Throughout history, men and women have preserved certain characteristics that seem to be imbedded in our DNA. These features are a part of what defines our gender. Although society has drastically changed over the years, we still have managed to maintain what divides men and women as far as the faults within our personalities. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, there are several instances in which men are challenged by women. Sir Gawain, known for his extraordinary bravery and honor, was only truly tested behind closed doors by the wife of Bertilak. Sir Gawain said, “Let it be as you wish. I shall kiss at your command, as becomes a knight, and further, should it please you, so press me no more.” (213) (1302-1304) He had shown great effort, but failed to resist any longer. His pride had ultimately been diminished and crushed because of weakness.
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The wife of Bertilak was the catalyst in Sir Gawain’s struggles. She tempted him consistently, until Gawain caved to his desires. Her persuasion was virtually impossible for him to escape. The wife of Bertilak looked at him with loving eyes before she even spoke, so her goal from the very beginning was to change his mind. With her looks, there was no doubt she could coax him. Even though Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written thousands of years ago, it still exemplifies many of the same characteristics that are common among men and women today. Pearl Poet’s stereotypical judgement of men being unable to resist the temptation of a beautiful woman remains true in today’s society. Television commercials use underdressed women as a sales tactic to attract men. The focus of attraction is directed towards men, because it is assumed, and usually correct, that they have a greater income than
The wife of Bertilak was the catalyst in Sir Gawain’s struggles. She tempted him consistently, until Gawain caved to his desires. Her persuasion was virtually impossible for him to escape. The wife of Bertilak looked at him with loving eyes before she even spoke, so her goal from the very beginning was to change his mind. With her looks, there was no doubt she could coax him. Even though Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written thousands of years ago, it still exemplifies many of the same characteristics that are common among men and women today. Pearl Poet’s stereotypical judgement of men being unable to resist the temptation of a beautiful woman remains true in today’s society. Television commercials use underdressed women as a sales tactic to attract men. The focus of attraction is directed towards men, because it is assumed, and usually correct, that they have a greater income than