Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

What is the connection between the Trojan War and King Arthur's court?

-Aeneas created Rome (which was great), Ticius constructed Tuscany (also great), Landobard created Lombary (also great), and Felix Brutus created Britain (which is therefore, also great).

What does the Green Knight propose?

-The Beheading Game: One of the knights in Arthur's court must behead the Green Knight, and in 1 year and 1 day he must visit the Green Chapel to be beheaded by the Green Knight. Arthur had initially accepted the challenge. When Sir Gawain takes up the challenge, he repeats the terms of the challenge and then beheads the Green Knight, who then picks up his severed head and tells Sir Gawain to keep his word and find him in one year so that the Green Knight may return the blow.

Knights code of chivalry

-To fear God and maintain His Church -To serve the liege lord in valour and faith -To protect the weak and defenseless -To give succor to widows and orphans -To refrain from the wanton giving of offence -To live by honour and for glory -To despise pecuniary reward -To fight for the welfare of all -To guard the honor of fellow knights -To keep faith -To eschew unfairness, meanness, and deceit -At all times to speak the truth -To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun -To respect the honour of women -Never to refuse a challenge from an equal -Never to turn your back upon a foe

At the end of the second day what is bothering Gawain? What is Sir Gawain's dilemma?

...

In which line does Gawain clearly excuse his behavior?

...

What does Gawain do with the green girdle at first?

...

What is Sir Gawain's reaction to seeing his blood in the snow?

...

Why does Sir Gawain refuse the lady's ring?

...

Why does the Green Knight NOT blame Gawain for his actions?

...

What does each point on the pentangle mean?

1. Gawain was deemed flawless in his five senses 2. His five fingers were never at fault 3. His faith was founded in the five wounds the Christ received on the cross, as the creed recalls. 4. If the soldier struggled in skirmish one thought pulled him through above all other things: the fortitude he found in the five joys for which Mary had conceived in her son. 5. Friendship and fraternity with fellow men, purity and politeness that impressed at all times and pity.

What animals does the lord kill at the hunt? What is the symbolism of each animal?

Day 1: Deer. A deer is meant to represent innocence and at this point in the story, Gawain still has his chastity until he kissed Lady Bertilak (symbolized by the death of the deer). Day 2: Boar. The boar was hard to hunt (similar to how Gawain was constantly resisting Lady Bertilak's advances). Day 3: Fox. Gawain

What does the poet describe in order to show the passing of one year's time?

Describes seasons and holidays to show the passing of time. Christmas to Lent to spring to summer to autumn to winter to to All Saint's Day.

Identify what the Green Knight says each blow of the ax was for?

Each blow is for the "gift" that Gawain received during Lord Bertilak's game. The lord misses twice because Gawain gave him everything he received but since he wasn't truthful the last time he gets nicked.

Why does Gawain tell the lord he has to leave? What surprising news does the lord have for him? What does Gawain then decide to do?

Gawain says he has to find a place but doesn't know where to find it. He also describes the place to Lord Bertilak. The lord says he knows where the Green Chapel is and can direct him there. Since Gawain learns that it shouldn't take to long to get there, he decides to stay.

What does Gawain do the first time that the Green Knight swings the ax toward his neck?

He flinches, and in response the Green Knight questions his bravery.

Why does Gawain not sleep soundly his last night?

He has to go to the Green Chapel the next day to get his head cut off.

Why won't Arthur eat his dinner yet?

He is waiting for someone to tell a tale or issue a contest.

What does Gawain do just before he see the castle?

He prays to Mary and signs the cross three time

What arguments does Gawain finally use in asking to be given the challenge?

He says that he is not witty or strong (basically useless to the kingdom) and he has death would not be lamented. He also says that he would not be at the Round Table if it wasn't for his lineage.

For what reason does Gawain say he will wear the green girdle?

He uses it to symbolize his sin and...

Describe the lord of the castle

He was powerful and large with a red bushy beard. Steady in stance, solid of build, with a fiery face and fine conversation. He greeted Gawain gracefully and was very kind.

Why did he keep the girdle from Bertalik?

He would have to tell him that they girdle came from his lady. The girdle is usually wrapped around the waist (in an intimate spot).

What does Sir Gawain do the second time the GK swings at him?

He...

Do Sir Gawain's prayers actually seem genuinely inspired by faith? Why do you think Sir G chooses to pray now?

His prayers aren't inspired by faith, he is now praying because there is a chance he will die. He wants to pray to avoid going to hell.

Besides his color, what other striking physical attributes does the Green Knight possess?

Hulk of a man from head to hips, so long and thick in his loins and his limbs. Half giant or a most massive man, the mightiest of mortals. But handsome too, like any horseman worth his horse, for despite the bulk and brawn of his body his stomach and waist were slender and sleek.

What do you think is the dramatic significance of the fact that the townspeople are unable to give Gawain directions to the Green Chapel of the Green Knight?

It creates an element of mystery because no one is aware of the location of the Green Chapel. It also creates conflict for Gawain who is unable to find the Green Knight while his deadline was approaching.

What event mentioned in the beginning of the story is referred to once again?

The creation of Britain. Showing that Britain has been through a lot but they have still emerged from their flaws.

When does Gawain leave Arthur's court?

The day after All Saints Day- the day after Halloween; appx. November 1

What happens to a pentangle if one of the elements gives away?

The entire pentangle collapses.

What is ironic about the knights' initial response to the Green Knight's challenge?

The knights are supposed to be brave and can never refuse a challenge from an equal, yet they are afraid of the Knight's challenge.

What do the castle residents expect once they know it is Gawain? In other words, what is Gawain well-known for?

The know that Gawain is famed for prowess, purity, and nobility. The expect that his speech will be flawless and they will learn the merits of language.

What two men does Gawain meet after evening-song? Description? Gawain's behavior?

The old lady (later found to be Morgan le Fay) and Lady Bertilak. Lady Bertilak is young and beautiful, whereas Morgan is old and graying. Gawain courtesies to both of the women.

What are the terms of the game that the lord of the castle proposes? Does anyone face danger?

There is no apparent danger in the game. The lord says that whatever he receives at the hunt he will give to Gawain and Gawain must give him whatever he receives at home.

At Gawain's departure, what is the attitude of the court towards King Arthur?

They are blaming King Arthur for allowing his knight to take his place rather than just ending the game.

What 2 things does Gawain blame for destroying a man's virtue?

Women and...

What appears on the outside of Gawain's shield?

pentangle

What does Gawain give to the lord?

3 kisses (1 kiss/day)

What gift does Sir Gawain accept from the Lady?

A green girdle which has magical powers. It is supposed to protect the wearer. Green girdle and green knight = the presence of evil/envy

What do the 5 points suggest about Gawain?

A noble knight that was as good as the purest gold.

What appears on the inside of Gawain's shield?

A picture of Mary

What is a pentangle?

A star shape that is used to represent truth.

How soon will Gawain have to meet with the Green Knight?

A year and a day

Which four men faced their downfall because of women?

Adam because of Eve, ...

Who is the Green Knight?

Lord Bertilak. Lady Bertilak was sent by him to tempt Gawain to see if he was truthful.

Where will the appointment take place?

The Green Chapel

What metaphor is used to tell you the relative age of Arthur and his knights when the story takes place?

The Stone Age

Despite all of the creatures Gawain battles on his way to find the Green Chapel, what is it that almost kills him?

The bitter cold winter

Describe the contrast between the castle grounds and the surrounding countryside?

The countryside consists of densely overgrown and deep forest. The forest is piercing cold and is made of marshland and mud. The castle grounds are are surrounded by woods and thick-trunked timber surrounded by water. The castle rises tall and "commandingly".