In the Middle Ages, feudalism was the dominant social system that was built upon legal and military customs. During this period the country was governed by a lord or a baron. People who worked and fought for the nobles were granted protection and given the use of land. This exchange of land for military services is the basis of feudalism. In recognition for their service or merit an honorary title was granted by the sovereign to a man who served as a mounted and armored soldier, known as a knight. Men were empowered to become knights and climb the Pyramid of Power. This pyramid enabled men to move up the ranks and aspire to become more(Introduction). However, the Medieval institution of knighthood is based on the code of chivalry in which
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Loyalty was an important aspect to those social codes during the Middle Ages. Sir Gawain reveals his loyalty in Sir Gawain and the Green Giant when he is required to accept a challenge in which he is convinced would bring him to death. Sir Gawain has a easy-going personality and accepts the summons, considering no one else would. He takes on this challenge to show his continued and complete loyalty to King Arthur. Throughout each attempt Sir Gawain is overcome with fear, but his commitment as a knight is to remain loyal to his king and complete this challenge. The Green Knight repeatedly calls Sir Gawain a coward and rebukes him every time that he fails. However, Sir Gawain reminds himself that “A man who’s true to his word/There’s nothing he needs to fear;”(195-196). By the end of the poem, Sir Gawain acknowledges he has weaknesses and portrays a determined sense of mind that he will be successful in completing the challenge. Chivalry is present in this poem when the Green Knight tests Sir Gawain’s commitment to knighthood. Furthermore, King Arthur in the narrative Le Morte D’Arthur was devoted to removing the sword out of the stone. He is selfless and goes out of his way to give his brother his …show more content…
Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is fearless when he proceeds to fight the Green Knight. Based off the imagery, the Green Knight appears to be huge and vicious. He comes off as someone that can hurt another person and the fact that Sir Gawain was brave enough to still continue to fight off shows his devotion to his lord, proving to be an ideal knight. An example of his bravery is revealed when the Green Knight says, “You recall the terms of the contract drawn up between us:/At this time a year ago you took your chances”(83-84). Sir Gawain took his chances while the other knights did not offer themselves up. He knew he could be killed, but he still participated. Due to the fact that Sir Gawain took his chances, he is brave for that. Moreover, King Arthur in Le Morte D’Arthur achieved the title of King of England by pulling the sword out of the stone. Multiple responsibilities came King Arthur’s way after becoming king such as the annual feast that is held after Pentecost. Arthur invited a great number of kings and lords that did come; however, King Arthur did not realize that they actually came for war, and that “they were come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders”(Chapter 8). Although King Arthur did not realize they came for war, he stood brave in front of them. Merlin described to the noblemen Arthur’s parentage and the noblemen accepted King Arthur.
Loyalty was an important aspect to those social codes during the Middle Ages. Sir Gawain reveals his loyalty in Sir Gawain and the Green Giant when he is required to accept a challenge in which he is convinced would bring him to death. Sir Gawain has a easy-going personality and accepts the summons, considering no one else would. He takes on this challenge to show his continued and complete loyalty to King Arthur. Throughout each attempt Sir Gawain is overcome with fear, but his commitment as a knight is to remain loyal to his king and complete this challenge. The Green Knight repeatedly calls Sir Gawain a coward and rebukes him every time that he fails. However, Sir Gawain reminds himself that “A man who’s true to his word/There’s nothing he needs to fear;”(195-196). By the end of the poem, Sir Gawain acknowledges he has weaknesses and portrays a determined sense of mind that he will be successful in completing the challenge. Chivalry is present in this poem when the Green Knight tests Sir Gawain’s commitment to knighthood. Furthermore, King Arthur in the narrative Le Morte D’Arthur was devoted to removing the sword out of the stone. He is selfless and goes out of his way to give his brother his …show more content…
Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is fearless when he proceeds to fight the Green Knight. Based off the imagery, the Green Knight appears to be huge and vicious. He comes off as someone that can hurt another person and the fact that Sir Gawain was brave enough to still continue to fight off shows his devotion to his lord, proving to be an ideal knight. An example of his bravery is revealed when the Green Knight says, “You recall the terms of the contract drawn up between us:/At this time a year ago you took your chances”(83-84). Sir Gawain took his chances while the other knights did not offer themselves up. He knew he could be killed, but he still participated. Due to the fact that Sir Gawain took his chances, he is brave for that. Moreover, King Arthur in Le Morte D’Arthur achieved the title of King of England by pulling the sword out of the stone. Multiple responsibilities came King Arthur’s way after becoming king such as the annual feast that is held after Pentecost. Arthur invited a great number of kings and lords that did come; however, King Arthur did not realize that they actually came for war, and that “they were come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders”(Chapter 8). Although King Arthur did not realize they came for war, he stood brave in front of them. Merlin described to the noblemen Arthur’s parentage and the noblemen accepted King Arthur.