On the Change in Writing from Maldon to Gawain

As English society’s sense of physical security strengthened, the writings of the periods changed in style and genre, but retained the old values and heroic rhetoric. In Battle of Maldon the characters boast, brag and tell directly what they are feeling, and they do this is several ways. The mead-hall imagery gives the author an opportunity to tell the reader about the integrity that was expected of each warrior. The character of Ælfwine articulates …

…Green Knight indicates a shift from constant war and survival to more leisurely lifestyles. The chivalric code remains the same in the most basic sense in the three texts—warriors should fight to the death, honor their king and clan, protect the people, and show no fear—but the purpose behind the code changed dramatically as the society developed and strengthened. The change in genre and style from Maldon to Beowulf to Gawain reflects this.