Medieval Poem Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

The inconsistencies in Sir Gawain’s identity become blatantly clear when contextualized within the literary tradition that established Gawain as fundamentally chivalrous.

Sir Gawain is known for his knightly integrity, but by failing to uphold his agreement with Lord Bertilak, he is demonstrating that human perfection is impossible to maintain. By failing to give the girdle to Lord Bertilak-when he returns from his hunting trip, Sir Gawain is not abiding by

you returned the three kisses, but the girdle you kept” (Thompson, 14). This example reveals Sir Gawain's own dishonesty and how he lied to the Green Knight out of his own desperation to survive despite the Knight's Code of Chivalry. Although Sir Gawain did go against the Code of Chivalry, he owned up to his untruthfulness and rightfully took the blow of the ax. When admitting to this he is coincidently following vow six of the Knight's Code of Chivalry “ to live by honor and for glory” because to have honor is to be regarded with respect and taking responsibility for your actions is a noble

Sir Gawain was a great knight in Arthur’s court; in many cases, he showed examples of being heroic. This allows people who read Sir Gawain and The Green Knight to remember him because of the ways he portrayed heroism. One example of Gawain being heroic is when he takes on the task by the green knight: “I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest; and the loss of my life would be least of any; That I have you for uncle is my only praise; My body, but for your blood, is barren of worth” (Borroff, 12). Sir Gawain shows that he is heroic and someone to be remembered because of how he took on the task presented by The Green Knight instead of letting Arthur go. His heroism is also explained in The Hero and His Adventure: “ He is presented in traditional heroic situations such as being equipped in armour and

​In the beginning of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain is introduced as a courtly knight with a sense of perfection. The author does this to compare it to his failures, which are later displayed through Gawain’s acts at Morgan le Fay’s castle. Gawain is portrayed to be a chivalrous knight with honor and courage. Gawain is presented with a challenge: accept the game to cut off the Green Knight’s head, and in a test of courage and honor, set out to allow the Green Knight to return the favor to him in a year and a day. This initially shows the knightly characteristics of Gawain which presents him as noble and honorable, which allows the author to shock the audience when Gawain falls under pressure to actions that contradict the chivalrous code. The first of these actions taken by Gawain in opposition to his morals is the temptation

This story explains the importance of honesty and having integrity all the time. Sir Gawain is faced with the challenge of fighting the very strong Green Knight. The Green Knight and Sir Gawain decided that they would play a game where they both get a chance to swing at each other. He overcomes many obstacles through the journey of their agreement. The Green Knight disguises himself as a Lord to test Sir Gawain’s loyalty and honesty. He has his wife seduce him and try to make him fall for her. After three times, Sir Gawain finally gives in to her. At this point, it is proven that Sir Gawain’s integrity and honesty is not as strong as everyone thought. He knew that the lady was married but she was so beautiful he could not contain his feelings for her. He is young and immature and allows lust to take over what he knew was wrong. This situation proves that he is not as angelic and pure as most people believed.

The tale of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” focuses primarily on beliefs of honor, bravery, and chivalry. The main character, Sir Gawain, embodies these qualities. His character is meant to be a model of chivalry. He emanates honor when he offers to fight the Green Knight for King Arthur. Medieval people would admire this courageous act. In his struggles to keep his promise Gawain demonstrates chivalry and loyalty until his honor is assessed, in the end, by the Green Knight’s schemes. This tale also includes a larger-than-life character who commands respect, the Green Knight. This superhuman being defies all laws of nature when his head is chopped off, yet he still remains alive and alert. These characters and their extraordinary actions provide perspective for the values and interests of medieval people.

The first chivalric expression of Sir Gawain in Arthur’s court is his loyalty. It was Christmas at Camelot-King Arthur’s court, where all the Round Table knights had gathered. An uninvited guest appeared-entirely emerald green, called Green Knight. For a knight, the most important is to remain loyal to God, King, and Lady Guinevere. When Green Knight challenge the court, Arthur initially was going to accept his challenge, but Sir Gawain stepped forth and said:

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, by an unknown author referred to as the “Pearl Poet,” we are introduced to Sir Gawain. Gawain is a knight of the Round Table and he is also the nephew of King Arthur. As a knight, Gawain is expected to possess and abide by many chivalrous facets. Throughout the poem he portrays many of the qualities a knight should possess, such as bravery, courtesy, and honor among others. Because of his ability to possess these virtues even when tempted to stray away from them, Sir Gawain is a true knight.

The poem consistently depicts Gawain as the perfect knight. The description of Gawain’s shield, given as he dresses to embark on his search to find the Green Chapel, advertises Gawain’s glorious virtues. The shield, with a five pointed endless knot on the front, represents the five most important parts of knighthood. Gawain follows the points to perfection, as “For, ever faithful in five things, each in fivefold manner, / Gawain was reputed good and, like gold well refined, / He was devoid of all villainy, every virtue displaying” (Stone 27.14-16). Gawain does not simply strive to be chivalrous and knightly; he is the epitome of righteousness. When the Green Knight goads King Arthur into accepting his swing-for-swing bet, Gawain, recognizing the dangerous nature of this bet, swiftly steps forward and convinces Arthur to allow him to strike the Green Knight. Gawain willingly puts the safety of the kingdom and King Arthur over his

Sir Gawain is reluctant to accept the Green Knight’s challenge. He fears for his life. In the end he only accepts the challenge to protect King Arthur’s life and honor. He knows it is his duty to protect King Arthur, but only volunteers to do so at the last second. Sir Gawain also breaks his oath to the Lord of the castle he is staying in. He broke their vow to trade whatever they had earned during the day when he keeps a sash the Lady of the castle gives him because he believes it will protect him during his battle with the Green Knight.

Nothing is known about the author who wrote the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Yet it is considered one of the greatest works from the Middle English era. It tells a tale of a mysterious and magical figure (The Green Knight) who presents a challenge to the pride and wealth of Arthur's kingdom. Sir Gawain accepts the challenge. However, the real test of the Green Knight isn't about strength or swordsmanship. It's a test of character.

This approval that Green Knight expresses towards Gawain’s person only furthers the reflection of Gawain likeability, for even his potential adversary possesses a certain amount of praise for him due to his acceptance of a challenge only the king would undertake. Through his display of courage in sacrificing himself for his king, in the eyes of all, he is deemed a worthy and honorable knight. Moreover, Gawain’s charming first impression is yet again seen when the lord of the castle he finds when searching for the Green Chapel welcomes and greets him saying, “For I know well, my knight, that your name is Sir Gawain, / Whom all the world worships, wherever he ride…” (Fit III, 68). In this declaration, the lord emphasizes Gawain’s overall popularity amongst the people of the land who have heard of his greatness and highlights the charismatic qualities Gawain possesses when he responds in kind replying, “In good truth… that is a gain indeed / Though I am hardly the hero of whom you speak / To be held in such honour… I am altogether unworthy (Fit III, 68). This response, in which Gawain humbly accepts the praise given to him, his likeability is brought to a forefront, emphasizing the charm of a self-deprecating response instead of one that basks in praise—overall a true lesson in knightly morality

You really have to look back to grasp what exactly Gawain was putting at risk when he stood up to the challenge to save King Arthur. Not only was his pride and reputation at stake here, but his life as well. And he was the only one of Arthur's court who stood up. He could have just as easily been content to let Arthur have his go, but he showed such vidality and courage by coming forward. ( King Arthur had to since he was the King and had to stand up for his court or be put to shame.)

When Sir Gawain is offered the girdle, his knightly principles are questioned. The honorable thing would be to reject the offer or bring it to the lord of the castle, but Gawain places the preservation of his life ahead of chivalry. The knight has withstood the lady’s