Examples Of Misogyny In Sir Gawain

Unfortunately over many years, society has portrayed females as objects, submissive, and property. Females have been neglected in societies and throughout the world from a variety of opportunities. Misogyny is a word used to describe a dislike of or ingrained prejudice against women. In most cases, an author can easily glossify their content to deceive the reader and use that to their advantage, however, one should always be alert because there is a fault in every published piece. For example, one can even see misogyny in many famous literary works such as Sir Gawain and The Green Knight. This masterpiece by Pearl Poet has discreetly but undoubtedly used misogyny throughout the book to stereotype against the portrayal of females disregarding

However, to her surprise, Sir Gawain undeniably refused her desperate request as he realized that not only is she already married but that he wasn’t willing to compromise his reputation for her inappropriate sexual desires. These types of actions from Lady Bertilak towards Sir Gawain is continuously seen throughout the entire story. In addition, at the end of the story, Sir Gawain even confesses that women, in general, can not and should not be trusted. “to love women and not trust them" (2,421) (Shmoop). This is stereotyping, and a woman's decision doesn’t and shouldn’t determine the fate of the female generation as a whole. In the end, the truth is inevitable; that is that the author tried to hide the fact of how Lady Bertilak is continuously portrayed as a valueless, untrustable woman by suggesting she is “actually” determined, relentless, and

For example, after Sir Gawain accepts the challenge against the Green Knight, he is described as standing “fearless and tall” (104, Harrison) and is told, “'Now sir, hang up your axe, it's hacked enough for today.' And they hung it high on a drape over the dais, That men might gaze upon it as a marvel And point to it, and tell the tale of its power...(477-480, Harrison)...Now, Gawain, think of your quest And let no terror quell Your courage in the test” (487-489, Harrison) by the King himself. Meanwhile, Queen is just described as “the gayest of all the gathering” (74, Harrison). According to Urbandictionary.com, “gay” means the happiest, attractive, and carefree among others. She is also further described as “Her grey eyes glancing about; In beauty, she had no peer, Of that, there was no doubt.” (82- 84, Harrison). That being said, while Sir Gawain is honored and symbolized as bravery and courageous for challenging the green monster when no other man would, Queen Guinevere is just recognized for her physical appearance. Taking this into consideration, it is also important to realize that any object, just like any person, can be considered beautiful which is much more universal rather than personal. As I have shown above, Sir Gawain