The Power of Knowledge

Knowledge can be approached in different ways and numerous interpretations are considered. Knowledge can be stimulated through humility or ignorance. I have selected three separate texts that illustrate the connection human aspirations and knowledge has in common and the impact hierarchy rankings have on one’s insight. The literary analysis essay interprets and defines the term “knowledge”. The meaning focuses around learning, instruction, insight, philosophy, and proficiency. The texts that will be used throughout the essay as sources are: Beowulf translated by Michael Swanton, The Wife of Bath’s Tale and the author is Geoffrey Chaucer, and The Tempest which is a product of William Shakespeare. Characters from the chosen texts demonstrate their perception of knowledge and wisdom based on the significance of superficial existence. People’s assumed power and privilege promote certain actions they could partake in when trying to fulfill personal desires. Acts of knowledge can be either appropriate or inappropriate gestures. It is difficult to distinguish right from wrong deeds the overall circumstances has to be examined and the answer lies in the outcome of the decision when wisdom was applied. There is good and evil in everyone, selfless or self-centered choices formulate one’s character and the observed perception others have. The texts educate the reader that karma usually constructs challenges or rewards depending on if your knowledge was practiced in a selfish or beneficial method. Confirmation and rationality supports what institutes positive and negative knowledge. Every journey in life requires the application of prior knowledge and the assurance to accept wisdom presented throughout a quest. Those who are true to themselves and others always flourish; however, those who are narcissistic plummet in the long run.
The Wife of Bath’s Tale demonstrates knowledge in many aspects. The knight in the story is consumed and fully interested in personal satisfaction and the sense of power results in him taken a young maiden’s virginity. The knight’s assumption reflecting his self-morale and societal standing justifies his disobedient behavior. His punishment is the knight is sent on a quest to discover the correct answer to the queen’s question in return he will be granted a second chance. “ You gentlemen of breeding all aver that men should not despise old age, but rather grant an old man respect, call him ‘father.’ ‘if I am old and ugly, as you have said, you have less fear of being cuckolded, for ugliness and age, as all agree, are notable guardians of chastity. But since I know in what you delight, I’ll gratify your worldly appetite’.” (pg. 931). The journey in a sense is a degrading notion to his social stratification. The knight finds the answer from an old unpleasant looking woman and promises to reward her in exchange for the correct information. She assures his life will be saved but the knight had to vow himself to her. The knight’s egotistic mindset and instant response failed to acknowledge possible long-term outcomes. The ending result led to the knight becoming the old hag’s husband. He explained how unhappy he was because he was humiliated his wife was an unattractive and impecunious human being. The women responded informing the knight that true impoverishment resides in those who are greedy and affluent individuals have seldom and yearn for absolutely nothing. True beauty comes from one’s inner self. Obedience portrays real and useful knowledge.
In The Tempest written by William Shakespeare knowledge is examined in a deeper sense. The topics easily acknowledged through loyalty and betrayal viewing those action and relating it to the overall theme of freedom and bondage. The brother, Antonio’s power hungry desires lead him to deception. Propero states, “ My brother and thy uncle, called Antonio- I pray thee mark me- that a brother should be so perfidious! —he whom next thyself of all the world I loved, and to him put the manage of my state as at the time through all the signories it was the first” (Act I, Scene 2, Line 66- 71) he then utter to his daughter “Being one perfected how to grant suits, how to deny them, who t’ advance, and who to trash for overtopping, new—created the creatures that were mine, I say—or changed ‘em, or else new-formed- having both the key of officer and office, set all hearts I’ th’ state to what tune pleased his ear, that now he was the ivy which had hid my princely trunk and sucked my verdure out on’t. Thou attend’st not?” (Act I, Scene 2, Line 79-87). The previous lines expresses how unexpected the betrayal was yet he was able to overcome fate and grow from his experience. Propero’s actions in this part of the play illustrate appropriate knowledge. Propero continues to value the bond him and his brother previous had and recognizes the positive outcomes his hardship has developed, yet questions how his own blood could hurt him that severe. Through the ordeal Propero recognizes how his magic originates from nature and in his opinion his supernatural powers are only for good intentions when referring to act I, scene 2, line 178-184, it states “By accident most strange, bountiful fortune (now my dear lady) hath mine enemies brought to this shore; and by my prescience I find my zenith doth depend upon a most auspicious star, whose influence if now I court not, but omit, my fortunes will ever after droop.” Propero is deferential of nature. During the play it is later assumed that Propero becomes consumed with the personal benefits his power has establishes and he begins to display inappropriate wisdom. He uses it to make others around him fearful of him and reassuring his level of authority and control.
In Beowulf there are numerous examples of inappropriate and appropriate acts of knowledge. The following quotes for the reading explains how important it is to make positive strives in the community and portray positive confident leadership to make sure the optimistic changes occur. “So it is that young man while still in his father’s protection ought to do good deeds, making liberal rich gifts, so that when he comes of age good companions will stand by him, lend aid to the people when war comes. Among all nation sit is by praiseworthy deeds that a man shall prosper.” (Beowulf. 20-25). Explains the significance of the heroic code and how loyalty is the base of the document. It also shows how important relationships are regarding leadership and society. Trust has to be gained to move further. Beowulf then boast about his heroic attributes. “Do not be sorrowful, wise man! It is better for anyone that he should avenge his friend, rather than mourn greatly. Each of us must await the end of life in this world; let him who can, achieve glory before death; afterwards, when lifeless, that will be best for a noble man.” (1384-1389). Following the execution of Hrothgar’s confidant, Aeschere, Beowulf articulates the ethics of the heroic ordinance. It also displays negative knowledge with that statement because he is being inconsiderate of others emotional being; however, Beowulf lends a word of advice to Hrothgar. Beowulf points out his importance as well as his personal qualities.
Leadership plays a big role in executing knowledge, but when power overcomes an individual problems tend to happen. Problems arise because of human nature and a leader wanting to make a decision based on gratitude. Ignorance interferes with ones ability to fully comprehend decision making and certain actions because one could possible masked with self conceded thoughts where they tend to not take in to consideration others. They tend to solely base choices off of personal gain and beneficial rewards. Knowledge is skin deep. In the examples I provided knowledge is not intelligence but rather one’s positive attributes to the ones ar