In the poem The Nights Tale, by the Pearl Poet the main character is the noble night Sir Gawain. During the time period that the tale is written chivalry was a common theme among the nights. Bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward woman were all quality’s a knight was expected to have. The Pearl Poet does well to balance his character Gawain and gives him all of these qualities yet you can see the struggle he has upholding these morals. Like a typical human he strives for perfection yet cannot reach it, because of the temptations this world has to offer.
