Women & Feminism in Shakespeare
In what ways do attitudes towards treasure in these texts reflect the value systems of Anglo-Saxon England (newly Christian with a heroic heritage), and late-fourteenth-century England? In addition to “The Pardoner’s Tale,” you may also refer to “The Pardoner’s Prologue, The Pardoner’s Epilogue, and information on the Pardoner from The General Prologue.
How is heroism or masculinity defined in heroic culture and chivalric culture, respectively? To illustrate your thesis, compare and contrast Beowulf and Sir Gawain as heroes/ideal men. Your essay should note relevant differences between the genres of the heroic epic and the medieval romance.