To answer the questions about SGGK; I feel that the quality and style changed from Beowulf to SGGK because, "In the 12th and 13th centuries, there was a movement toward a more solitary relgious life and a more personal encounter with God" (Norton Anthology, 157). This is great information that can give a reason to why there was more influence from Christianity and the humble quality of the knights.
I would also like the address how interesting it is that there are many Christian references, for example following the liturgical calender, to have references towards magic, the star on the front of the shield. When this poem came into being, was there a lot of people who believed in magic, or is this style of using images of magic just to speed the story a long and make it interesting? Why would the poet give so many references to Christianity and the Virgin Mary, but then have these subtle references towards magic and the multiple meanings of numbers? I guess these are just some thoughts to ponder.
-Elise Van Dam
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