sir gawain and the green knight

describe the host of the where gawain finds refuge?

Bertilak (or Bercilak) of Hautdesert Gawain's host at the castle he mysteriously finds on Christmas Eve. He is also the Green Knight.

what happens at the green knight's first blow? second blow? third blow?

First blow Gawain flinches; second blow the Green Knight fakes him out; and the third blow breaks skin.

how does gawain view his failure?

He feels like he's failed in his duty as a knight and let everyone down. Perhaps, more importantly, he's learned that he's not perfect and never will be.

what unusual thing happens when gawain cuts off the green knight's head?

However, the Green Knight does not fall from his horse. He reaches down, picks up the head, and holds it before him, pointing it toward the high table. The head speaks, reiterating the terms of Gawain's promise.

on what day of the year does the action of the poem open?

New Year's Eve

what challenge does the green knight issue?

The Green Knight's original challenge was for someone to step forward and strike him with his own axe under the condition that he meet him again one year later to receive a blow in return.

at what time of year does gawain leave for his appointment with the GK?

all saint's day

when and where is gawain next to meet the green knight?

at the green chapel in a year

what "winnings" do gawain and the host exchange the first day? second day?

first day: a kiss & a well-dressed deer second day: 2 kisses & boar & fox

what are the five fives represented by the pentangle on gawain's shield?

five virtues of the knights: 1. friendship 2.generosity 3. chastity 4. courtesy 5. piety

what is gawain's horse's name?

gringolet

in what way has gawain failed?

he failed to deliver the girdle to the host

what does the host do every day?

he goes hunting

what is unusual about the green knight's entry into the dining hall?

he is all green and rides in on an all green horse

what is unusual about his appearance?

he is all green in complexion

how does the green knight view his failure?

he strikes a blow at gawain drawing blood

so, overall, in what sense is gawain a success and in what sense a failure?

his acceptance of failure is his badge of success, but because he with held the girdle that made him a failure.

what feast is being celebrated at camelot?

new year's eve feast

does he reveal all his winnings to the host at the end of the day?

nope he kept it a secret

describe the two women in the castle?

one is bertilak's wife who is a young and beautiful women and flirts with sir gawain; she also tries to seduce him. the other woman is the half sister of King Arthur, Morgan le Fay, and old and ugly woman who is a powerful sorceress

who accepts the challenge?

sir gawain

when gawain arrives at the green chapel, what ominous noise does he hear?

sound of an axe grinding to intimidate gawain and frighten him

what game does the host propose that he and gawain play during the holidays?

the exchange game

whose image is on the inside of gawain's shield

the face of mary, christ's mother

what does he wear as a badge of failure?

the green girdle

what happens to gawain every day back at the castle

the host's wife tries to seduce him

what does gawain accept secretly from the host's wife on the third day?

the host's wife's green silky girdle

back at arthur's court, how do gawain's peers view his failure?

they laugh at his failure

what do they do to show their solidarity with gawain?

they wear girdles on their arm to support gawain's failure

to whom does he pray for assistance?

virgin mary