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The Code Of Chivalry In Sir Gawain

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The Middle Ages, or Medieval time, was an era of war, plague and political oppression. It is thought to have begun with the fall of the Roman Empire (history.com). After the fall of the Roman Empire, there were no laws or government to protect the poor people, so they “turned to lords to keep the peace and act on their behalf” ("Characteristics of the Feudal World"). This led to the beginnings of Feudalism, a social system in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and land in return (“Feudalism”). Under the feudal system, the Pope was positioned at the top of the hierarchy pyramid. He was the leader of the Catholic Church, the most powerful institution of medieval time (Staff, history.com). Moreover, the Church rejected the seven deadly sins and encouraged key virtues such as, loyalty, integrity and honesty. As they battled in the crusades, knights were expected to follow a set of expectations know as, the Code of …show more content…

During the middle ages, it was important for knights to uphold an honest and loyal character. If they failed to do so, then they would be punished for their sins. This message is evident when Gawain fails to stay true to his word; Gawain promised to exchange his winnings with Bertilak at the end of each night, however, on the third night he did not give Bertilak the green sash he received from Lady Bertilak. A disappointed Bertilak says to Gawain, “You failed me, though, on the third / exchange so I’ve trapped you here” (197-198). As punishment, Gawain is then forced to wear the green sash and explain to everyone the sin he has committed. Therefore, the green sash comes to represent Gawain’s cowardice, sin and shame. Gawain was not true to his word and failed to honor the Code of Chivalry. Consequently, the author encourages one to be true to their word and follow the Code of

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