Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
What does Gawain do the first time the Green Knight swings the axe? The second? What are the reasons behind the Green Knight's actions?
1.) Flinches 2.) Does not flinch. 3.) Scratches his neck. To teach him a lesson.
What two things does the knight carry?
An axe and holly branch.
Guinevere
Arthur's beautiful queen
What is Gawain's reaction?
He admits his faults and he's embarrassed of his cowardice.
How does the Green Knight feel about Sir Gawain at the end of the story?
He feels Sir Gawain has paid a price for his misdeeds and is now "clean".
What happened after the knight was beheaded?
He picks up his head and rode on his horse.
What challenge does the Green Knight make to Arthur's court?
If anyone is brave enough, a person can hit the Green Knight with the ax and if he lives a year or day, then he can do the same.
What is special about this gift?
It will allow him to live (protect him).
What is the setting at the beginning of the story (time and place)?
New Year's Eve Feast at King Arthur's Court in Camelot.
Who actually participates in the challenge?
Sir Gawain.
Lady Bertilak
attacks Gawain's virtue and honor
How were knights supposed to act while following the code of chivalry?
be honorable, courteous, brave, and skillful
Lord Bertilak
challenges Gawain to an exchange of winnings
What type of literature was Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and what type of literary device was used in it?
it was a Medieval romance and it used alliteration
Arthur
king who won't eat until he experiences some excitement
The Green Knight
mystery man whose body, hair, and clothing were green when he issued a challenge to King Arthur's men regarding the ax
What gift does Gawain accept from the lady of the castle?
A green girdle.
To what main sin(s) has Gawain fallen prey?
Cowardice and Covetousness
What does Gawain do to the Green Knight?
Cuts off his head.
Is what Sir Gawain does regarding the green girdle chivalrous? Why or why not?
Deceit is not part of the code of behavior and Sir Gawain is acting cowardly
Gringolet
Gawain's trusted steed
Where must Gawain seek the Green Knight? When?
Green Chapel in a year or day.
Who does Sir Gawain stay with while on his quest to seek out the Green Knight? What is the bargain Gawain agrees to and with whom is it made?
He stays with a lord and lady. They agree to a pact that each will give the other what they received that day. (We later learn that the lord is Lord Bertilak, and by extension the lady is Lady Bertilak.)
When Sir Gawain locates the Green Chapel, who does he think the Green Knight is?
He thinks he is Satan
Guenevere
King Arthur's queen
Who accepts the challenge initially?
King Arthur.
Does Sir Gawain keep his part of the bargain and how does he feel about it?
No, the lady visited him three times and on the third time offered him her magic green girdle which would protect him from harm. Sir Gawain takes it & feels guilty when he deceives her husband.
How are Gawain and Arthur related?
Sir Gawain is King Arthur's nephew.
Who interrupted the feast? What is so strange about him?
The Green Knight. He was green as well as his horse.
What agreement does Gawain make with the lord of the castle?
They agree to exchange whatever they can receive during the next three days.
Green Chapel
a hollowed out hill covered in grass
What are the characteristics of Medieval romance?
castle life with knights, kings, damsels in distress along with chivalry, adventure, love, and supernatural features
Green Knight
comes to test the reputation of Arthur's court
What is the reason for the Green Knight's visit to King Arthur's castle?
he sought out King Arthur's court to play a Christmas "game" which was a blow of an ax for a blow in return
Green Belt
represents Gawain's imperfection as a human
The Shield
represents Gawain's perfection as a human being
The Color Green
shows the Green Knight's connection with nature as well as eternity (like evergreen trees)
Christmastide
the time of year where the major events take place
The Hunt
the way each animal acts on each day symbolizes how the wife treats Gawain on that day
Morgan Le Fay
transforms Bertilak into the Green Knight
Sir Gawain
wears contrasting symbols of perfection and imperfection; the knight who ultimately takes on the Green Knight's challenge. King Arthur calls him cousin. He is the youngest among the Knights of the Round Table
What supernatural element occurs in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
when Sir Gawain chops off the Green Knights head, the Green Knight does not die