Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
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This 14th-century tale has lasting appeal as a classic Arthurian tale, as a work of moral and religious insight, and as a delightful example of medieval humor.

As you read the poem, pay particular attention to the comparisons and contrasts between the world of this poem and the world of Beowulf.  What are the similarities between Heorot and Camelot?  Does the idea of the comitatus group persist?  Is the heroic ethic of Beowulf identical to the chivalric ethic of Sir Gawain?

This is a story about the testing of a hero.  But though Sir Gawain seems to expect that the test is a test of his courage in battle (a very Beowulf-like test), the test he confronts is not what he expects.  Indeed, the real test has taken place even before he faces the Green Knight and his ax.

Pay particular attention to the descriptions of Arthur's court, the symbolic significance of the appearance of the Green Knight, and the specifics of Gawain's armor. When Sir Gawain gets to Bercilak's castle, pay attention to the women he meets.  How do the incidents in his bedroom parallel the hunting scenes?  What kind of test is he really facing?

Ask yourself these questions when you finish the poem.  What was really being tested? How did Sir Gawain do? What are we supposed to think about the main characters (Gawain, Bercilak, Bercilak's wife, King Arthur, etc.)?

Other Study Pages: 

Courtly Love and the Chivalric Ideal

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