영웅주의와 기사도에 투영된 설전(flyting)의 형태에 관한 고찰

A Study on the Aspects of Flyting in Heroism and the Code of Chivalry

The theme of pride or glory and the pattern of verbal sparring become major common features in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight though there exists a huge time-gap between the two works. The social background of Beowulf is the society of Germanic heroic ideology conventionally known as the comitatus, in which duties of loyalty and revenge become a binding force on the individual. Members of comitatus are to a large extent subordinated to an obligation generated by the social ethos. In this society, heroes are constantly called on to respond to an ineluctable obligation to prove themselves in war. This tradition of 'shame culture' is brought home again to the minds of the audience of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, in particular when they hear of Unferth's taunting speech towards Beowulf; in this Unferth completely ignores Breca's previous attempt in the swimming contest, based on youthful boasting, as with a panegyric tone he gives much credit to Breca's glorious achievement. In terms both of the classical heroic moral standard and that of Unferth, Breca's attempt should not be condemned at all as long as he proves his martial prowess in particular terms of success. With the same consequences, Beowulf's attempt, regardless of its motivation, can hardly be criticized, nor does Unferth blame Beowulf for his youthful adventure. This kind of action-oriented moral principle is well exemplified both in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The rivalry-consciousness existing between duelling warriors forms a major component for the verbal sparring and is well presented in the verbal exchanges between Beowulf and Unferth, and the Green knight and King Arthur or Sir Gawain.