William Wallace Still Relevant In The 15th Century

How different was the William Wallace portrayed in extracts C and D (in the 15th century) from that portrayed in extracts G, H and I (in the late 19th century), and why? Despite being considered as the greatest hero and persona in the history of Scotland William Wallace’s reputation and character are really controversial in terms of authenticity due to the different interpretations and descriptions that has been given by various historical and non-historical sources during different ages shortly and long after his life and act. Wallace’s legacy kept its value among the Scottish folk for centuries. In the eyes of the ordinary people he has been always a legend. Undying symbol of hope, justice, freedom and although his legend grew in
They considered him as great but not in heroic terms but in more humane manner. He was a leader but because he deserved to be such one, he was a guardian but because the people gave him this title, he was a patriot but only because he never showed that there is a political interest that stays above the cause for free state. Wallace was the hammer of the English due to the fact that he achieved many victories against them but not alone. He was dedicated and courageous – virtues that everyone who participated in the struggle against the Englishman had. Wallace came out of the cry of the Scottish people and their actions. Walter Bower’s Scotichronicon document was written in 1440, within the perspective of the ordinary people. He described Wallace as a person of his time would describe him: “He was a tall man with the body of a giant, cheerful in appearance with agreeable features, broad shouldered and big boned, with belly in proportion and lengthy flanks, pleasing in appearance but with a wild look, broad in the hips, with strong arms and legs, a most spirited fighting man, with all his limbs very strong and firm.” Although the detailed description of Wallace’s Physical appearance points out that he was a bit stronger than the ordinary folk it never goes into a science fiction style that tries to gives a godlike image to a person in order to make him look great. He looked as anyone else could possibly look. However, only one thing in this description distinguish him as the spark of the struggle and this is: “but with a wild look”. This represents that he was a character ready to take risks in the name of his cause, ready to sacrifice possibly and to be unstoppable until he gets what he wants. Wild also may refer to madness and to passionate struggle that everyone takes by heart.