Essay Comparing Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

The chivalric tales of David Lowery’s "The Green Knight" explore masculinity's complex nature. Often bound by strict societal codes and expectations, the knights in medieval literature explore honor, loyalty, and personal desire. David Lowery’s adaptation of the medieval narrative “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” delves into complex themes like pride, deceit, and mortality, adding depth to the concept of masculinity. Both narratives invite a deeper examination and redefinition of traditional masculine roles. By contrasting how each story deals with chivalric ideals, influence of women, as well as vulnerability and emotional depth, it becomes evident that both authors aim to not only redefine what it means to be a knight but also present a

In the film, Essel, Gawain’s lover, is open and expressive with her emotions. This is in contrast with all the vague, distant characters in the film, who constantly demand requests from Gawain and never gives real advice. She embodies directness and honesty, qualities that Gawain often lacks as the need for approval from others consumes him. A quote from the film: Essel: “This is how silly men perish Gawain: Or how brave men become great. Essel: Why the greatness? Why is goodness not enough?”(Lowery 35:25). While Gawain looks to the men in his life for guidance, it’s the women who reveal his flaws. For example, the scene where Winifred scolds Gawain in his attempt to touch her; “Do not touch me. A knight should know better”(Lowery 58:28). Another example of a woman pointing out Gawains flaws as a knight is when the lady of the castle performs a sexual act on Gawain who lacks resistance to her temptation and before leaving says, “You are no knight”(Lowery 1:33:51). Additionally, the darkness of the portrait the lady of the castle makes of Gawain is hung on the wall upside down which foreground his eventual decline into darkness and the values that Gawain is pursuing as upside down. In Gawains dark future where he becomes king, it is the gaze of the women whom he has wronged, haunting him. For example, after the scene where Gawain forcibly takes his son from Essel, she can be seen staring at him and haunting him in a large crowd (Lowery 1:59:55). Furthermore, Gawains mother has significant influence over her son's journey by creating a Green “Man” to teach him how to be a