Abstract An in-depth look the character Sir Gawain from the Medieval English romance ""Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". The text is written in verse by an anonymous author and consists of three separate stories with the same character, Sir Gawain. Nobility has its upside and its downsides; both are shown through his character. The paper gives an insight into how hard Gawain tries to be as perfect as possible. He maintains high standards for himself. He prides himself on his using of the five points of chivalry in every aspect of his life: Piety, humility, loyalty, integrity and honesty. According to the paper his main flaw proves to be that he loves his own life so much that he will lie in order to protect himself. The paper concludes that though he ends his quest, Gawain appears at the end of the poem as a humbled man who realizes his own faults and must live with the fact that he will never achieve his own high standards.
From the Paper "Sir Gawain is the nephew of King Arthur's and one of his most loyal knights. Gawain has the reputation of being a great knight and courtly lover. He prides himself on his using of the five points of chivalry in every aspect of his life. Gawain is a follower of piety, humility, loyalty, integrity and honesty. His only flaw proves to be that he loves his own life so much that he will lie in order to protect himself. With the eyes of numerous characters in the poem, we can see Gawain as a noble knight who is crazy about chivalry; he is loyal, honest and most of all - courteous. With the progress of the story we discover Gawain depend on a huge number of tests of character, known and even some unknown. These tests gives us a possiblity to discover Gawain's character and his ways of problemsolving. Throughout the inconviniances and troubles he met on his way, the author allows us to understand the way Gawain is thinking, and we see that he sometimes works hard to be loyal and courteous. These scenes give us insight into how hard he tries to be as perfect as possible, Gawain kept himself on a high standards."
Abstract This paper discusses how when it comes to the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, there are many well defined codes of behavior found in a worthy knight such as the code of chivalry. The paper tests Gawain to determine if he has the characteristics of chivalry and this will be shown by the author by using different symbols. The concept of chivalry is used to teach spiritual lessons about a spiritually fallen world, and this can be seen in the story of Sir Gawain and how the author uses different symbols to show how Gawain proves that he is indeed worthy.
From the Paper "Many of the stories about knights are centered on being either good or bad. When it comes to the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, there are many well-defined codes of behavior found in a worthy knight such as the code of chivalry. Gawain will be tested to determine if he has the characteristics of chivalry and this will be shown by the author by using different symbols. The concept of chivalry is used to teach spiritual lessons about a spiritually fallen world and this can be seen in the story of Sir Gawain and how the author uses different symbols to show how Gawain proves that he is indeed a worthy knight although he is not a perfect one. Throughout the story, Gawain is tested in different ways. Gawain finds himself in different situations where he must prove that he has the characteristics of a knight."
Abstract The paper explores the issue of character development in the medieval romance, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." The paper explains how Gawain's character is developed to reflect his heroic nature. The paper includes the various tests Gawain undergoes to prove himself and discusses the central theme of the poem.
From the Paper "Character Development. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a medieval romance encompassing the adventure of Sir Gawain, a Knight of the Arthurian Round Table which is told in four fitts or parts. In Fitt, Sir Gawain's character is developed to reflect his heroic capacity for besting wild beasts, monsters and even the environment itself."
Abstract This paper compares and discusses two tales that deal with the consequences of the many types of human frailty: "The Song of Roland" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." It also provides the background and historical context of each work.
Tags: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Song of Roland, human frailty
Abstract This paper analyzes "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and takes a look at the traditional symbols used, including the all-important hunt scene.
From the Paper "As Section III opens, Bercilak, the liege-lord of the land, as eager as an impatient bridegroom, bolts his breakfast before riding the hunt with his men. The dogs are unleashed as couples to a bugle fanfare reminiscent of the bridal "belling" to which wedded couples have been treated throughout history. ?The leashes are cast away,? (s.46), so the hounds are free of constraint in order to pursue their beloved prey, the deer. The lord commands that only the does should be driven to the valley, and the dogs chase the frightened females to that most feminine symbol of nature, the deep chasms between the hills. There, the dogs herd the prey and "snatch down" any does who dare bolt, like some medieval inversion of the Sadie Hawkins chase. Stanza 47 ends with the trimetric four lines (what translator Tolkien calls the ?wheel) describing the rest of the hunt, which finds the lord "wild with joy" at their success; the short three-beat meter adds a lilting, triumphant note to their endeavors. "Oft spur and oft alight" is a phrase which seems to prance like deer and hounds when read aloud."
Abstract In this paper the author describes the common elements in the many Gawain stories and how they may often be traced to the hero-god Cuchulainn's characteristics in the Irish story, Bricriu's Feast. The paper begins by outlining Gawain's literary origins and then discusses the important motifs of the Gawain stories: the Beheading Game and the Imperious Host of an otherworldly castle who imposes tests on his guests. Next the paper discusses sir Gawain's courtesy: the courtesy tests he undergoes at the castle of the Imperious Host, his consistent tact and courtesy, and how this is set in opposition to Sir Kay's surliness. This is followed by an examination of Malory's more convoluted representation of Gawain's personality in his "Morte D'Arthur" and an analysis of his relationships with maidens: his many lovers, his bachelorhood, and the theory that he may once have had a divine consort. The paper then examines his waxing and waning strength, which supports the idea that he, like Cuchulainn, may have once been associated with a solar deity. Finally, the paper concludes that the essential elements of Gawain's story seem to have a common Celtic origin that has several parallels to Bricriu's Feast.
From the Paper "The origin of sir Gawain is mythic rather than historical and the subject of much debate. Gawain cannot be traced to any character in history, but he does possess many qualities that associate him with Celtic myth, particularly the hero-god Cuchulainn. As paganism was subsumed by Christianity, the Gawain stories entered Christian chronicle and romance. The earliest reference to Gawain may be from William of Malmesbury in 1125 and Weston cites a Professor Zimmer who claims "that the heroes [of the Arthurian tales] were well known in Italy by 1010." Authors such as Hall point out the Welsh Gwalchmei as the earliest equivalent, but Loomis counters that by the second half of the eleventh century, when the Mabinogion was written, the Welsh were borrowing legends from Britain. "
Abstract This paper discusses how the character Sir Gawain appears in many versions of the Arthurian Legends and how the characteristics and attitudes of Sir Gawain seem to show a shift over time. It examines how the most widely accepted version of the character of Sir Gawain is the version that is attributed to the poet known as the Pearl Poet who paints a picture of Sir Gawain that is virtuous and kind and embodies all of the qualities that are favorable for a good knight. It supports the primary thesis that at the time when the Pearl Poet was writing his version of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", several versions of the story were already in existence and that the Pearl Poet takes this opportunity to examine what went wrong with Arthur's court. In doing this he blames a very young and inexperienced Arthurian Court and posits that for this reason it was doomed from the beginning.
From the Paper "As any author knows, it is nearly impossible to write about something or a subject of which one knows very little. For this reason, the content of the poem would suggest that the poet knows something about aristocratic life and that he took both Christianity and chivalry very seriously. However, as the exaggerated godliness of Sir Gawain suggests, he also is not immune to viewing its absurdities as well and is not afraid to poke fun at them. He was not afraid to express opinions in an open manner even if they went against Typical Medieval beliefs, such as the ideal of courtly love seen in Sir Gawain. The Pearl poet shows us a character that is quite different from the conventional ideal of courtly virtues."
Abstract In "Gawain and the Green Knight", the story of Gawain is an allegory for Christian ideals, played out in the realms of King Arthur's codes of chivalry and ideal virtue. Gawain's experiences being tested by Morgan reveal to him his weaknesses as a man and force him to reconcile himself to the conflicts of upholding ideal values while being a less than ideal human being. This essay considers the ways Gawain's own reflections on his actions provide him with the insights to restore his honor. The essay concludes that forgiveness and humility are what redeem Gawain and enable him to act in concert with the Green Knight and not against the Green Knight, thus rationalizing the poem's surprise ending.
Abstract This paper examines how in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", Gawain seems to struggle with consistent actions. It argues that Gawain's heroic feats are overshadowed by his cowardly behaviour and attempts to show that there are four main actions that illustrate Gawain as a coward, rather than a hero.
From the Paper "In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain seems to struggle with consistent actions. His moments of bravery are often proceeded by cowardly or weak choices. His cowardly nature is immediately illustrated through his hesitation in defending his court and his king. Also, Gawain's desire to protect his own life and reputation causes him to be deceitful and dishonest. His failure to believe in the situation reveals his inner uncertainty. Finally, near the end Gawain searches desperately for a scapegoat; he initially refuses to be accountable for his actions. His hesitations and own self-interest illustrate his flawed character; Gawain is not the invincible man he wishes to portray, but rather a knight with consistent cowardly tendencies."
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper explains that Sir Gawain is considered to be an ideal knight because he is able to uphold many of the standards that are associated with chivalry and noblemen. Gawain was famous for fellowship, charity, friendship, courtesy, and cleanliness. The writer points out that Gawain also demonstrates his chivalry when he encounters the lord and the lady of the castle. Even in his moment of shame, Gawain exhibits humility and true remorse.
From the Paper "We know that Gawain represented the qualities of fellowship, charity, friendship, courtesy, and cleanliness (Gawain 248). These five virtues were "each linked in other" (658) and were of a "force that never failed" (658). One example of Gawain's nobility as a knight can be seen when he offers to fight the Green Knight's in Arthur's place. He believes that the king should not have to risk his life and decides his life can be risked. Here we see how Gawain lives up to the notion that he is "good in works, as gold unalloyed/devoid of all villainy, with virtues adorned in sight" (633-4). Here Gawain is not only described as a virtuous knight but he also behaves like one as well."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that chivalry refers to the moral code that was an intrinsic part of the world of Sir Gawain and King Arthur's court. The writer discusses that chivalric ethics and moral code also play an essential part in showing the difference between the higher values of a civilized Christian world as opposed to the " fallen" natural world. In the poetic narrative of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" one is presented with the efforts to maintain these higher moral values, as exemplified in the Chivalric code, through the test that Gawain has to undergo. This moral code is seen in the way that Sir Gawain responds to the various moral tests that he is exposed to. The writer concludes that the poem shows the importance of higher moral values and also the difficulty of maintaining perfect virtue in a fallen world.
From the Paper "One of the essential aspects of the poem in terms of morality is that the tests that Gawain undergoes are essentially meant to show that the chivalric values that he represents are real and not merely an appearance of virtue and morality. In other words they are tested against the real world of nature. Furthermore the moral trials that he has to endure are intended to show the strengths, and weaknesses, of his values as opposed to the world of nature and desire. This can be seen in the way that Gawain has to face up to the threat of his own possible death. The bravery that he shows in facing the Green Knight proves the enduring value of his moral beliefs. On the other hand the fact that he fears death also shows that he fails in terms of moral perfection to a certain extent."
Abstract This paper explains that "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a richly symbolic poem in which language evokes the details of the real world, while the spiritual underpinnings are always there for contemplation. The author relates that the main character in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a knight in the court of the legendary King Arthur, and the villain in the piece is not a standard villain at all, but another knight with great powers who exists to test the qualities of Sir Gawain. The paper reveals that the political and social concerns of the 14th century are evident in the work, which directly emphasizes the valued Christian virtues of the knight and the aristocracy of the time, suggesting a concern that these truths were being challenged or were not valued as highly as they should have been.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Sir Gawain The Christian Knight
Christian Symbolism
Courtly Love
Conclusion
From the Paper "Courtesy is one of a knight's five virtues and it is Gawain's courtesy and his reputation, which cause his problems with the lady. In simple moral terms, one can simply say "no" to temptation. The lack of traditional morality that the lady displays and her flattering ways could simply be ignored if Gawain were simply a man of God. However, the lady questions his courtesy. Courtesy is a knight's worldly duty. Courtesy is an important chivalric virtue, and Gawain has to meet this challenge. The lady expects him to live up to his reputation as a romantic knight and to succumb to her charms. Gawain's "pattern of defense" has three phases. At first he feigns misunderstanding, then he claims to be unworthy, and finally he reminds the lady of her position."
Abstract This paper reviews the medieval tale of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". It looks at how Sir Gawain is most often associated with virtues of the chivalric code, how these codes were often displayed through symbols, and how, in the case of Arthurian knights, armor was often decorated with meaningful symbols. It discusses how the endless knot is one of the most prominent symbols in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and, upon close inspection, how the knot itself becomes a symbol for the somewhat unattainable goals of medieval knighthood. It examines the significance of the endless knot, how it relates to the lady's girdle, and the overall meanings of these symbols.
From the Paper "The girdle appears to be more complicated than the pentangle. The girdle is a gift from lady. We can easily make an association with the girdle and the magic it represents. This may seem similar to the "magic" that Gawain's shield posses, but it also very different. For example, we are told that the man who possesses the girdle "could not be killed by any craft on earth" (1854). To examine the way in which the girdle is offered and accepted says much about Gawain and his beliefs, not to mention his humanity. The lady offers the girdle to him as some sort of magical protection against physical harm. This offering indicates that a segment of society did indeed believe in such talismans. In fact, we might even assume that such talismans were part of religious practices. "
Abstract This paper looks at the encounter between Sir Gawain and Lady Bertilak in Gawain-poet's "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". It explains how these encounters evoke fault in the chivalric code and portray socially powerful women as an imminent threat to knightly ideals.
From the Paper "As the feudalism-based chivalric code governed knighthood during the Middle Ages, it is the premise of the Gawain-poet’s Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a celebrated romance set in the fabled past of Arthur’s court. Sir Gawain, a widely revered knight, epitomizes the chivalric virtues depicted on his shield--piety, chastity, loyalty, courtesy, and humility. Gawain’s faithfulness to the principal knightly virtues is challenged throughout the romance. Perhaps the most stirring challenges are Gawain’s encounters with the Lady of Bertilak’s castle. In wooing him, Lady Bertilak leaves Gawain struggling to uphold the chivalric ideals. Gawain recognizes that as a woman of nobility, Lady Bertilak merits his affection. However, he also understands that he must remain chaste."
