4.2 Analysis of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a masterpiece of Middle English literature. This epic poem follows Sir Gawain's journey as he faces the Green Knight's challenge, testing his honor and chivalry. The story blends Arthurian legend with Christian symbolism and moral lessons.

The poem explores themes of honor, temptation, and human fallibility. Through Gawain's trials at Lord Bertilak's castle and his encounter with the Green Knight, we see the complexities of medieval chivalry and the struggle to uphold virtuous ideals.

Plot and Characters

The Beheading Game and Green Knight

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• The story begins with the Green Knight, a mysterious figure, entering King Arthur's court and issuing a challenge known as the beheading game
• In this game, a knight may strike the Green Knight with his axe, but in return, the Green Knight will return the blow a year later
• Sir Gawain accepts the challenge and beheads the Green Knight, but the knight survives and picks up his severed head, reminding Gawain to meet him at the Green Chapel in a year's time to receive the return blow

Sir Gawain's Journey and Temptation

• Sir Gawain, one of the most honorable knights of the Round Table, sets out on a journey to fulfill his end of the bargain with the Green Knight
• Along the way, he stays at the castle of Lord Bertilak, where he is subjected to a series of temptation scenes by Lady Bertilak
• Lady Bertilak attempts to seduce Gawain on three consecutive mornings, testing his commitment to the chivalric code of honor and courtesy
• Gawain resists her advances but accepts a girdle (a belt) from her, which she claims will protect him from harm, and he keeps this a secret from Lord Bertilak

Resolution and Moral Lessons

• When Gawain meets the Green Knight at the Green Chapel, it is revealed that the Green Knight is actually Lord Bertilak, and the entire adventure was a test of Gawain's character
• The Green Knight spares Gawain's life but nicks him on the neck as a reminder of his slight dishonesty in keeping the girdle a secret
• Gawain returns to Camelot, wearing the girdle as a symbol of his shame and as a reminder to always be honest and true to his word

Symbols and Themes

The Pentangle and Gawain's Virtues

• The pentangle on Gawain's shield is a symbol of his virtues and the chivalric code he upholds
• The five points of the pentangle represent Gawain's five virtues: generosity, fellowship, purity, courtesy, and compassion
• Throughout the story, Gawain strives to live up to these ideals, even when faced with temptation and moral challenges

The Girdle and its Significance

• The girdle given to Gawain by Lady Bertilak becomes a central symbol in the story
• Initially, it represents Gawain's weakness and his failure to fully adhere to the code of honor, as he keeps the girdle a secret from Lord Bertilak
• However, at the end of the story, the girdle becomes a symbol of humility and a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity

Themes of Honor, Courtesy, and Moral Testing

• The story explores the themes of honor and courtesy, which are central to the chivalric code that Gawain and the other knights follow
• Gawain's encounters with the Green Knight and Lady Bertilak serve as moral tests, challenging his commitment to these values
• The story ultimately suggests that even the most virtuous individuals can falter, but what matters is learning from one's mistakes and striving to be better

Literary Techniques and Context

Medieval Christianity and its Influence

• The story is deeply rooted in the context of medieval Christianity, with numerous religious allusions and symbols throughout
• Gawain's shield features an image of the Virgin Mary, highlighting the importance of faith and devotion in the chivalric code
• The Green Knight's challenge and the subsequent tests Gawain faces can be seen as allegories for the spiritual trials and temptations that Christians must overcome

The Use of Bob and Wheel in the Poem

• The poem is written using the "bob and wheel" technique, a complex rhyme scheme that was popular in Middle English poetry
• The bob is a short line of two syllables that appears at the end of each stanza, followed by the wheel, which is a longer line that rhymes with the bob
• This technique adds a musical quality to the poem and showcases the poet's skill in crafting intricate verse (example: "And said, 'Sir corteous knyght, / To bide in this bour, / Þer leng in thy lyking, / Me behoues, of fyne force, / Your seruaunt be, and schall' / Þen hym frayned þat fre, / And asked hym in hast, / Quat derne dede had hym dryuen, / In þat daunger to dwell")