Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Essays Papers

SIR GAWAIN and the GREEN KNIGHTIn the Middle Ages, a time of brave knights and beauteous maidens, chivalry was alive and well, and honor meant much more than just pride. A man could be expected to be as good as his word, and paragon was an integral part of his life. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the title character sets off on a month-long quest for the Green Chapel in fulfillment of a promise made a year earlier, knowing full well that it could mean certain death. After the knights final days at the court of poof Arthur are recounted, he sets off in country wild where he is far off from both his friends (lines 713-14). This lonely road on which he rides reflects the nature of his quest--Gawains conflict is within himself, and is something which he must deal with on his own.On the long, arduous journey, the brave knight battles countless foes to the point where to tell but the tenth part would tax the authors wits (719). All manner of fearsome foes are described, from ser pents and wolves to wild men and giants. However, he has borne himself bravely, and been on Gods side (724), and therefore makes it through all these trials intact.The description of the locations where Sir Gawain is forced to sleep on some nights calls to mind the dwelling of Grendels mother from Beowulf--cold, gloomy, rocky, and generally unpleasant. Gawain bears it all with stoic patience and fortitude, though he is expert slain by the inclement weather. Finally, on Christmas Eve, Gawain prays with all his might/That Mary may be his guide/Till a dwelling comes in passel (737-39). This prayer underlines the parallel between Gawains plight on this Christmas Eve and Marys own search for lodging on the night of the first Christmas.On Christmas morning, he arrives in a foreboding forested area, a man all alone in a marsh and mire where birds unblithe upon bare twigs/Peeped most piteously for fuss of the cold. (The cold loneliness stands in contrast to the warmth and companionship h e is to acknowledge in Bercilaks castle later on in the story.) Here he again prays mournfully--this time that he may be able to attend the Christmas mass. His first thoughts are not for his own safety, nor for his reputation should he not find the Green Chapel in time.