Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Explain what happens with the Green Knight's three strikes at Gawain's neck.
1st strike: Gawain flinched 2nd strike: Knight pulled back 3rd strike: the ax grazes Gawain's neck
What happens on the third day? What is so ironic about this situation?
Gawain doesn't give the girdle to the lord; he breaks his promise to be truthful
Where does the Green Knight reside?
Green Chapel in North Wales
Who is the horseman who interrupts the festivities? What is so unusual about this character?
Green Knight; he was green and cursed
For who is he searching?
King Arthur
What is the setting of the story?
New Year's Eve
When does Sir Gawain set out to fulfill his promise to the Green Knight?
November
What is a covenant? What are the elements of the covenant between Gawain and the Green Knight?
a promise; the Knight would hit first and a year and a day later, Gawain would strike
When will Gawain have to face the Green Knight?
a year and a day later
Describe the imagery used to describe Gawain's journey to see the Green Knight. How is this imagery appropriate for the plot at this point?
dreary; depressing
What is Arthur's reaction once the Green Knight leaves?
everyone goes back to what they were doing before; they have a good time
How does the horseman behave when he enters the hall?
he asks for their leader
How does the horseman convince Arthur that the did not come for war?
he did not bring any weapons (they were left at home)
What was the result of Gawain's prayer?
he finds shelter (castle)
Why does the Green Knight praise Sir Gawain?
he showed up
What does the Green Knight admit at the end of the story?
he was the lord at the castle; everything was apart of his scheme
What arguments does Gawain finally use to be given the Green Knight's challenge?
he was the weakest of all the knights; if he died, he wouldn't be missed
Why doesn't the Green Knight disclose the location of his home before the game begins?
if he died, it would not matter
Why does the Green Knight give Sir Gawain the green girdle?
it serves as a symbol to be honest
What is the crowd's reaction to this intruder?
no one would speak; timid
How many knights initially offered to undertake the Green Knight's challenge? What is the Green Knight's reaction?
none; he made fun of them
What is so significant about the story beginning in the wintertime?
terrain is harsh; cold; snowy
Where does the horseman live?
the Green Chapel
What happens when Gawain strikes the first blow?
the Green Knight's head is cut off but he lives
What agreement does the lord of the castle and Gawain make?
they would give what each other receive
What does Gawain learn at the end of this adventure?
to be honest and learn from his mistakes
When the horseman asks Arthur to "grant the game," what does he mean by that expression?
to kill someone
What does Arthur instruct Gawain to do?
to not worry about it and hang up the ax
