Medieval poetry, pertaining to literature written in the mid-14th century, is a form of period entertainment accounting history and legend into stories that were passed through generations. One of the most popular collections from this era included the Arthurian legends, poems written to commemorate the brave king and his faithful knights. Part of the collection includes the alliterative poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, a tale that encompasses a man who attempts to maintain his honor despite trials. While the author of this work remains unknown, it is clear that his intent was to justify morality, and exemplify traits that should be sought after by men and women at that time. The author, referred to as the Pearl Poet, achieves this by …show more content…
He is mentioned as being “devoid of all villainy, with virtues adorned in sight”, and “faultless in his five senses” (624-635, 640). The author regards him as being the epitome of Arthurian chivalry: he is humble, piteous, and full of integrity, loyalty, and honesty (639). In accordance to tradition, he wore Solomon’s star on his shield and coat which, when portrayed upright, was regarded as “a symbol of human spiritual aspirations” (Occult Criminal Investigation, 19-20). There is little doubt that the Pearl Poet used Sir Gawain to identify the aspirations of a true man of nobility, and how he should be viewed in that era. The audience is told that he has a position of power within the monarchy, and sat with the King and Queen at festivals, enjoying both business and pleasure in the company of royalty. Paul Battles mentions this honor in his paper “Dying for a Drink: Sleeping after the Feast” as a means of “rank, precedence, [and] a token of superior status” usually saved for the select few who were confided upon by the King himself. It is in this place where he is faced with a decision when the Green Knight challenges Arthur. Sir Gawain exhibits a fearless, yet somewhat deceitful, attitude in offering to take Arthurs place in the challenge, and subsequently beheading the villain with little consideration for his own wellbeing. This action forfeited his own life to protect the Kings as he was now bound by honor to let the Green Knight to return the blow in a twelfth-month and a day (295-298). Despite his honorable action it is without doubt that Sir Gawain is sobered by his decision to accept the challenge, and is regarding the consequences that will befall him (668-669). As the poem progresses a major flaw is revealed in this otherwise faultless character when he takes refuge in Lord Bertilak’s castle. It is within this “refuge” that he is subjected to