others. Where a villain's actions are very selfish and done so to benefit themselves hurting others in the process.

         This brings me to the conclusion that Gilgamesh does not in fact fit that definition being as he is very selfish and acts only for his own benefits. He is in fact different from a regular person; however, does this truley make him a hero? I think not in my opinion.