A Comparison of Religion in Sir Gawain and Green Knight...

Role of Religion in Sir Gawain and Othello Respect for religion and government is an important part of any country, but what happens to a country when these values begin to change? England was beginning to go through this change in 1603 when Othello was written by William Shakespeare. Comparing the religious themes and heroes of Othello to the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight which was written during the Middle English era, will demonstrate just how far England had come. Both heroes are clearly religious, but Gawain maintains his faith until the end, while Othello falls into the snare of temptation. The spiritual hero of Middle English is quite different from the tragic hero of the Machiavellian era.†¦show more content†¦(753-762) Immediately after this, his prayer is answered, and fittingly he offers his thanks / To Jesus and Saint Julian(773-74). His ride to the Green Knights castle is called a holy ride, and he gives honor to not only Christ, but Mary and Saint Julian as well. He almost comes off as self-righteous with his request from Mary for a place to stay so he could hear mass. He doesnt ask for a place to stay so he does not have to sleep on his horse, he asks for a place to stay so he can hear mass. He is not saying a prayer for good luck. It says he prays, with all his might. He really believes that his prayers will make a difference. He is not the only one because immediately his prayer is answered. This description demonstrates a religious or spiritual hero who depends on his spirituality to get him through tough times. This is further supported by the narrative because it appears in this story that Gawains prayer pays off. Religion is addressed extensively in the story of Othello as well. Even though Othello comes from Africa, a pagan land, he demonstrates Christian faith. For example, when Othello finds that Montano and Cassio have been fighting he says: Why, how now ho! From whence ariseth this? Are we turned Turks, and to