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...