Theme Of Love In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

The society of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl Poet written shows, how one is praised for his deeds. Within this society, love is defined as philia or the fondness of the individual. This form of love is a in the same category as eros. However, this love can only be obtained from others. More specifically, an individual has to carry out "actions that promote good" (Oord). This person would, in term, receive something in return. This return can be interpreted as physical or psychological. However, in this case, the person who carried out the action would get love as a return. This love can be boiled down into respect (Oord). People carry out good deeds. They gain a form of love in return. In this case, it would be respect from others.

Instead of focusing on the individuals like the Anglo Saxon, love can be identified in society. This is seen within both Piers Plowman and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Agape is shown within Piers Plowman. Their society shows an undivided love towards their ruler. The citizens work and toil everyday. Yet they do it not for themselves, but their king. They love being under his rule since they find more peace than living with under the church. For Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, it's a society based on respect. Sir Gawain needed to earn respect otherwise he would have fade into obscurity. He was not the most powerful or intelligent of all the knights. So he would have been outclassed when time goes by. His reputation would have faded. However, opportunities presents him with his big break. Sir Gawain takes on the mighty Green Knight who's only desire is to battle the mightiest warriors. Sir Gawain proves that he is able to take up the challenge and did not retreat from the battle. He then is shown respect from his peers. He did a task and received love as a form of return. This is the basis of philia. He is loved by his peers and has their respect. His society revolves around respect and