A romantic hero is unconventional, yet fulfills all he must to attain the title of a hero. This hero may have been rejected by society or may have rejected the social norms. Similar to other types of heroes, a romantic hero is usually on a quest of some type in order to achieve a particular goal. Within the poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the protagonist, Sir Gawain, projects and exhibits all of the characteristics of a romantic hero. This is evident through his character traits, background, and general disposition. Sir Gawain is the youngest of King Arthur’s knights. He is not the most conventional of heroes, which makes him a romantic hero. He states, “I am the weakest [of your knight], I know, and the dullest-minded, So my death would be the least loss, if truth should be told; Only because you are my uncle am I to be praised, No virtue I know in myself but your blood” (Raffel 354 - 357). He perceives his self-value to be lesser than that of King Arthur; therefore, when the Green Knight challenged the king, Sir Gawain executes a brave move and steps forward. As a
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Once he discovered that the king and kingdom is in need of help, he is willing defend them. Gawain believes, “the man to whom all excellence and valour belongs, whose refined manners are everywhere praised” (Raffel 911-912). He thinks that men should be loyal to people and display a courteous manner. Nonetheless, he is still a human being; his characteristics ultimately leads to his selfishness. Gawain first makes the deal with the knight, in which he breaks his promise because he is afraid of death. When the Green Knight’s wife offers a green belt to him, he keeps it for himself and does not mention it to the knight. His characteristics manifests him to be a hero, but his decision in the last part of the deal creates a selfish persona in him, which ultimately essentially makes him a romantic
Once he discovered that the king and kingdom is in need of help, he is willing defend them. Gawain believes, “the man to whom all excellence and valour belongs, whose refined manners are everywhere praised” (Raffel 911-912). He thinks that men should be loyal to people and display a courteous manner. Nonetheless, he is still a human being; his characteristics ultimately leads to his selfishness. Gawain first makes the deal with the knight, in which he breaks his promise because he is afraid of death. When the Green Knight’s wife offers a green belt to him, he keeps it for himself and does not mention it to the knight. His characteristics manifests him to be a hero, but his decision in the last part of the deal creates a selfish persona in him, which ultimately essentially makes him a romantic