Preview

Sir Gawain In A Pearl Poet's Tale

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
516 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Sir Gawain In A Pearl Poet's Tale
In Pearl Poet’s tale of one of Sir Thomas Malory’s characters in his classic tales of the great knight King Arthur, Poet tells a lovely story of Arthur’s, beloved, yet very underrated, Sir Gawain and his participation of a little game set up by the sorceress Morgan le Fey, to fight against the half -man, half-beast The Green Knight. In Poet’s tale, the writing leaves an almost warm and fuzzy feeling to the reader, and is truly an epic read, filled with comedy, romance, and adventure.

In order of appearance, our main characters consist of our narrator, Morgan le Fey, the powerful sorceress and half-sister to King Arthur, but it’s not until the last one hundred lines that we discover that she is the old lady in the castle and is causing all …show more content…
Gawain loves his life so much that he will lie endlessly to save himself. This shows probably the most during his stay at the castle of the Lord and Lady Bertilak, after Gawain agrees to participate in the lord’s game, the lady starts to take an outstanding interest in our hero, and begins to flirt shamelessly with Gawain. While Gawain is traditionally a very honest and noble knight, the fact that he could get in big trouble with Sir Bertilak for accepting the lady’s kisses, made Gawain fear for his life. This also shows again after Lady Bertilak bestows the gift of the green belt to Gawain, who wears it to what seems to be his final fight, to protect him entirely. Gawain fails to mention this to his opponent, for the fear that The Green Knight would remove it, and do something even worse than he could imagine. The art of foreshadowing appears quite a bit in this tale, starting from the very beginning, with The Green Knight’s promise as he leaves the castle, which foreshadows Gawain’s eventual encounter with the knight, the descriptions of the changing of the seasons foreshadows Gawain’s emotional development, and Lady Bertilak’s giving of the green belt foreshadows Gawain’s ability to cheat
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Literary Analysis
    • 2416 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Literary Analysis

    In her collection of sources and analogues, Elisabeth Brewer states, “To read the sources and analogues of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is not only to be aware of the poet’s skill in handling traditional episodes, but also to realize how much he added,” she continues, “the bringing together of many different elements and blending them into a new story, above all, the fusing of the beheading-temptation-exchange-of-winnings themes, illustrate the Gawain poet’s astonishing capacity for structuring his material” (3). The Gawain poet intertwines common elements in an elaborate way to emphasize the importance of the values outlined by the chivalric code. Brewer states, “The Gawain poet makes the story hang together and intensifies the meaning of everything that he uses. He makes more sense of the incidents: they have an inevitability, a credibility, they create an illusion of reality” (Brewer 4). Sir Gawain beings the poem as a modest knight who strives to uphold the five points of chivalry. In his test of temptation, Gawain is able to exercise sexual restraint and uphold the laws of courtly love, but he fails to resist the instict to save his own life and jeopoardizes his integrity in lying about the green girdle. Without each other, neither the temptation episode nor the beheading game would have such a strong impact on the story’s outcome or it’s readers. The framework at the beginning and end of the of the story combined with the structure used throughout the poem deepen and emphasize what it is to be Gawain, and what it is to be human (Brewer 4). Any possible sources and analogues of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight pale in comparison to the brillance of the original. Although influenced by former medieval works, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight remains an outstanding and unique piece of…

    • 2416 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Symbolism Analysis
    • 254 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Symbolism Analysis

    The tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an example of a work with a plethora of symbolism. This tale incorporates symbolism, imagery, and biblical references to show what each object embodies such as color and the Green Knight’s weapons to name a few.…

    • 254 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    True Knightmenship In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
    • 526 Words
    • 3 Pages

    True Knightmenship In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

    The first thing that Sir Gawain does in the story that proves that he is indeed a true knight is that he takes the challenge of the beheading game that the Green Knight purposes. At first King Author took the challenge, but Sir Gawain volunteered to take the challenge so that his King, King Author is protected. The fact that Sir Gawain does…

    • 526 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Literary Analysis
    • 1163 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Literary Analysis

    The green knight then proceeds to laugh at him so he bares his neck one final time and the green knight strikes. However the knight barely cuts his neck, simply saying a strike is a strike. Gawain however shows why he is a near perfect hero, during the game with the king, he was given a magic belt that would prevent death, failing to give the belt to the king as agreed by his wager. This is a great example of a near perfect hero because he does everything right expect for one thing.…

    • 1163 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
    • 598 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

    The theme of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight is Chivalry. This was written in dialect and said to be written by a monk, but author remains unknown. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Green Knight was a creation by Arthur’s half-sister, Morgan le Fay, the ruler of mysterious Avalon, to embarrass the knights of his court. The Green Knight approaches the court offering beheading games and the winnings game while holding a holly-bundle and an axe in his hands. The holly-bundle symbolizes peace. Sir Gawain speaks up saying that he’s the weakest and should participate because he’d be the least loss to King Arthur’s (governor of Camelot) court. This all takes place around New Year’s Day and they call it Christmas-tide. A description of the Green Knight: All green except for his eyes. They were red. Sir Gawain was supposed to leave on November 1st, All Saints Day. This is a special day for praying to the saints. This day would have been better for Sir Gawain to leave, but he leaves on the 2nd, named All Souls Day. All Souls Day are prayers for deceased held in a place to speed to heaven. Sir Gawain is undergoing a test to prove he’s a Chivalric knight. The castle he visits represents heaven on earth and the guy Porter represents Peter. Gawain was given beautiful clothes as well as food to eat. He comes to the realization that he made a bargain and he has to deal with it. The woman he spoke to at the castle told him if he valued his life he would wear a sash, he was also told it would save his life. A servant accompanying Gawain to the games told him he wouldn’t tell if he chickened. Sir Gawain goes into the Wild West and hears a sound. It’s dark humor, the sound of the Green Knight sharpening his axe. In line 2214, he says he’s leaving, but a voice yells for him to stay. Sir Gawain looks up only to find the Green Knight standing over him and in that moment he knew he would be…

    • 598 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Chivalric Code In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
    • 2042 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Chivalric Code In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a poem thought to be written in the fourteenth century. This theory is based on “the terminology used for the practice of hunting, descriptions of the layout of the typical fourteenth century English castle, and references to the routines of the servants of a castle household” (Puchner, et.al., 2012, p. 725). The use of King Arthur’s character and his Knights of the Round Table are additional indicators of the fourteenth century time frame.…

    • 2042 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Chivalry In Sir Gawain
    • 373 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Examples Of Chivalry In Sir Gawain

    Gawain demonstrates chivalry by honoring the king and taking his place when cutting off the Green Knight’s head. He also shows justice when he makes a deal with Bertilak of Hautdesert, that with whatever Gawain received while in the castle he would have to give to Bertilak and whatever Bertilak received in the woods, would belong to Gawain. Gawain also showed justice by keeping his promise to the Green Knight by showing up to the Green Chapel in exactly…

    • 373 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Analysis
    • 1012 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Analysis

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is without doubt one of the best known works of medieval English literature. Medieval England poetry was best known for its medieval romance, religious views, alliterative form and its chivalry nature. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one of the best works of medieval poetry because it criticizes the fact that chivalric courtesy often displaces true Christian ethics. Sir Gawain a character in the poem was known for his chivalry, honor, and Christian faith. Medieval romance tales deal with the quests and challenges of Arthur and his knights. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain as one of King Arthur’s knight’s gets sent on a quest to meet the Green Knight. Another characteristic…

    • 1012 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight: Chivalric But Still Human
    • 1149 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight: Chivalric But Still Human

    To begin, Gawain upholds the law to be a courageous man in all circumstances. Near the end of the poem Gawain reaches the Green Knight’s castle to uphold his promise that they made a year and a day before. When Gawain arrives, he and the knight begin conversation and form an agreement to follow through with the terms. As the Green Knight describes what he shall do, Gawain says, “Never fear… I’ll stand still and allow you to work as you like and not oppose/ you here” (91-95). At this point within the poem, Gawain has done everything to follow the code of chivalry. True bravery and courage is not found in many men, but Gawain is able to conquer this obstacle and prove that he is brave. In this instance, Gawain is allowing the knight to do as he pleases, which is to cut off his head. This demonstrates that he is a fearless man awaiting his death. Additionally, he does not choose to resist the punishment and…

    • 1149 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Thomas Malory's Arthurian Legend
    • 286 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Sir Thomas Malory's Arthurian Legend

    The story of the greatest king of all time has been developed over centuries. The Arthurian legend has no known author’s that can claim the original Arthurian legend however it is stated that three authors helped shaped the Arthurian legend, such as Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chretien de Troyes and Sir Thomas Malory. These author’s work, specifically Sir Thomas Malory’s, have been the main sources for many authors that translate the legend from Middle English to modern English in the late nineteenth century and the twentieth century for modern readers to understand and enjoy the fantastic legend of King Arthur. However, Malory’s famous novel “Le Morte D’Arthur” did not seem appropriate for youngsters, because of its sexual details, betrayal, adultery,…

    • 286 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Masculinity Analysis
    • 1610 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Masculinity Analysis

    In Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, the trials that the Green Knight sets for Gawain are all designed to make Gawain aware of his loss of touch with primal human nature and the natural world. Throughout Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the Pearl Poet plays on Man’s disconnection with nature and how disconnection with nature robs one of the skillset most essential for basic survival and decision making. Every one of the trials that Gawain goes through contains an underlying lesson about striving to be pure in character or staying connected to nature. Ultimately, the Pearl Poet seeks to express that through the development of civilization, people lose their connection…

    • 1610 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf And Sir Gawain Analysis
    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf And Sir Gawain Analysis

    As the story progresses in “Beowulf”, Beowulf eventually becomes a well-known king and warrior. This shows that he develops into more than a warrior who goes around killing demons and dragons, he becomes a leader who is loved by his people. While he develops a great sense of leadership, he still had not grown out of his arrogance. Mirroring his encounter with Grendel’s mother, as an old man Beowulf sets out to kill the dragon terrorizing his land by himself telling his men to “stay safe in your armor” and watch while he is fighting with the dragon (“Beowulf” line 2530). This shows that while he had become a great leader, he still acts on his hubris tendencies. Gawain shows his character development when he decides to continue the girdle he kept hidden during his game with his host to exchange any winnings that they have earned. He continued to wear the girdle not for a fashion statement, but as a “sign of [his] sin” for valuing his life more than truthfulness (“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” line 2433). This shows that Gawain grows as a person and learns from his mistakes rather than brush them under the rug and move on with his…

    • 1028 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Sir Gawain
    • 3256 Words
    • 14 Pages

    Sir Gawain

    When writing, never explain your symbols. The author of ``Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ' ' dropped this unspoken rule when he picked up his pen. Why? The detailed description and exposition of the pentangle form the key to understanding this poem. By causing the reader to view Gawain 's quest in terms of the pentangle, the narrator compares the knightly ideals with the reality of Gawain 's life. The narrator uses the pentangle to promote the knightly ideals, but he also accentuates the primary need for truth in knightly conduct. Finally, the difference between Gawain 's reaction to his failure and others ' perception of his faults remind the reader that no one can reach the ideal, and rather than getting bitter, we should learn from our mistakes.…

    • 3256 Words
    • 14 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Truth In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
    • 1169 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Truth In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

    It all starts with the game presented by the Green Knight; "You will grant me gladly the little game that I ask as my right"(Poet 56). Being a king, Arthur cannot express fear because he is the protector of the society. Therefore, the King accepts the challenge but Gawain steps forward to take the king's place; "Let this game be mine"(24). As the game progresses, one can identify that the game was a test to see how true Gawain is to his code of chivalry. The game was not fair for Gawain because the Green Knight held superpowers(167). As it stated,"He held his head by the hair, high, in his hand; and the stranger sat there as steadily in his saddle"(167-168). The Green Knight had the ability to live without his head attached to his body. Even though he knows that he will die if he pursues the Green Knight, "Sir Gawain sets off on his quest to find the Green Knight and fulfill his part of the challenge"(183). Gawain went to face the Green Knight because of his Knight's code of chivalry. In addition, for a second time, Gawain holds his truth to the code in the game inside the castle. As Poet states, "determined not to deceive his host or violate the agreement, Gawain accepts only two kisses from the lady, which he (tells) to the lord at night"(p 183). Gawain could take advantage of the situation by committing adultery. Although tempted, he holds…

    • 1169 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain And Beowulf Comparison
    • 894 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Sir Gawain And Beowulf Comparison

    Sir Gawain and Beowulf are some of the most memorable characters from medieval literature. The title characters from Sir Gawain And The Green Knight and Beowulf both share many similarities in their characteristics. They share beliefs in allegiance and honour to their Kings, they are both incredibly valiant, and have similar beliefs in fate and faith. Beowulf and Gawain seem to be very alike in their actions as well in that they both commence their dangerous journeys alone yet they ask of their Kings permission before their departures into battle to respect his honour. However, there is a massive difference in the outcome of Beowulf and Gawain's actions granted that Gawain learns a valuable lesson and Beowulf continues to act foolishly and risk his life. Immediately, the title characters of these poems are both extremely loyal and respectful to their Monarchs.…

    • 894 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics