Warnings and Morals of British Literature Essay
Updated: Mar 12th, 2020
Introduction
Literature plays an important role in shaping the morals of society. Literature also plays a central role in enabling cultural integration. Also, it defuses myths about particular cultures. Literature also plays a significant role in globalization. This happens when literature from a given culture is read throughout the world.
For instance, William Shakespeare’s books have been translated into many languages for reading in various cultures around the world. This suffices important role played by literature in diverse cultures. Besides, literature shapes the morals of learners. It also serves as a warning against vices in society. This paper will explore the warnings and morals of British literature.
Warning and Morals from “Beowulf”
Malory narrates about a great hero in Geats. Beowulf fights great battles and wins. He is not driven by material gain. He gives his rewards to the king of Geats on his return. This shows a selfless person who fights for his people.
Moreover, his 50 years of rule is characterized by peace and prosperity. In the end, he sacrifices himself to defend his people from a dragon. It can be noted that Beowulf loves everyone; he risks his life to fight Grendel and his mother for the Danes without invitation or pay. This book is essential for leaders and learners alike. It teaches them to be selfless and caring.
Warning and Morals from “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
Malory’s story gives an account of Sir Gawain and King Arthur’s nephew, the Green Knight. He talks of magical powers of help by King Arthur’s half-sister who sends a green knight to challenge the king to a game. This challenge is used to test King Arthur and his representatives at the feast. Sir Gawain accepts the challenge but disregards its rules. He, therefore, loses automatically and awaits his fate based on the rules.
Again he shows his disregard for rules when he meets Lord of the castle. However, he is also portrayed as a brave warrior through his efforts. However, in the end, he accepts his fate, and he admits to being dishonest. This book is important in teaching the audience about honesty, and repercussions of greed. It also teaches the audience of benefits of bravery. Also, one is taught to accept his situation irrespective of how difficult it is.
Warning and Morals from “The Canterbury Tales”
Geoffrey Chaucer provides a thrilling story about knights and pilgrims who were traveling to Canterbury. They cast lots on whom to start narrating stories as they compete on being the best narrator. Knight’s tale is about a love affair with Emelye in Athens. The two were a friend but end up fighting over a woman. In the end, the winner dies. Chaucer warns the audience of being overly greedy because it ends up badly.
For instance, Archie goes into a fight with Palmon; he wins the fight but still dies. Palmon is thus given Emelye as his wife even though he lost.
Chaucer also educates the audience on the ancient culture of Greece and its people. Miller’s story also gives an account of an ignorant carpenter who is lied to by an adulterous tenant. Milton uses this story to portray drunkard’s thoughts in his tales. Throughout the book, Milton warns the audience against vices through its repercussions.
Warning and Morals from “Morte Darthur”
Malory’s story provides a vivid account of British culture and history. It gives readers various contextual ideologies on the British Empire, its kingship and success. Moreover, it provides information on the success of good leaders such as King Arthur, among others. It is crucial to note that the successes of these Kings are measured with their dedication and hard work.
It also gives insight into occurrences in former colonies of Britain as well as their rich culture and history. The audience gets to learn British culture, politics, and social decorum drawn from these books. The audience can learn the importance of doing good as well as repercussions of vices.
Significance of hard work is also strengthened in the book. This is observed through rising of kings, their strength, and skills in war. For instance, fights many battles in which he is declared a winner. This shows his military skills and expertise.
Warning and Morals from “Henry IV Part 1”
William Shakespeare gives an account of a strained relationship between King Henry IV and his son, Prince Harry. Moreover, Shakespeare also gives an account of a plotted rebellion against the king by his noblemen. King Henry IV owes them debts that he has refused to acknowledge. In this story, the author brings to light the effects of bad leadership. Shakespeare shows how bad leadership brings discontent in a kingdom.
King Henry is under pressure from both his son and noblemen. He is unable to work peacefully for the good of his people. He is portrayed as a harsh and greedy leader who is selfish. The repercussions are observable in constant rebellions and defeat. The king experiences disobedience from even his most loyal soldier as seen in Harry Percy’s case. This book warns against selfishness and harshness.
Warning and Morals from “Paradise Lost”
John Milton’s book gives a detailed account of how sin entered paradise. He gives a thrilling story of Satan’s enrages with God’s creation. The Satan deceives angle Uriel to be allowed to enter the paradise. Satan, full of envy devises ways of getting even with God. He manages to deceive Adam through Eve. This leads to sin on earth and a curse. Also, they are sent away from paradise and even risks going to Hell.
This book teaches the audience on good morals. It tells them repercussions that come with rebellion or disobedience. Also, Milton gives a detailed history of how sin entered the world. This helps the audience, especially those associated with religion to understand their religion.
The books offer many lessons and warnings on bad morals. It begins by showing that hell was meant for the devil and his angels. This serves to warn people to disassociate with him (Satan).
Warning and Morals from “Gulliver’s Travels Part 4”
Swift explores both bad and good morals in his novel. He uses Gulliver to expresses culture in Europe while articulating other culture he visits. He opens viewers to new and mythical cultures. This prepares readers for strange cultures, which they encounter in their day-to-day life. According to swift, Gulliver abandons his pregnant wife to go on voyage. This results in a disaster for him.
The morals are quite clear that one should comfort his/her family in times of need. Gulliver’s wife needed him close to her. Nonetheless, he ended up being bundled and locked in the dock. He meets intelligent horses that speak in words like “Houyhnhnm” and “Yahoo,” to communicate.
The novel also teaches about kindness and brutality of strangers. Moreover, it teaches about their willingness to know new cultures. In essence, Swift teaches about tolerance of cultures across the world. It can be noted that this novel provides valuable information about good morals and behavior. Also, it warns people about abandoning their responsibilities.
Summary
British literature imparts learners with valuable warnings and morals as seen in the books. Warnings are especially entrenched in the books with detailed repercussions ranging from guilt as seen in Gawain’s death to death in Grendel’s case. The books portray the triumph of good over evil most cases. For instance, a good man kills an evil demon. This is quite strange because demons are considered superior to man.
This shows the extent to which authors go to impart good morals in their audiences. Also, good morals are encouraged throughout the books. For instance, Beowulf reigns for 50 years characterized by peace and prosperity as a reward for his goodness. Moreover, he becomes king against all odds since he was not next of kin to the king.
Conclusion
British literature is important in imparting people with both literary and moral skills. Moreover, they warn audiences based on results from the stories. They also give the historical context of these stories, which expunge fears of unknown.
Instead, it makes the audience to understand British culture, it’s moral and lessons that can be learned from its vices. Of great significance is selfless leadership, which is emphasized in Beowulf and kind Author as well as the Danish King. Moreover, the reward for good deeds is centralized in the books.
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