Christian_Themes_in_Literature

The theme of Christianity can be seen in the epic poems of “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and “Dream of the Rood.” A Christian theme is displayed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with many references to God. The Dream of the Rood is a Poem about the death and resurrection Christ himself. A Christian theme can be seen in all three of these poems. The Christian theme in Beowulf can be found in one of many places in the poem but especially in the Character Grendel. Grendel is supposed to be a descendant of Cain and is rejected by God. This information about Grendel’s linage is a direct reference right out of the Bible. The Christian theme can be seen in Beowulf’s Belief in God. As Beowulf was speaking about fighting Grendel, Beowulf says he is not afraid because God will decide who will die in the fight. Another Christian theme can be seen where Grendel will not touch the Throne of Hrothgar because it is protected by God. The Christian theme of good verse evil is displayed in Beowulf’s three battles with Beowulf being the Good and the monsters being the symbols of evil. A Christian theme can be seen in several places in the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Sir Gawain being tested on his obedience to the Code of chivalry is also the test of his obedience to Christian Values. God is referred to often in the poem displaying Sir Gawain’s faith in Christ. This is seen when Sir Gawain goes on his Journey looking for the green chapel; he finds himself lost and prays to the Virgin Mary to find his way. A Christian theme can be seen with the Symbol of the pentangle on the front of Sir Gawain’s shield. The five points of the pentangle represent the five virtues of chivalry that Sir Gawain aspires to. The five virtues of the chivalry code are also Christian values. Sir Gawain also has a picture of the Virgin Mary on the interior of the shield as reminder to him to never lose heart further demonstrating the Belief in Christ. A Christian theme can be seen when the Green Knight forgives Sir Gawain for not confessing about the green sash. This displays the Christian theme of sin , forgiveness and repentance. The Dream of the Rood is a Christian Poem. The Christian theme in the Dream of the Rood is seen with the Passion, Death and resurrection of Christ Himself. The personified Rood tells his story about not being able to fall and having to stay strong to fulfill the will of God. The rood tells the Story of Jesus being a Young warrior climbing onto the cross to redeem mankind. The Dream of the Rood" depicts Christ as a warrior who confronts and defeats sin. The Rood becomes a symbol of God that people now bow and pray to. The entire Poem is about the unwilling role the Rood played the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. In conclusion, A Christian theme is displayed in Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the Dream of the Rood. A Christian theme displayed in these poems is the belief in, and numerous references to God. The Test of obedience to the Chivalry Code is also a test of the obedience to Christian values. A Christian theme is displayed with the passion death and resurrection of Christ himself. The Christian theme of sin, forgiveness and redemption is also isplayed. We see the Christian theme of good verse evil with.