Romance “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

Why do you think that the author opens with a story about the Trojan War? Why would an author have lined Arthur up with the founders of this ancient civilization? Use what you know from the Anglo-Saxon notes. The author used the Trojan War to open his story to foreshadow different elements of the plot. For example, how women ruin men, internal betrayal, and how one’s hero can be another’s traitor. When the “real” action begins, what season is it? This is significant. Explain why.

It is around Christmas time when the action begins. This is significant because Christmas is a time of rebirth and the celebration of life in the winter. (Yule tradition, evergreens). Why does the King refuse to eat? Cite it, and explain. He refuses to sit and eat until everyone else is served (86-89) because he doesn’t want to sit and eat while everyone else is waiting for their food. He is also child-like and enjoys being entertained as he eats.

What is chivalry? Use direct textual evidence. Chivalry is fighting fair and for what is right. (354-361) Gawain gives himself up to play the Green Knight’s game so his king won’t have to die. What are some unusual characteristics of the Green Knight? Be sure to list as many as you can! Think about what he carries in his hands, and what this might represent about the symbolism of the color green.

The Green Knight has many strange characteristics. Some of these characteristics are his red eyes, green skin, green hair, green horse, his lack of armor, his 4ft bladed axe, and his holly branch. How do the knights react to the Green Knight? Use two separate responses from two different characters. Dialogue is useful here. The knights of the round table laugh nervously about the Green Knight and are too scared to accept his challenge. Arthur is angered by this and he accepts the challenge out of embarrassment.

What game is proposed? The Green Knight proposes that someone takes a swing at him with his axe and in a year and a day he will do the same to the person who accepts. Draw a plot line of the main action from Part I here. Put it on its own page, and make it pretty. Be sure to include the elements of the exposition that we talked about, as well as the requirements of the game proposed by the Green Knight. The author makes reference in this section to “Lent”. What is this (you might need to do some research), and how does it relate to what you know about the culture.

Lent is when people give up items that they enjoy. This is significant because it parallels with Gawain’s sacrifice of his life for his King. Why is it significant that Gawain leaves Arthur’s court during this season to begin his quest? Gawain leaves Arthur’s court on November 1st, which is considered the beginning of the Christmas season in this story, therefore, it is also the beginning of winter. Winter represents isolation and death, and since Gawain is going to what he believes is his death, this is fitting.

Notice the description of Gawain’s armor. Why does the author tell us about this? Gawain’s armor is described as red and gold and filled with embroidered silks. Red is the color of passion and danger, while gold represents wealth and sacredness. The designs on his armor represent knighthood, for example, the pentangle. Who is Gringolet? Gringolet is Gawain’s horse. DRAW Gawain’s shield. What is the pentangle? What does it represent? *See written page* The pentangle represents the 5 virtues of knighthood. These virtues are Chivalry, Charity, Church, Chastity and Courtesy.

What does Gawain despair about missing on Christmas Eve? Gawain is upset that he will be unable to pray at Christmas Eve mass. How is Gawain received at the castle? The people at the castle receive Gawain in an extremely welcoming way. They are almost too welcoming and eager to serve him. It seems suspicious, however Gawain is pleased with this. Describe the lord of the castle. Are there any characteristics in common with any other character? The lord of the castle has a red beard, red hair, rosy cheeks, and red clothing. This is similar to Gawain, as his armor has a lot of red in it, along with gold.

Once the guests of the castle realize that they are in the presence of Gawain, what do they expect of him? What do they think they know about him? They expect grand stories, riches, glory, and goodness from him, as he is a Knight of the Round Table. What two women does Gawain meet after evensong? How are they described? How does Gawain treat them? He meets a beautiful woman (the lady of the castle), who is pale with a large forehead, and a “loathly lady” who is ugly and gnarled. Gawain treats them courteously, as it is his knightly duty to do so.

What is the challenge or game? What do you think about this? The game the lord proposes is that whatever he wins during the day, he will turn over to Gawain, and whatever Gawain wins during the day, he will have to turn it over to the lord. I feel as thought that is a strange game, however I’m interested to see what Gawain could possibly win if he simply remains in a castle. What happens to Gawain while he is still in bed? The lady of the castle enters his bedroom and locks the door behind her. What does he pretend, and why? He pretends to be asleep because he is embarrassed that he is not fully clothed in front of a woman, as that is considered discourteous.

What metaphor do Gawain and the lady use in their conversation? What does the lady seem to have in mind? The lady says “Your sleep is so innocent that anyone could catch you, and now you’re caught!” She wants a kiss from him, and she managed to corner him because he was asleep. Does Gawain respond in a chivalric fashion? How do you know? Yes, because he goes to mass happily instead of fearfully. He feels as though he has no need to confess at mass, and he feels good about it. What does the lady give to Gawain? She gives him a single kiss.

What animal is hunted by the lord this day? The lord hunts deer. Symbolic analysis? The lord hunts the deer (representing innocence) by cornering them in a valley, similarly to how the lady corners Gawain by locking the door. What animal does the lord hunt on the second day? The lord hunts a boar. What does this animal seem to parallel? The boar represents strength. Gawain is strong for remaining faithful to the virtues of the pentangle. He is also physically strong, however he would never use it on a lady. What does the lady propose the second day, and how does Gawain respond?

The lady proposes that Gawain takes a kiss from a lady when her looks ask it, and he responds by saying he feels that would be disrespectful and he wouldn’t want to take a kiss that was unwanted. Why does the lady complain? She says that Gawain was being discourteous because he will not take her kisses from her when her looks ask. What does the lady give to him? She gives him two kisses. What does the lord hunt on the third day? The lord hunts a fox. What happens between Gawain and the lady this day?

She wants to sleep with him (1770), and when he refuses, she tries to offer him a red and gold ring, and a green and gold belt. What choice does Gawain face?He faces the choice to either accept or refuse the green belt. What is the ‘right’ thing to do? Why? Refer to the chivalric code. Decide for yourself and explain. The right thing to do is to say no, however should he accept the belt, he should give it to the lord of the castle, as to uphold their deal. What does the lady give Gawain? What does she ask for? She gives him three kisses and the green and gold belt. She asks that he keep it for himself and not give it to the lord of the castle.

What does he accept, and why does he do this? He accepts the green and gold belt because the lady insists that it will protect him on his venture to the green chapel. What happens in the last hunt? What is significant about the fox? Does his color remind you of anything? The fox is eventually outwitted by the hunting dogs and is killed. He is a red fox, sharing the color popular among Gawain and the lord of the castle. When the lord returns home on the third day, what happens? The fox skin is presented to Gawain, however Gawain only presents the king with three kisses. He keeps the belt for himself.

Does Gawain meet the terms of his oath? How does he sleep that night, and why? No, Gawain disregards charity in his oath with the lord. Gawain is assumed to have slept poorly, as he believes that his death will come the next day. Why do you think that this section begins with a storm? Storms represent confusion, worry and conflict, all of which Gawain is feeling. He is feeling this way over both the Green Knight and the green sash that the lady presented to him. What are your impressions of Gawain now? I feel as though he is a scared little boy who is trying his best. Is the Green Chapel what you expected? Why or why not? No, I expected it to be a large, polished place with green bricks and stained glass and other things found in churches and chapels. All of the overgrowth is meant to symbolize wickedness because people are moving away from the Pagan traditions of worshiping nature.

Summarize what happens when the axe is raised to strike Gawain. What happens? The first time, Gawain flinches away and the Green Knight taunts him. The second time, the Green Knight fakes Gawain out again, however he doesn’t flinch. The final time the axe is raises, it hits Gawain, however the Green Knight misses Gawain’s neck, and merely clips him with the edge rather than decapitating him. What is the purpose of these three strikes? How is Gawain judged, by the knight, by himself?

The purpose of the three strikes is to see whether Gawain is truly as brave as a knight of the Round Table should be. He is taunted by the Green Knight and Gawain judges himself harshly, feeling as though he is a total failure. Who is the Green Knight? Name him, then cite his relationship to Sir Gawain. The Green Knight is the husband of the lady of the castle. Who is the old woman at the castle? B. Why is she critical to the action? C. What were her intentions?

The old woman was truly Morgan Le Fay, Gawain’s aunt. She caused this whole situation to happen. She bid the Green Knight to go to Arthur’s Court in order to (hopefully) get Arthur to accept the challenge and scare Guinevere to death (if she saw the decapitated head of the Green Knight).

What is Gawain’s attitude when he returns to court? B. How is he received? He feels as though he is a failure and begs on his knees to be forgiven. Everyone in the Court is so glad to see Gawain that they are not bothered by his “sins”. What does the girdle come to represent in the court of King Arthur? The girdle represents honor, and the celebration and support of Gawain.

Read more

First knight

Arthur demonstrates the democratic way by showing when he makes decisions he goes to the round table to discuss them with the fellow citizens. How Arthur shows how to handle those who he thinks broke the rules by holding a public trial so everyone can see the law at work and he leaves the persons fall to the law and the people of Camelot to decide. Arthur demonstrates the highest value of the democratic way by letting the citizens have a say and do things their way and expecting and treating the citizens with dignity. . Malignant demonstrates the authoritarian way by showing when he makes decisions he does not listen to the citizens and only goes by his word and no one else’s. Malignant only respects himself and no one else; he even tries to kidnap the Queen. Which is very disrespectful. Malignant does not care about anyone as long at he is respected and in charge. Being authoritarian means that the leader is self appointed and does not listen to citizen’s opinions and they cannot speak out against he leaders actions, which Malignant clearly shows.

That is an example that shows lack of respect for citizens and shows the authoritarian way. Malignant demonstrates the highest value of the authoritarian way by not letting the citizens have a say and taking away their rights, also by punishing innocent people for others poor actions. 3. Arthur shows rights and responsibilities in the movie because Arthur held court and used the law to decide the guilt or innocence of the Queen and Lancelot and if lilts their punishment.

He held a public trial so every citizen can see the law at work. This shows rights and responsibilities by letting the people decide the faith and having a say, Arthur is allowing the people to exercise their rights of opinion. As well he does not get greedy or let his anger get the best of him before announcing Lancet’s punishment. Also he uses the round table with high respect and responsibility and shows equality throughout and works together with everyone for the good of Camelot.

Read more

Compare and contrast images of heroism in these two poems

Heroism is a trait that we seem to have no problem identifying, yet when asked to define what a hero is a myriad of answers emerge. This phenomenon is not unique to today’s society; the definition of a hero is something that is constantly under revision and debate. An example of this can be seen in two older pieces of English literature: Beowulf, written circa 750-900, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written circa 1375-1400. These stories both have a main character that possesses heroic qualities, many of which are very similar.

Gawain’s identity as a hero is not clearly demonstrated, but when compared with Beowulf, who is demonstrated to be a hero, hiss merits earn him that title as well. Exactly what defines a heroic act, or a hero for that matter? Often times we dismiss the question due to its complex nature. But when confronted with an individual with heroic qualities we readily identify them as a hero. So what set of traits makes up this amorphous definition that we call hero? I would agree that the very definition is one that is dependent upon the time and society in which its context is being used.

A person who shot someone to save the life of another may be viewed as a hero under the scrutiny of one culture, but in a different time or location the very opposite may be true. Nevertheless, heroes exist and posses these ever changing heroic qualities. Beowulf is clearly demonstrated to be a hero, and we can observe the qualities he possesses to enable him to have that title. While Sir Gawain’s heroic accomplishments are a little more debatable, I would argue that he deserves the same title; he exudes qualities which can be considered heroic in the context of Arthurian Legend as well as today.

Although we can attribute no authorship to Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we can see that Beowulf was meant to be a hero and if nothing else, Gawain was portrayed as the story’s protagonist. One such way this was done was by having neither of the main characters as all powerful rulers; in fact each Beowulf and Gawain served some sort of higher authority. Beowulf, throughout approximately 2/3 of the story serves Hrothgar. Similarly, Gawain was not ruler of his domain but served King Arthur. It is important to note that while both served other men, they were not themselves servants.

Beowulf traveled from his land to assist in the destruction of Grendel, and Gawain chose to be a knight of the Round Table and indeed viewed his service to Arthur and his kingdom as an honor. By the construct of having both main characters serve others, the author has created more capacity for heroism to become apparent. If the President of the United States were to prevent nuclear war, the people would obviously be relieved and grateful that he fulfilled his duty. If a soldier on the field accomplished the same task, he would be regarded as a true hero.

Transcending one’s traditional role and going above and beyond is a characteristic which helps to set heroes apart from other people. Sir Gawain goes above and beyond his role when declaring his intention to battle the Green Knight. “I would come to your counsel before your court noble. /For I find it not fit, as in faith it is known, /When such a boon is begged before all these knights, /Though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself” (lines 347-350) King Arthur at this point had already accepted the challenge, yet Gawain decided to take his place because he was aware of the danger and risk involved in letting the King fight.

He admits just a few lines later that “I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest; /And the loss of my life would be least of any;” (lines 354-355) This indication that is ability to fight is low makes his decision to fight that much more heroic, and this is all done in the name of Arthur. Beowulf, on the other hand, does not have an issue of inferior strength, but quite the opposite- he seems to posses a sort of superhuman strength. Even so, his level of self restraint and wisdom prevents him from overthrowing Hrothgar despite his superior abilities.

This amount of loyalty and service is a trait that helps develop his character even further as a hero. Both Gawain and Beowulf having been in similar instances serving a higher authority have shown heroic qualities although they may have differed. While the two main characters in discussion are being portrayed as heroes, they are still human and have fallibilities. It is the dynamic experience, the rise and fall of these characters which makes them real and human, that shows what they are truly made of.

This insight may prove to be disappointing or disheartening for many, I find the revelation to be comforting as it reasserts that a hero isn’t an idyllic state but a condition which can be humanly attained. Beowulf’s rise and fall is demonstrated rather clearly throughout the progression of the story. At his peak, he kills Grendel with his bare hands. In the second encounter with Grendel’s mother he is victorious, but requires the use of armor and the sword Hrunting. As time passes, he becomes king.

He helps to slay the dragon that is terrorizing the land with the assistance of Wiglaf and his men, but at the cost of his life. This failure of his strength is foreshadowed earlier by Hrothgar, “Choose dear Beowulf, the better part, /eternal rewards. Don’t give way to pride. /For a brief while your strength is in bloom/ but it fades quickly” (lines 1759-1762). Beowulf’s wisdom, which he relies on throughout the story even diminishes as he faces the dragon, as shown when he elects to strike first by himself with full knowledge that his strength is not as great as it used to be.

Another interesting point is that while in the service is Hrothgar is heroic qualities shown through but when he became leader, he was still a hero but many of the qualities such as his wisdom and strength in this instance have decreased. Likewise to Beowulf, Gawain experiences a rise and fall. His circumstance is slightly different than Beowulf’s however. Gawain’s worthiness to even be named a hero is often put into question, and his final deeds tend to overshadow the previous ones when that consideration is made.

This is an unfair judgment as no one would rescind Beowulf’s status as a hero because of his pride blinding his judgment towards the end of his life, but would still consider him a hero because of his previous heroic actions. The same is true of Sir Gawain. Near the end of the story when he thinks he will die and flinches when the ax is coming down on his neck, he’s viewed as a coward. I’ll concede that it was a cowardly thing to do, but then I’m forced to ask the rhetorical question, “What would you do? ” Moments later, Gawain recomposes himself, doesn’t flinch and gets nicked.

Of course, one could argue that Gawain is a coward disguised as a hero because of his protest to the Green Knight claiming his debt is paid, and that he decided to use the green girdle. First of all, Gawain spends the rest of his days lamenting his decision to use the girdle, so he isn’t ignorant of what he as done. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing heroic about dying without a cause, which is what would have been the case had the Green Knight carried out his threat. I see no harm done in preparing oneself for an encounter such as the one he went through.

We often laude heroes for their cunning in wisdom, so why should those same traits in Gawain be looked upon negatively? While there are many more facets to declaring someone a hero, these are a few that both Beowulf and Gawain share. Beowulf demonstrates that its namesake is a man who is supposed to be regarded as a hero. This same intent is not made in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but when the two are compared with each other, Sir Gawain is shown to be a hero, not a simple coward that he may initially appear to be.

Read more

Sir Gawain & the Green Knight

Middle English love is that of abiding the rules of chivalry and the subservience to God. Within Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, love is emanated within this form of a romantic poem. This fifteenth century poem was written with all the characteristics of love and its challenges that so often come with it. The story of the intrusive Green knight ends up having a twist that confronts the norms that knights have adopted. Sir Gawain, a model for knights in the Arthurian kingdom, ultimately redefines himself and his love for all codes of his kingdom manner.

Through this romantic journey the model knight will rediscover the truth through deception. The many forms of love including chivalry, spiritual and courtly love will become strengthened through the Green knight challenge. Chivalry is a common theme within Sir Gawain, “By champions of chivalry achieved in arms. ” (95) From the dinner scene in part one to the illustrious battle at the Green Chapel in Part 3. The love of keeping their virtues was imbedded in all aspects of the story.

Sir Gawain was the epitome for these virtues, through his valiant journey to the Green Chapel and strong will against the lady of the house. “With the pentangle portrayed in purest gold. ” (620) The five points of pentangle represent his perfection over evil. He loves being faultless in decisions that as long as he stays to the five points the Lord would keep him. With the five points on the front of his shield and Mother Mary on the back he had all the armor one needed. A great romance mustn’t be left without spiritual love, especially to a chivalric knight.

Gawain’s truth to his faith has him praying for help, “that Mary may be his guide. ” (738) His prayers were answered soon after from which a “wondrous dwelling [appeared]. ” (763) The great feasts also show the love of their God for the extravagant meals that are abundantly shown. “Great is God’s grace, and goodly indeed. ” (920) Which is expressed for the gratitude of Gawain’s presence. The importance and love of faith in Gawain’s quest does not come without its trials. The lovely lady of the house became another test of his chivalry and faith. With guile in her heart,” (1472) she makes several attempts to test Gawain’s strength. With her permission to “lay on as you like,” (1503) she also uses her cunning to pursue and manipulate his love. “For loyal faith in love, in life as in story,” (1513) she tempts him with courtly love to abide by the chivalrous approach. To have relations while her “husband is not nearby,” (1533) from which was made under thrice. “The two converse as friends of true love’s trials and bliss,” (1506) this spoken from the narrator hints to love being a state of suffering within the story.

Although they may love and suffer Gawain becomes better for it. Through his mistakes over love and faith it eventually leads him to a better understanding and a united brotherhood with the green girdle. The significance of the knight’s honor and brotherhood is mentioned throughout. “To counsel their comrade, with care in their hearts,” (558) after love for God the counsel and brotherhood is most important. Their “beneficence boundless and brotherly love,” (652) was shown before Gawain took forth.

Even after Gawain confessed to the kingdom that he had not met his journey with success he was still comforted by the king. “The king comforts the knight, and the court all together. ” (2513) Gawain wore the “badge of false faith that [he] was found in there. ” (2509) As a sign of deep support and love by his fellow brothers, he was met with all bearing the green sash. Clearly it is evident that love plays a crucial role in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. Although the love is enduring for Gawain it was not as it seemed.

The true love is what ended up being his true suffering. Gawain’s struggles through keeping his five points of perfection, his composure with the lovely lady and the brotherhood that supported him no matter what the outcome. These were the true challenges that love had brought about. His Lord and Mother Mary guidance to the castle had also been a test to his capabilities. Though he did his most human effort to stay true to his virtues the test of the Green knight was just that. To breakdown the perfection of the knight hood ideals and come out stronger for it.

Read more

Sir, Gawain’s Traits

Gawain’s rise to the game. Arthurian legends are medieval romances that tell wondrous tales of fantasy and chivalry. The chivalric code of knights was highly revered as a way of life. This code of bravery honor and loyalty was followed by every knight and royal in the medieval ages. Sir Gawain and the Green knight is a medieval romance that demonstrates Sir Gawain’s demonstrations and lack there of chivalry through his bravery, loyalty and honor. However he follows the code of chivalry more so than breaking it.

One of Gawain’s traits that made him a model of chivalry is his bravery in the face of danger. Gawain was ready to take the challenge of the green knight and save his king from it as soon as he could. “Command me to step down from the dais and take this game. ”(ML 123-124) King Arthur was the only knight to step up to the challenge, and seeing this wanting to protect him Sir Gawain decides to take the game from him. “’only you as my uncle have I any honor. ” (ML138) In this situation, Gawain is also being loyal to his king and uncle by saving his life in taking the game. Gawain shows both modesty and hid courtesy towards his queen all just moments from he shows his bravery. “‘That I might without bad manners move down from my place (though I couldn’t if my liege lady disliked it)’ “(ML 128-129). Gawain is saying that he will listen to whatever his queen says to do, regardless of the situation he is in. Before he takes the challenge of the knight Gawain states “’My life would be the least missed if. ” (Ml 137) Gawain, while sounding somewhat critical of himself, is actually demonstrating his great sense of modesty during the story Honor is a trait that is not found very much in this day and age. In the end, the lord of the castle discovers that not even Gawain was honorable to him. “You have failed me in our exchange, so I’ve trapped you here, that sash you wear by your scabbard belongs to me’” (ML348-350). Another trait that is highly regarded in this day and age is faith. There is faith in religion, faith in yourself, or even faith in objects.

Gawain puts faith in a magical green sash that is enchanted and would save his life. (67) In conclusion, Gawain follows the code of chivalry and makes a worthy knight of the round table. Granted that some of the traits of chivalry are not his strong suit, Gawain still follows true to the almighty code that all of the knights follow. Any mistake that Sir Gawain made during this he was either forgiven for, or they went unnoticed, given that this is straying from the code, in the end Gawain is still the most worthy knight of the round table.

Read more

A Closer Look on Sir Gawain

For Literature lovers, Sir Gawain is best known as the nephew of King Arthur. He is the son of King Arthur’s sister Morgaus and King Lot. He is a Knight of the Round Table. His brothers are Agravain, Gaheris, Gareth and Mordred. He is loyal to his king and to his family. He is a magnificent warrior but has a temper. He is also a ladies’ man. There are some works where his strength depends on the sun. Some stories claim that he is really strong during the afternoon when the sun shines at its best and is weak at night because the sun sets.

There are two sides of Sir Gawain when it comes to his duties as a knight and as a family man. He balances both roles well. For example, he is loyal to King Arthur and obeys his commands. However, when Guinevere was slated to be burned at the stake and Sir Gawain was asked by King Arthur to stand post, the Knight nobly said no to the command. His respect for women outweighed his loyalty to his liege. There was also a time when his loyalty to his friend Lancelot was outweighed by his loyalty to his family.

This was when his brothers (except for Mordred) were killed during the battle between Lancelot and King Arthur. But when Mordred overturned the kingdom of Camelot and Sir Gawain was breathing his last, he sought forgiveness from Lancelot and asked him to defeat Mordred in his stead. Sir Gawain is popular in a number of literary works all over Europe. He is often seen as the model of chivalry. Most protagonists are compared and contrasted to him. A lot of French romances portray Gawain in different ways. Sometimes he is the hero.

There are other times, he is the loyal wingman of the hero. He is also popularly known as the knight who searched for the Grail. Here, he is seen at his best light. His intentions are pure. It is reminiscent to him stopping his brothers Agravain and Mordred in plotting the downfall of Lancelot and Guinevere by revealing their love affair. During the Post-Vulgate Cycle, Gawain was portrayed as a murderer. He was no longer the hero but the villain. This generic evil canceled out his records as the noble knight when literature about him is discussed.

Therefore, to the eyes of Literature lovers, Gawain is an honorable champion but has flaws. For the Literature in Britain and Scotland, Gawain is a respectable and admired hero. He is also the main man when it comes to romantic stories and lyrical poems. His reputation is not tarnished because French Literature refuse to show Sir Gawain in a negative light. As a matter of fact, in Middle English Literature, he is the central character in a great work “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. ” In “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, he is an excellent knight but has human traits.

He also has flaws. He may be witty, virtuous and respectful of women but there are times that he is also subdued to jealousy. In the end, his love for women frees his wife Dame Ragnelle from her curse of ugliness. The depiction of Sir Gawain in glowing lights continued toward the Vulgate and the Post-Vulgate Cycle. The problem is that there were other literatures that stained his reputation, particular the negative characteristics that were attributed to him by Thomas Malory’s “The Death of Arthur. ”

Literary scholars compare and contrast the sides of Sir Gawain in every literature he appeared in. Perhaps what makes Sir Gawain genuine is that readers have an idea of his shortcomings but see that he is eager to make up for them (as mentioned in the earlier paragraphs of this essay. ) Therefore, we balance the whole anatomy of Sir Gawain. Just like us, Sir Gawain can be a gentleman and a brute. He can be loyal to his family and friends but turn his back on them the minute his ethics and beliefs are attacked. In the end, it’s all about weighing the pros and the cons of the knight.

Read more

Medieval Era And Gawain And Green Knight English Literature Essay

One of the most honest and glorious epochs of all clip was the mediaeval period. The narrative of ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ‘ portrays this facet of life throughout the full narrative. Although there were a batch of great narratives written during this point in clip, this one stood out the most amongst all the others. The mediaeval period, while really structured and proper, had a batch of really disgraceful things that went on in mundane lives.

The narrative ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ‘ was written in a verse type of manner like many of the other narratives thought up during this epoch. Because the narrative was written in such a splendorous and elaborate manner, nevertheless, it is known as a arresting success. Again, like many of the other narratives written from 500-1500, these narratives were composed as many states were going shaped into the states they are today. Many of the narratives written during this clip were besides written with many literacy traditions that the people of that epoch would understand ; better than the people reading the narrative today. Peoples in the Middle Ages were considered “ homogenous. ” Basically, all of the people, work forces and adult females, operated in the same mode, but were really of many diverse civilizations. Therefore, because ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ‘ was written in the metropolis of Birmingham, a European state, it portrays the life that the people lived during that clip in that part.

In the medieval epoch, the construction of their society was really dainty and proper. They had a male monarch and a queen, princesses and knights, and etc. The male monarch was in charge of everything and everyone in the land had to reply to him. Now in the instance of ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ‘ they use a similar construction. The Sir Gawain is evidently beneath King Arthur for multiple grounds. First off, the manner they communicate with each other tells the reader rather a spot about where each individual stood. For case, the fact that King Arthur stairss down when “ Sir Gawain ” asks to take on the undertakings of the Green Knight shows rather a spot on how things were done back so. Sir Gawain asks to turn out himself, merely as King Arthur did before he merely about took off the Green Knight ‘s caput, to be courageous and honored by others. By making so, Sir Gawain will derive the regard he deserves from everyone, every bit good as maybe knock some of the fright of decease out of him every bit good.

Although, Sir Gawain is beneath King Arthur, he is one of the most extremely apprehended knights that are among King Arthur ‘s tribunal. We know this because of the trust that King Arthur puts into him. When Sir Gawain says that he is traveling to take on the undertakings of the Green Knight, King Arthur allows him to make this with without vacillation. Even though Sir Gawain makes some “ humanly ” errors, throughout the narrative, he is still considered a really charming character in the narrative. Besides, when Sir Gawain does take on the duties of the Green Knight he does so entirely without aid from his fellow knights. Obviously, King Arthur thinks that he is “ worthy ” plenty to take the Green Knight on by himself.

During his travel to the Green Knight ‘s palace, Sir Gawain is asked to remain at a different palace where the Godhead greets him with great cordial reception. The host asks Sir Gawain to remain a piece with them at his topographic point, and promises to allow Sir Gawain leave on New Year ‘s Day to contend the Green Knight. While Sir Gawain is remaining at the host ‘s palace the host asks him to rest while he goes out to run each twenty-four hours. The gimmick of the affair is that Sir Gawain would give back, to the host, what he had been given that twenty-four hours and the host would give him what he had caught that twenty-four hours. We start to see that Sir Gawain ends up snoging the lady of the palace on each twenty-four hours while the host Hunts game each twenty-four hours. The host gave a banquet and Sir Gawain kissed the host each dark ; to give back what he had been given each twenty-four hours. On the last twenty-four hours at the palace Sir Gawain is given a sash and Sir Gawain does non state the host. When he goes to the Green Knight the following twenty-four hours he laughs in Sir Gawain ‘s face for have oning the sash, evidently non giving it to the host. It was a trial for Sir Gawain. Thus, the Green Knight takes his “ blows ” and ends up merely cutting Sir Gawain ‘s cervix. Sir Gawain apologizes for non giving the sash to the host and the Green Knight takes the apology. Sir Gawain says he will have on the sash for the remainder of his life to remind him of his mistakes.

When Sir Gawain returns to his place everyone greets him gleefully. Sir Gawain tells the whole tribunal of the escapade he had while he was gone. Everyone got a good laugh out of it and yet felt sorry for him every bit good. They all decided to have on green sashes every bit good in award of Sir Gawain ‘s courage and embarrassment. Basically, they ended up honouring him to the highest extent by making so for him. King Arthur did non even complain about anyone making so, which shows that King Arthur had somewhat regard for this one knight of his. He did non even get covetous of Sir Gawain for this either, which shows that he trust Sir Gawain plenty to non acquire a “ large caput ” about what he did. As in lasting the “ undertakings ” of the Green Knight and being honored by all “ King Arthurs ” people.

Honestly, the sad portion of this full narrative is that the writer is unknown. We truly can non appreciate his work to the fullest extent ; as in it reflected the Middle Ages really good. I believe that this narrative will go on to be successful for many old ages to come. It portrays how life one time was long ago ; along with an interesting narrative.

Read more
OUR GIFT TO YOU
15% OFF your first order
Use a coupon FIRST15 and enjoy expert help with any task at the most affordable price.
Claim my 15% OFF Order in Chat
Close

Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own

Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. Get professional help and free up your time for more important courses. Let us handle your;

  • Dissertations and Thesis
  • Essays
  • All Assignments

  • Research papers
  • Terms Papers
  • Online Classes
Live ChatWhatsApp