Sit Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Example

nature of chivalry and adherence to the law. It is suggested that the poem's world operates under a specific code of behavior, namely the code of chivalry. This code shapes the behavior, thoughts, values, ideals, and actions of Sir Gawain and other main characters in the story. Moreover, it is worth noting that the virtues of chivalry are rooted in Christian morality, implying that knights espouse spiritual ideals as a means to improve the fallen world.

The text highlights Gawain's interest in Christian morality, spirituality, and the code of chivalry. These principles are represented by a symbolic shield adorned with a pentangle. The narrator describes this pentangle as a combination of five virtues of a knight: chastity, friendship, generosity, courtesy, and piety (Weis 404). The author aims to test Gawain's loyalty to the knightly code while also exploring his personal virtues. The central inquiry is whether heavenly virtue can exist in a corrupted world.

The poem challenges the entire chivalric system, but the author does not suggest that the code of chivalric behavior is abandoned. Instead, he highlights Gawain's adherence to virtues, such as when he refuses to have relations with the host's wife. Gawain attempts to prove that he is not solely concerned with his own survival, but also with noble behavior. The code of chivalry promotes a set of valuable virtues and ideals, while also suggesting that a knight should recognize their own weaknesses and morality. Ultimately, Gawain realizes that he can both maintain courtesy and chivalry by accepting the lady's offering and flinching at the Green Knight's axe, but also acknowledges that he is a flawed human capable of making mistakes.

According to

Weis (406), the second theme in the poem is the concept of the letter of the law. The Green Knight, while perceiving the challenge as a game, cleverly utilizes legal language to establish an agreement with Gawain. The poem consistently references the term "covenant." In Old Testament context, a covenant signifies a collection of laws representing the pact between God and the Israeli people via Abraham. However, in New Testament context, this covenant is superseded by a fresh one between Christ and his disciples.

In Corinthians, Paul recognizes that Christ has a "new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (Weis 408). Hence, Christian morality and belief are intertwined with the letter of the law. Christians believe that serving the spirit is more significant than adhering to the law, which is moderated by mercy. These concepts are inherently present in Gawain (Weis 408). The agreement between Gawain and the Green Knight implies the enforcement of laws associated with old spirituality. Following the letter of the law is considered a knightly duty, so despite knowing it will result in his own death, Gawain chooses to confront the Green Knight. However, at the end of the poem, there is a new interpretation of this covenant.

The passage explores the idea of a merciful covenant between the Church and Christ in the New Testament. The Green Knight, in an act of Christian benevolence, forgives Gawain and assigns him penance. Despite being one of Camelot's most renowned knights and known as Arthur's nephew, Gawain recognizes his own physical and mental limitations compared to other knights. This leads to him being considered inferior

and having a lower status at court. Throughout the poem, Gawain showcases both ambition and humility as he strives for self-improvement. He places great importance on maintaining a positive public image. Ultimately, he decides to wear a green girdle as a symbol of disgrace and vulnerability.

The author argues that virtues and sins should both be visible. Gawain, despite his deep fears and anxieties, remains committed to personal integrity and faces his fears by challenging the Green Knight. When the host’s wife accuses him of valuing his own life more, Gawain decides to prove his courage: “Sir, if you be Gawain, it seems a great wonder—A man so well-meaning and mannerly disposed,And cannot act in company as courtesy bids,And if one takes the trouble to teach him, ‘tis all in vain. That lesson learned lately is lightly forgot,Though I painted it as plain as my poor wit allowed.” (1481-1491) In conclusion, Gawain is a dynamic character.

The text acknowledges the challenges associated with courtly ideals while facing the Green Knight. Ultimately, the protagonist transforms into a more modest individual who recognizes his flaws and accepts that he will never meet his own lofty expectations. Throughout the course of the poem, this emotional growth of Gawain is demonstrated. Additionally, the Green Knight is depicted as an enigmatic being with extraordinary abilities, characterized by his ability to survive beheading and his green skin.

This image seems to be deliberately contrasting the principles of Arthur's court. The knight is a symbol of fertility, wilderness, and death, while the court represents a civilized refuge in the midst of the wild. The Green Knight embodies the principles of justice and values laid

out by the law. His long hair, styled to resemble courtly attire, serves to connect the past and present, civilization and wilderness, and the code and the law.

Furthermore, according to Hardman (255), the Green Knight is seen as the embodiment of untrustworthiness and also emphasizes the importance of verbal communication.