Sir Gawain the Green Knight
What does the guide tell Sir Gawain? What does he say?
Guide tells Sir Gawain not to proceed to the Green Chapel Gawain says it would be dishonorable not to fulfill his pledge and is determined to accept his fate; however, he wears the magic green girdle
After the Green Knight leaves, what do the men do?
Hang up the axe Sir Gawain feasts with King Arthur
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.
What happens the second time the knight tries to hit Sir Gawain?
He feints, mocks Sir Gawain Sir Gawain tells him just to get on with it
What does Sir Gawain do when the Knight raises his axe to strike him?
He flinches and shrinks away
What does the knight do after Sir Gawain flinches? How does Sir Gawain react?
He taunts him Says that he is a coward for fleeing with fear He says that he will not flinch again, but if his head falls off there is no way to mend him
Who initially accepts the challenge?
King Arthur
Who is the leader that the Green Knight refers to when he asks to see who is in charge?
King Arthur
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a _________ poem
Medieval
Define peril
N Exposure to harm or injury
Define largesse
N Nobility of spirit
When does Sir Gawain set off on his mission? Where does he travel through?
November Travels through North Wales
What happens to the girdle?
Sir Gawain gets to keep it
Who ends up accepting the challenge? Why?
Sir Gawain; he thinks that King Arthur is too valuable to the kingdom to participate.
How is Sir Gawain's chivalry tested?
Tested by three challenges Gawain proves admirable but not invulnerable
Where does the Green Knight live? What does he tell the knight?
The Green Chapel Tell the knight he will be a coward if he doesn't look for him
After Sir Gawain cuts the Knight's head off, what happens?
The Knight rises holding his head in one hand
Who is the author of Sir Gawain?
The author is unknown, though it is speculated that he was a contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century
After Sir Gawain accepts the challenge, what does King Arthur do?
The king blesses him
What is the noise that Gawain hears when he comes across the cave?
The knight is sharpening his axe (danish axe)
What happens the third time the knight strikes down in Sir Gawain?
The knight scratches Sir Gawain's throat Gawain wants to fight
Was King Arthur real?
The legend may have been based on the life of one or more Celtic warriors who fought the Anglo Saxon invaders of England in the late fifth century and early sixth centuries The Britons told stories celebrating his just rule and championship of the oppressed
What are some rules in the code of chivalry?
-Courtesy to all ladies -Anger blinds, a cool head wins -Death before dishonor -Protect the innocent
How does King Arthur approach the Green Knight ?
-He is polite and chivalrous -Asks the Green Knight what he needs
What is the 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.
T/F Sir Gawain is the perfect knight
False
What is a major theme of this selection?
Honor and loyalty will be rewarded.
What does Sir Gawain receive the first two days?
Kisses from the Lord's wife Tells Lord
What is feudalism?
-A system of government and land ownership -In exchange for a nobleman' oath of loyalty, the king would give him lands, which the nobleman ruled over -Knights (could only be appointed by a king) protect the noblemen -Peasants or serfs would the land under feudal lords
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.
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 are knightly virtues?
-Liberality (generosity) -Courtesy (formal politeness) -Honor (self merit) -Glory (great honor, popular praise)
How did Arthur's men react to the Knight's challenge?
-None of them accept the challenge, showing they are cowards -The knight says that their renown is known far and wide, yet they cower in the face of a challenge
What does the knight say to sir Gawain when he arrives at the Green Chapel?
-Surprised he kept his word, and that they are remote from everyone else
Why does the Green Knight visit the knights of the round table?
-The knights are spoken so highly of -They are considered the bravest
What are medieval romances based on? What do they contain?
-based on legends (anonymous traditional stories about the past that may have been inspired by real events and people) -kings, knights, damsels in distress -quests and patterns (repeated three times)
What chivalrous trait does Sir Gawain display by accepting the challenge?
-courage; humility;loyalty to the King -knows he is the weakest and that his death wouldn't matter; okay with dying
What does the knight's green hue symbolize?
-fantasy and supernatural -nature, harmony, and peace
What is Arthur's reaction after his men do not defend him? Why?
-his face is red from the shame and anger -his knight's are supposed to protect him and not allow him to die
What is the name of the Green Knight's weapon?
A gisarme
What does the Lord's wife give Sir Gawain on the 3rd day?
A magic green girdle, and promises that it will protect him
Define adroitly
Adv With physical or mental skill
Who is sir Gawain?
Arthur's nephew and a knight of the Round Table
After King Arthur blesses Sir Gawain, what does he ask the Green Knight? What does the Green Knight say?
Asks him to tell where he lives and his name so that he can find him Green Knight says he will tell him after he strikes him
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 setting of Sir Gawain?
Camelot; Christmas and New Years
What does Sir Gawain find on Christmas Eve?
Comes across a castle where he is greeted by the lord and his lady The Lord tells Gawain that the chapel is nearby and that he will send a guide with him on New Years Eve
What is alliteration?
During this era, there was a revival of alliteration Song quality ABABA (horseman hurtles hall)
What were the first and second hits for?
For the two kisses that he told the lord of
What is the deal that the Lord at the castle makes with Sir Gawain?
They agree to exchange whatever they receive during the next three days
Define interred
V Buried in the earth
Define entreated
V Made an earnest appeal; pleaded
Define adjure
V Request solemnly; appeal to earnestly
What did medieval writers add to legends?
Vivid descriptions, plot twists, and motives of the characters
Where is the Green Chapel located?
Within a cave
What are medieval romances?
a verse or pose narrative that usually involves adventurous heroes, idealized love, exotic places, and supernatural events
Why did chivalry arise?
arose as a code of conduct among Medieval knights in response of feudalism
What code of chivalry does Sir Gawain demonstrate when he refuses the lady's advances?
honorable motives
What does the code of chivalry require?
knights be brave warriors and virtuous Christians who selflessly fought for justice
Who has the mistaken or hidden identity in this selection?
the Green Knight; the lord
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 He says that he should've been more honest and courageous Apologizes for being scared and valuing his life