Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Test
Legend of King Arthur
- Based on the life of a Celtic warrior who fought the Anglo-Saxon invaders of England in the late fifth and early sixth centuries - Defender of England - made him a hero to the Britons (the island's Celtic inhabitants)
What to expect from this medieval reading selection
- Perils & adventure that characterized medieval legends - A hero that faces challenges testing his courage, loyalty, and honesty, virtues all knights of King Arthur's Court should possess - Suspense & excitement as we await the challenge between Gawain and the Green Knight
Compare the scenes in the picture with the text. What episodes are included or omitted? (I don't know how to reword this question, but the answer seemed important so I kept it)
- The scenes depict Gawain departing from the King and Queen, and riding along on his journey to find the Green Knight. - The third panel shows him arriving at the castle. - It does not show the Green Knight or the beheading.
Arthurian legends
- Transformed into written literature, and by this time, the Britons had been defeated by the Anglo-Saxons - Tales came from a vanished world - fueled their power in literature - Arthurian stories - set an ideal for knights; ideals are never truly realized in the present; their true home may be the legendary past, or a future yet to come.
What happens after Gawain chops off the Green Knight's head?
After Gawain chops off the Green Knight's head, the knight gathers his head and mounts his horse. He then reminds Gawain that he must find him in a year, reveals that he is the Knight of the Green Chapel, and gallops off.
Who bursts into King Arthur's hall and challenges him to strikes the first blow, provided that in a year's time he seek out him and allow him to deal the first blow?
An enormous green knight
Sum up Arthur's reaction to the Green Knight's visit.
Arthur was uneasy about the entire event, but held his true feelings in check. He then urged all to dance and eat, and watch the entertainment.
Who is the host of the castle that Sir Gawain is welcomed in?
Berkilak
What is uncanny(mysterious or weird) about the Knight who enters Arthur's court?
Both the great size of the knight and the fact that he is green are uncanny.
How would you summarize Sir Gawain's response to the Green Knight in lines 459-477?
Gawain admits to his failure to live up to his end of the pledge. He is angry with himself and ashamed, and he asks for forgiveness.
What does Gawain do to the Green Knight?
Gawain cuts off the Green Knight's head.
In what way are Gawain's words in lines 128-134 consistent with the ideas of chivalry? (when he took volunteered to take the blow for King Arthur)
Gawain's words reflect the ideal qualities of humility, respect for the king, and courtesy.
What is Sir Gawain's horse's name?
Gringolet
How is alliteration used throughout throughout the story?
It is a tool used throughout this poem to make it memorable and entertaining.
Who stands up FIRST to take the blow against the Green Knight?
King Arthur
When does Gawain prepare to leave Camelot and find the Green Knight?
On all saints day
Who takes the challenge on Arthur's behalf and promptly chops off the intruder's head?
Sir Gawain
What two characteristics of a medieval romance are reflected in lines 214 - 231? (When the Green Knight is reminding Gawain about the challenge)
Sir Gawain's honor is being put to the test. The dramatic language and supernatural actions are also characteristics of medieval romance.
What happens when Sir Gawain deals a sharp blow to the Green Knight?
The Green Knight bows his head and bares his neck. Gawain picks up the ax and deals a sharp blow, cutting off the Green Knight's head. The head rolls across the floor. To everyone's surprise, the knight reaches out with one arm, grabs the head, and mounts his horse.
What are three main points of the Green Knight's speech?
The Green Knight has heard glowing reports of King Arthur and his knights, he comes in peace, and he would enter into a contest with Sir Arthur.
What is the Green Knight doing when Gawain arrives at the Green Chapel?
The Green Knight is grinding, or sharpening, his ax in preparation for dealing Gawain a blow.
What is the setting like when Gawain reaches the Chapel?
The area is wild and rugged. It is not what Gawain expected. Instead of a formal church, he finds a grass mound with entrance holes, much like a cave.
What aspect of medieval romances does the Green Knight's appearance illustrate?
The description combines realistic and supernatural elements.
What is the deal that Berkilak makes with Sir Gawain?
The host will go out hunting with his men every day, and when he returns in the evening, he will exchange his winnings for anything Gawain has managed to acquire by staying behind at the castle. Gawain happily agrees to the pact, and goes to bed.
In what way do Gawain's actions in lines 359-387 fit the ideals of knighthood? In what way might they depart from those ideals? (when Gawain flinches and the Green Knight tells him 'I didn't flinch when you stuck me', and the Gawain says 'do it again, I won't flinch this time')
The ideals are shown in Gawain's baring his neck for the blow and in his promise not to flinch the second time. He departs from them when he winces.
What is the key point of Gawain's speech in lines 414-421? (When Gawain was saying I let you strike me three times...)
The key point in Gawain's speech is that the Green Knight has taken his one blow; any more blows would lead to combat.
What challenge does the Green Knight make to Arthur's court?
The knight will allow Arthur to strike him with an ax, provided that in a year and a day, Arthur will allow the Green Knight to strike him one blow with the same weapon.
What theme of medieval romance is suggested in lines 441-443? (you might have to look back at the lines for this one, I don't understand them)
The lines suggest the medieval themes of honor.
What happens on the Green Knight's third stroke with the ax?
The third stroke leaves a scratch on Gawain's neck.
In what way does Gawain's speech in lines 287-294 add a dimension to the story that might not have been present in the original legend?
There is more imagery and alliteration here than would normally be found in the telling of an adventure tale. The bleakness of the place reflects the bleakness of Gawain's feelings and situation.
On Christmas day, what does Sir Gawain pray for?
To find a place to hear Mass. Then looks up to see a castle shimmering in the distance.
What can you infer about a knight's readiness for challenges of skill, such as tournaments? (picture question)
With armor head to toe, helmets on, and swords ready, it seems that knights were eager and ready to take on challenges of skill.
Does the simple, stylized look of this woodcut suit the style of the selection? Explain.
Yes, the style suits the selection. - It evokes the era of tales and gives just enough details to enhance, but not overwhelm, the story.
medival romance
adventure stories that feature kings, knights, damsels in distress and tell of quests, battles, and doomed love
What does Gawain encounter on his way to find the Green Knight?
beasts, suffers from hunger and cold, and grows more desperate as the days go on
A hero that faces challenges testing his...
courage, loyalty, and honesty, virtues all knights of King Arthur's Court should possess
What does the Green Knight do once his head was chopped off?
he picks up his head, repeats his challenge, and leaves
What is tested when Gawain sets off on his adventure?
his loyalty, honesty, and bravery
The considerable amount of detail about the process of sharpening the ax, as well as its appearance, may have been added to increase...
suspense (the added
Where does Sir Gawain have to seek the Green Knight after a year and a day?
the Green Chapel
What does King Arthur do when the Green Knight mocks his silence?
the king steps forward to take the challenge