English IV The Romance Sir Gawain & The Green Knight
what is the rhyme scheme found in the groups of short lines on this page? (pg. 175)
ABABA (A Bob And Wheel)
What "game" is the Green Knight proposing?
a blow for a blow
What is archetype?
a character type, a setting, an image, or a story pattern that appears frequently in literature across many cultures.
On page 183, why might the lady be considered a literary archetype?
female figure and depicted as forbidden love trying to seduce Gawain.
Why won't Gawain accept the lady's gifts?
He has nothing to offer and she is a married woman.
Why do you think the author did not portray Sir Gawain as a "perfect person"?
Readers could not relate to someone who is perfect.
what is copiously?
plentifully
What might the Green Knight's color represent?
renewal of life
What did the three strikes signify?
three nights for staying in the castle.
At line 71 what literary element do you see?
Alliteration
On page 189, How does Sir Gawain exhibit both heroism and humbleness?
Chivalry by accepting responsibility for his actions.
How does Sir Gawain behave differently than the Green Knight did when accepting the first blow?
Gawain flinches.
On page 178, what archetypical characteristics do you see in Gawain and the Green Knight?
Gawain's humility being humble and brave showing good character. Green Knight is arrogant representing evil.
On page 184, why do you think the poet has Sir Gawain compare the Green Knight to the devil?
Good Vs. Evil
How did Gawain's behavior in his test of honor show his weakness of character?
He accepted the sash out of fear and weakened to the lady for kissing him. He is humble and accepts responsibility for his actions.
What has happened on the Green Knight's third strike?
He knocked him on the neck drawing blood.
Why does Gawain finally decide to keep the sash?
He loves his life and he knows the sash will protect him.
What will happen to Sir Gawain if he does not find the Green Knight in a year?
He will be deemed a coward.
The castle belongs to who?
Lord Bereilak
How has she developed into a romance archetype this far?
She becomes the test that challenges Gawain's character.
Why does the Green Knight refuse to complete the strike?
The Green Knight is considering him a coward.
What is a hauberk?
a long shirt of chain mail worn as armor.
What does this "oath" reveal about the values of this time?
a person's word is extremely valuable.
What is blithe?
careful/lighthearted
What is Dauntless?
daring/ not easily discouraged
What emotions would the appearance of the Green Knight and his horse be likely to inspire in the knights of King Arthur's court?
fear and wonder
what is Intrepid?
fearless/courageous
How can you tell from the description in lines 1-20 that the "gallant rider" is a knight?
rides a horse
What is happening in lines 337-338 and what is its effect on the story?
sharpening of the axe to cut off the head and suspense.
What does this supernatural event suggest about the elements of medieval romance?
supernatural elements
Who was the lady?
the green knight's wife
What is the name of Gawain's horse?
Gringolet
What are the seven archetypical elements of romance
1. near perfect hero, 2. Evil enemy, 3. Quest, 4. Test of the hero, 5. supernatural elements, 6. Theme: Good Vs. Evil, and 7. Female figures.
