Gawain Exposed

Paper Summary:

This paper compares the development of the character of Sir Gawain, one of the most influential figures in Arthurian legend, in two texts from different time periods and different authors. The paper presents Sir Gawain in "Le Morte d'Arthur" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". The paper considers the style and contexts of the two works and their effects on the portrayal of Sir Gawain, both in terms of his humanistic qualities and those of the ideal knight.

From the Paper:

"The importance of chivalry and the perfectionist edicts of knighthood are a central facet of the Arthurian Legend and the legends that stem from it. Such concepts are, in fact, what many claim to find as their original attraction to the subject matter. Reasons such as this lie behind the popularity of characters like Lancelot, Yvain, and even Arthur himself. When one delves deeper into the legend and mythology, however, it is impossible not to notice importance of the roles of other human traits, such as the capability to fall in love, and the conflict these traits invariably impose on the perfection of knighthood."

More papers on Gawain Exposed:

• Poem Review # 97903 : "Sir Gawain"
• Essay # 85477 : "Sir Gawain Is a Worthy Knight"
• Poem Review # 73760 : "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"

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