"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses that, although "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is considered to be a romantic poem, it does not represent romance in the traditional sense of courtly love during the medieval times. This paper examines Gawain's noble character and the conflict between morality and mortality. The paper's author states that, through satire, the poet is able to show that even the noblest and most honorable knight can fall victim to the basic instincts of humanity and come into conflict with the moral code of chivalry.

From the Paper:

"The poet spends quite a bit of time in describing the stranger. If the poet is indeed criticizing the chivalric court, that would explain his mocking tone. Another hint that the poet might be slighting Arthur's court would be the silence of the court as they "sat stunned at his strong words" with the stranger mocking them.

Gawain's offer to accept the Green Knight's challenge in the palace of Arthur, is the reader's first real indication of his nobility. He steps forward to risk his life so Arthur would not have to risk his. The noble knight wins the beheading game and the date is set for an exchange blow at the Green Chapel."

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