Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Why does The Green Knight cut Sir Gawain on the third blow?

Because he broke his promise and kept the sash on the third night.

What is the Green Knight's challenge?

Cut off my head with my axe and a year and day later come to the Green Castle to let me cut off your head.

How does Sir Gawain dishonor the Code of Chivalry?

He accepts the sash and doesn't give it to the Lord when he returns. He protects his own life at the expense of honor. He flinches when the Green Knight strikes him showing fear.

Why does The Green Knight forgive Sir Gawain?

He apologizes and repents; he also understands that he did it to save it his own life.

How does Sir Gawain betray the Lord and break the code of chivalry?

He doesn't keep his word. He doesn't give The Lord the sash because he wants to keep it to save his own life.

How does Sir Gawain display the code of chivalry?

He honors the King and shows bravery and humility by accepting the Christmas challenge and not allowing the King to do so. He keeps his word by going to the Green Chapel on the day agreed. He keeps his word by giving the Lord the kisses he gets from his wife. He respectfully refuses the advances of the Lord's wife showing loyalty and respect for ladies. He owns up to his mistake, confesses, and apologizes.

What is the deal that the Lord at the castle makes with Sir Gawain?

He will go out hunting each day, and Sir Gawain will stay at the castle with his lady. They will exchange whatever they won.

What is the code of chivalry?

Honor God; be loyal to the King; be true to your lady; be respectful of women; aid ladies in distress; keep your word; be courageous; be skilled at arms and horsemanship; have great physical strength; stand up for what is right; have honorable motives

What is a major theme of this selection?

Honor and loyalty will be rewarded.

Who initially accepts the challenge?

King Arthur

What supernatural elements do you see in this story?

Sir Gawain chops off the Green Knight's head, and he walks out alive with his head in his hand;a magical green sash; the lord's disguise

Who ends up accepting the challenge and why?

Sir Gawain; he thinks that King Arthur is too valuable to the kingdom to participate.

How do Arthur's knights react to the challenge?

They are stunned.

What is the setting at the opening of the story?

a Christmas and New Year's Eve feast

What does the Lord's wife give Sir Gawain on the 3rd day?

a Green sash that will give him immortality

Medieval Romance

a verse or pose narrative that usually involves adventurous heroes, idealized love, exotic places, and supernatural events

What are the three parts of the plot of a medieval romance?

challenge, test, and happenings in 3s

chivalry

code of conduct for the knights that incorporated christian and military ideals including faith, modesty, loyalty, courtesy, bravery, and honor

Which chivalrous trait does Sir Gawain display by accepting the challenge?

courage; humility;loyalty to the King

What code of chivalry does Sir Gawain demonstrate when he refuses the lady's advances?

honorable motives

Characteristics of a Medieval Romance

idealized or larger than life characters; a hero motivated by love, faith, honor, or adventure; exotic settings; supernatural or magical elements and happenings in 3s

What does Sir Gawain give the Lord the first two days?

kisses

The description of the Green Knight fits which medieval characteristic?

larger than life character

Who is the temptress?

the Lord's wife

What invitation does The Green Knight extend to Sir Gawain?

to enjoy the New Year's Celebration with him

How does Sir Gawain react when he realizes he fails the test?

with shame and guilt