Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has been subjected to a fair amount of criticism and praise surrounding the tale’s main character, Knight Sir Gawain and the authenticity following the chivalric code based on numerous actions of Gawain’s throughout the book, many critics imply his actions oppose the archetypal knight. However, I do not agree with critics denouncing Gawain as a hero, the story provided a plethora of instances in which Gawain exhibits significant restraint during adversities, humbleness, compassion and above all, truthful nature and self-awareness in his actions. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a superb expression of discipline, compassion, truth, and humbleness towards others, even in the midst adversity, and ultimately, how
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In various attempts to create his own lasting legacy his accomplishments are often overshadowed due to his uncle’s notoriety as an esteemed knight, a title Gawain is anxious to achieve. Unfortunately, in the beginning Gawain lacks the ambition, resilience and bravery in his own respects to achieve such a feat, becoming content in his family’s achievements to reflect his own. Nevertheless, after the Green Knight approaches King Arthur, whose silence and uncertainty is mocked by the Green Knight, he sees an opportunity to establish himself as a knight, and adamantly accepts his challenge. Though the Green Knight is portrayed as an individual malevolent with his intent throughout majority of the story, his characteristics become increasing prominent within other reoccurring characters and symbolism within the story as obstacles for Gawain in attempts to ensure his demise and embarrassment as a knight, such as Bertilak of Hautdesert/Green Knight, Bertilak’s wife, Gawain’s guide, and the seductive nature and intimate gift of green girdle given by Bertilak’s …show more content…
In all instances, truthfulness and resilience was a continuous pattern for proving himself worthy as a knight, and further uncovering his strengths. As stated in line 1876, “Then he went at once to the chapel of worship, privately approached the priest and implored him to allow his confession, and lead him in life so his soul might be saved when he goes to his grave.” Gawain, tempted by the thoughts of sexual instant gratification, openly confessed his lustful thoughts immediately, which symbolically portrayed opting for God’s embrace and reassurance in protection of his soul against worldly endeavors. In the final chapters, after overcoming considerable barriers and disregarding his guide’s warnings, Gawain reunites with the Green Knight for his punishment, and discovers the challenge to be his journey in seeking out the Green Knight to prove his devotion to the chivalric code, as the Green Knight morphed himself as the seemingly kind-hearted and warm-spirited host, Bertliak of Hautdesrt, and Bertilak’s seductive and lecherous wife with the assistance of sorceress Morgan le Faye, King Arthur’s half-sister. Gawain believes his experiences to be a representation of his true nature, and once again portrays selflessness and self-awareness by presenting the
In various attempts to create his own lasting legacy his accomplishments are often overshadowed due to his uncle’s notoriety as an esteemed knight, a title Gawain is anxious to achieve. Unfortunately, in the beginning Gawain lacks the ambition, resilience and bravery in his own respects to achieve such a feat, becoming content in his family’s achievements to reflect his own. Nevertheless, after the Green Knight approaches King Arthur, whose silence and uncertainty is mocked by the Green Knight, he sees an opportunity to establish himself as a knight, and adamantly accepts his challenge. Though the Green Knight is portrayed as an individual malevolent with his intent throughout majority of the story, his characteristics become increasing prominent within other reoccurring characters and symbolism within the story as obstacles for Gawain in attempts to ensure his demise and embarrassment as a knight, such as Bertilak of Hautdesert/Green Knight, Bertilak’s wife, Gawain’s guide, and the seductive nature and intimate gift of green girdle given by Bertilak’s …show more content…
In all instances, truthfulness and resilience was a continuous pattern for proving himself worthy as a knight, and further uncovering his strengths. As stated in line 1876, “Then he went at once to the chapel of worship, privately approached the priest and implored him to allow his confession, and lead him in life so his soul might be saved when he goes to his grave.” Gawain, tempted by the thoughts of sexual instant gratification, openly confessed his lustful thoughts immediately, which symbolically portrayed opting for God’s embrace and reassurance in protection of his soul against worldly endeavors. In the final chapters, after overcoming considerable barriers and disregarding his guide’s warnings, Gawain reunites with the Green Knight for his punishment, and discovers the challenge to be his journey in seeking out the Green Knight to prove his devotion to the chivalric code, as the Green Knight morphed himself as the seemingly kind-hearted and warm-spirited host, Bertliak of Hautdesrt, and Bertilak’s seductive and lecherous wife with the assistance of sorceress Morgan le Faye, King Arthur’s half-sister. Gawain believes his experiences to be a representation of his true nature, and once again portrays selflessness and self-awareness by presenting the