The Themes of “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight”
“Sir Gawain and The Green Knight.” Introtoliterature [Licensed for Non-Commercial Use Only] / Literature and Culture Courses, http://introtoliterature.pbworks.com/w/page/30100516/Literature%20and%20Culture%20Courses.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a medieval epic poem that was written in the late 14th century. The story is centered on Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, and his encounter with a mysterious figure known as the Green Knight. The purpose of the story is to explore the themes of bravery, chivalry, and moral obligation. The relevancy of this tale is its enduring appeal and relevance to modern audiences, as its themes are still relevant today.
One of the primary themes of the story is bravery. Sir Gawain’s bravery is put to the test when he takes up the challenge presented by the Green Knight. In the story, the Green Knight says, “But the man who offers his life in this fashion is brave indeed, who dared to do what I have challenged you to do” (line 877-878). This quote highlights the bravery that Sir Gawain displays in accepting the challenge, as he is putting his life on the line. The bravery that Sir Gawain shows in this moment is a testament to the chivalry and heroism of knights during the medieval period.
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The chivalric code of the Middle Ages required knights to be brave, loyal, and honest. Throughout the story, Sir Gawain is tested in these areas and must prove himself to be a true knight. For example, when Sir Gawain accepts the challenge from the Green Knight, he is demonstrating his loyalty to King Arthur and the chivalric code. In addition, Sir Gawain’s honesty is put to the test when he must admit to hiding the girdle given to him by the Green Knight’s wife. This moment demonstrates the importance of honesty in the chivalric code and the importance of being true to one’s