Is Sir Gawain Responsible For His Own Fate

Sir Gawain was certainly responsible for his own fate. Written by an author known as The Pearl Poet, the poem “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” tells the tale of a knight who is to face certain doom but against all odds, survives by showing great courage and honor. The tale starts with an altercation at a Christmas feast when a Green Knight interrupts the festivities by issuing a challenge to king Arthur. Bravely, Sir Gawain volunteers to take up the challenge instead of letting king Arthur possibly fall in harms way. Gawain lives up to the first part of the challenge and decapitates the green knight with his hatchet. Shockingly, the head started to speak and made certain Sir Gawain would stay true to this challenge “Look that you go, Sir

180-182). Gawain is surely responsible for this challenge and now, upon his honor, must uphold it. While the Green Knight is responsible for the future of Gawain, Gawain himself is certainly in control of his destiny at this point in time. After traveling to the Green Knight’s Chapel, Gawain is repeatedly seduced by the Knight’s wife. However, time and time again he resists her seduction. Although the Knight’s wife possibly could’ve jeopardized Gawain’s future, Gawain’s will was to strong and he was not seduced. However, on the final day, the Green Knight’s wife offers a sash to Gawain promising to him that it offer divine protection “For the man who goes to battle in this green lace . . . no man under Heaven can hurt him, whoever may try,” (l. 223 – 225). This is a pivotal part of the story because Gawain’s next decision could have a major impact on his future. After much though, Gawain decides to take the sash. Gawain, however, is not to blame, as he is only human and naturally would accept a chance to possibly save his life. Gawain has stayed true to his word, and after decapitating the Green Knight and resisting the seduction of his wife, he readies himself for the final challenge. Finally, through great courage and the