Preview

Theme Of Laughter In Sir Gawain

Satisfactory Essays
Open Document
Open Document
185 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Theme Of Laughter In Sir Gawain
When Gawain came back, he was not expecting laughter when he announced his sin to the court. Although, laughter could be taken as them brushing off his actions, it does not seems that way. In line 2513, Arthur comforts Gawain; that can be interpreted as Arthur understanding that all men are not perfect and can make mistakes. Then the action of all the court wearing the green silk shows unity among them or even as the court showing sympathy to Gawain's misery. On the other hand, all this can be interpreted differently. While Arthur comforted Gawain, he has not experienced the shame Gawain feels for his actions. Camelot has only known Gawain as this great knight, so they might not think of his actions as serious as he does. So instead of shaming
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Analytical Paper
    • 1649 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Analytical Paper

    Christmastime in Camelot, around King Arthur’s table –this is where the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight begins. The Green Knight enters the court to challenge one of the men from King Arthur’s table because they are said to be the bravest of all the knights in the kingdom. The challenge that the Green Knight poses is to strike him with his own axe, and in return receive the same blow exactly one year and one day later. When not one person of the group volunteers to accept the challenge, he proceeds to call them cowards. Insulted, King Arthur volunteers. His nephew, Sir Gawain, realizes that he is of less importance than the king and volunteers to take Arthur’s place. He swings the axe and severs the head of the Green Knight. But to the surprise of everyone in the court, the Green Knight nonchalantly picks up his head. After reminding Sir Gawain of their agreement, he leaves and the court and the knights continue their festivities.…

    • 1649 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

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

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Literary Analysis

    The English poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a significant piece in Arthurian Literature. The story approaches Gawain’s character much differently than in Sir Thomas Malory’s well-known Le Morte d’Arthur. Unlike Malory’s version of the Arthurian legend where Sir Lancelot is known as the Round Table’s finest Knight, the author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight chose, instead, to have Sir Gawain play the role of Camelot’s most noble gentleman. In staying true to the theme of chivalry and virtue, the Gawain Poet tells a captivating story of a knights struggle to uphold the chivalric code in the face of temptation and danger.…

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

    Gawain And The Green Knight Morgan Quotes
    • 222 Words
    • 1 Page

    Gawain And The Green Knight Morgan Quotes

    Morgan Le Fay was a character in many Arthurian legends. She is the half-sister of Arthur, daughter of Arthur's mother Igraine and her first husband, the Duke of Cornwall. She was the wife of King Uriens and mother to her son, Ywain/ Yvain. Morgan was a manipulative sorceress, fairy, queen, healer, or mermaid. Morgan represents control, sorcery, and manipulation.…

    • 222 Words
    • 1 Page
    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
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
    • 824 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

    Gawain is said to be Arthur’s most noble and faithful knight. Would you agree or disagree with that statement? Why? Please explain your answer in detail.…

    • 824 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
    • 1016 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

    Camelot is the Castle in which the book begins. It is Christmas time and everyone in the castle is feasting when the Green Knight is ushered in. He introduces a game in which none of the other knights accept. Finally, Arthur, the owner of the castle, accepts the challenge. Just as Arthur is about to follow through with the test, Sir Gawain interrupts politely and explains to Arthur that he cannot accept the challenge because it is his home and that the kings death will be unacceptable and Arthur should consider him as an alternative. Gawain respectfully convinces Arthur to back away and let him try his skill. The Green Knight makes Gawain promise to the terms that he offers which are: Gawain is allowed one swing of the axe at the Green Knights neck. The Green Knight is allowed to take his swing at Gawain’s neck in 1 year and 1 day. Gawain must present himself at the Green Knights castle at that date otherwise he will be called a coward forever. Gawain accepts the terms and swings the axe at the Green Knights neck severing the head from the body. The headless competitor reiterates the rules one more time and then rides off prompting the continuation of the feast. Gawain’s actions as well as the rules of the games illustrate some of life’s fundamental ethics. Bravery is explained through Gawain’s actions when he steps up and volunteers for the dangerous contest. Sir…

    • 1016 Words
    • 3 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
  • 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

    Lady Bertilak's Femininity In Sir Gawain
    • 1055 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Lady Bertilak's Femininity In Sir Gawain

    As the fragility of Sir Gawain's masculine identity transforms him into a more feminine character, the homoerotic potential between him and Sir Bertilak threatens to break the heterosexual identity of the poem. This can be seen in the passages of the first and last encounter between Sir Gawain and Lady Bertilak. Lady Bertilak questions Sir Gawain's identity and he responds: “'Wherfore?' quoth the freke, and freschly he askes, / Ferde lest he had fayled in forme of his castes” (1294-95). This is about the construction of his identity and how he is losing who he is. Not being a chivalric knight breaks the rules of Medieval heterosexuality. Sir Gawain is afraid that he is not accomplishing this as he is questioned by Lady Bertilak. He is pressured into kissing her so that he abides to the laws of the…

    • 1055 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 The Green Knight Moral Analysis
    • 776 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Moral Analysis

    In the poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, many people believe that Sir Gawain does not abide by his principles, and he lets go of what he values most. He is so proud of his values that he depicts them on his shield, which he carries around everywhere. People do not contend about his first four sets of virtues since the book mentions,…

    • 776 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Sir Gawain And Lady Bertilak Analysis
    • 1800 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Sir Gawain And Lady Bertilak Analysis

    Friedman. He writes that “The ancient lady of the castle, now revealed to be Morgan le Fay, was behind the whole adventure. She it was who had sent the Green Knight…to Arthur's court, her purpose being to test the renown of the Round Table and to frighten Guinevere to death” (Friedman260). This is proven when the Green Knight (Bertilak) tells Sir Gawain how all this came about. While this takes brains to perform such a horrific joke, and Morgan le Fay only puts the Bertilaks up to the mischief and is overseeing how everything goes, she still wasn’t the one to find Sir Gawain’s flaws. Also, Friedman argues that “Morgan, then...may have played some role in the story-complex from which Sir Gawain derives…but to concede Loomis's point helps us only by suggesting yet another reason for the poet's hitting upon Morgan…to extricate himself from his plot difficulty”…

    • 1800 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More