The Primary Thematic Goal Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

It could be argued that the primary thematic goal of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is to explore the ideals of Arthurian knighthood though the titular character as he establishes himself, is tested, and ultimately fails to upkeep his honour. While the action of the poem revolves around Gawain’s trials and errors, it is necessary to build up Gawain as a valiant and chivalrous knight before we see his hardships and mistakes. The passage in the text describing Gawain’s travels through England (2.691-739) contains many elements that help in the development of Gawain’s heroic characterization. This passage moves the plot of Gawain’s dedication to his quest along, explores the more mystical elements of the story and continues the trials Gawain

For his later failures to feel more impactful, Gawain must first be shown to be a true knight. In this passage, he has committed to finding the Green Chapel and seeking out the Green Knight to honour his agreement to receive a deadly blow. While traveling, he “…always as he rode he asked those whom he met / If they had heard anyone speak of a green knight / Or of a green chapel in any place round about…” (2.703-5), even though he describes the people he encounters in the area negatively – “There few people lived / Whom either God or good-hearted men could love.” (2.701-2). Despite this, Gawain never turns around and always continues on his quest. While we previously knew of Gawain’s bravery to accept the Green Knight’s challenge in place of King Arthur, this is the first time he faces difficulty in his mission, and he still does not

The imagery is particularly vivid here. Alliteration is used to great effect in lines such as “When cold clear water fell from the clouds…” (2.727), and “…hung over his head in hard icicles.” (2.732), illustrating the sharp and bitter cold that Gawain faces. He is described as “Half dead with the cold” (2.729) and he sleeps with his armour still on “…among the bare rocks…” (2.730). This emphasis on frigid temperatures and discomfort contrasts very well with the warmth and pleasantness of Bertilak’s castle later in the poem. The severe weather is the aspect of the journey Gawain finds the most difficult, relayed by his thoughts that “…fighting troubled him less than the rigorous winter…” (7.726). This is an interesting element of Gawain’s character – he finds man made strife easier to deal with that natural weather that he cannot control. This could be foreshadowing of Gawain’s later failure. He is capable of dealing with the physical temptation of the Lady of the castle, but he takes the green belt due to his fear of the Green Knight. The Green Knight was enchanted by Morgan le Fay, and it is the Green’s Knight test of being honest that Gawain