Marie Borroff's 'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight'
Age after age, humanity has continually struggled, fought, and attempted to attain perfection in almost every aspect of life yet we have seemingly failed every time. Throughout Marie Borroff’s translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain shows that although mankind strive to live by certain values, all men are in fact human at the core and therefore can never be perfect, and thus display forms of their true and natural weakness when exposed to adversity.
The scenes depicting Lord Bertilak’s hunting trips are cleverly interwoven with the temptation of Sir Gawain in his bed chambers in order to demonstrate that even the most civilized character is never perfect. At Camelot, Gawain is well-known for his adherence to 5 virtues that
…show more content…
During the 3 swings from the axe of the Green Knight, we are able to view several parts of Gawain’s true character. During the first stroke, Gawain flinches and shrinks his shoulders back slightly; clearly fearing the pain his natural instincts tell him accompanies the blade. The Green Knight scoffs at this display of cowardice, exclaiming, “You are not Gawain the glorious, the green man said…and now you flee for fear and have felt no harm” (58. 2270-2272) mocking the brave Gawain’s momentary lack of courage and pointing out the cracks in his character that illustrate his true lack of perfection. During the second stroke, Gawain remains resolute and shows no weakness through the Green Knight’s second feint and Gawain survives the final stroke without so much as a slight nick from the great blade. Gawain proves that although many men strive to live by virtues that allow them to be unfaltering in the face of impending adversity such as the act that Gawain attempts to fulfill unwaveringly. Gawain fails in that he displays his natural human weakness to flee from adversity on the first stroke, and displays his will to live up to his virtues and strong character in the second and third strokes. Yet this scene proves that no matter how hard Gawain (or anyone for that matter) tries, they will always remain human and thus will never ever be able to be absolutely perfect in anything that they do and will inevitably make many mistakes as they struggle for
The Chivalric Code In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
757 Words | 4 PagesChivalry has many features that shape a knight, however the virtues that Sir Gawain presents the most are courage and honesty. One time when Gawain showed honesty and courage is when he went to fulfill his deal with the Green Knight. The guide leading Gawain to the Green Chapel told Gawain that he should run and that no one would know about his Failure to keep his promise. But Gawain said he must fulfill his deal: “But however heedfully thou hid it, if I here departed,/ faith in fear now to flee, in fashion thou speakest,/ I should a knight coward be, I Could not be excused./ Noy, I’ll fare to the chapel, whatever chance may befall” (85.13-16).
How Does Gawain Show Courage
261 Words | 2 PagesThe Green Knight raises his ax three times over Gawain's neck to almost scare him to test him, like a sign of strength to intimidate. 4. Gawain does very well with the Green Knight's challenege except when Gawain finally succumbed to the lord's wife's pleas for taking the green sash. He is just as guy who tries his best, so he can make a mistake.
Maturity In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
85 Words | 1 PagesThe main theme of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is the journey to maturity of Gawain, the hero. During the passage, Gawain goes through three tests on his development. First, Gawain shows courage and resourcefulness when he volunteers to take the Green Knight’s challenge instead of Arthur doing so. Second, Gawain shows authority, self-restraint, and integrity when he denies the sexual endeavours of the lady of the house. Lastly, Gawain shows bravery when he faces death by keeping his meeting with the Green
Christian Symbolism In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
605 Words | 3 PagesSir Gawain and the Green Knight, whose author is unknown, is an Arthurian Romance/Epic that holds a degree of Christian symbolism. These Christian symbols are intermixed with Britannic Pagan traditions and themes in order to appeal more to the common British people at the time of the early Christianization of Britain. This can be supported by the stories of kings being created in the earlier centuries throughout history. In this particular story, this symbolism is important since all the knights of King Arthur’s Court were supposed to follow a certain chivalrous code of conduct, whether present in the courts or away on some other venture. The chivalric code being the embodiment of Christian virtue and valor, which was expected to be personified
Theme Of Chivalry In Sir Gawain
699 Words | 3 PagesWhich led to the Green Knight explaining to Gawain that he is actually the same lord of the castle where Gawain spent his holidays. The first two blows, he claims, were in return for the way Gawain returned the kisses of his wife, following the rules of their game as an honest man should. The third blow, he says, was for Gawain’s failure to return the green girdle to him on the last day. But because Gawain’s failing was only because he wanted to save his life, and not because he's just dishonorable, the Green Knight forgives him. He leaves Gawain with only a scar and a girdle as a reminder of his very human sin.
Honor In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
775 Words | 4 PagesGawain soon learned that his selfishness and fear can ruin his moral
Past Mistakes In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
1197 Words | 5 PagesAs an Expert states, “Critics consider the puzzle of the theme a major asset of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and they continue to debate whether the real test was what happened at Castle Hautdesert rather than the exchange of blows, as well as whether, finally, Gawain passed or failed the tests” (Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism). The reason the critics say this is because they see that the real or possibly the real test was when Sir Gawain was in the castle getting tested by the king which turns out to be the king rather than getting swung at with an axe. Although Sir Gawain was not aware that the king was testing him under these circumstances he did want he had to do even if it meant he was a bit disloyal when taking the green sash. As Sir Gawain states, ‘“There, there’s my fault! The foul fiend vex it” (line 389)!
Sir Gawain And The Green Knightly Virtue Analysis
998 Words | 4 PagesThe ideals of Christian morality and knightly qualities are represented by Gawain’s gold, star-shaped pentangle. The five knightly virtues that Sir Gawain expresses are: generosity, chastity, friendship, piety, and courtesy. From the beginning of the poem, Sir Gawain portrays his generosity by agreeing to cut the Green Knight’s head with an axe. He makes this decision after King Arthur fails to do so (Cathell, 2014).
The Hero In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
1269 Words | 6 PagesNot all heroes are perfect, but some are nobler than others. In the story of Sir Gawain, we find out that even legends, such as Sir Gawain made mistakes. In today’s time, most heroes are thought of as militaristic accomplishments, such as badges, wars won, and saving lives. Sir Gawain was a hero, not because of great accomplishments but because he was driven by his bravery, nobility, and virtue.
Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Deception Analysis
1719 Words | 7 PagesDeception is the act of deceiving; or the state of being deceived, which is something of very powerful nature. Deception can cause people to believe things that may or may not be true. Deception in most cases is used when an individual has a certain motive that he or she is trying to achieve. In the play Sir Gawain And The Green Knight, deception is present when Bertilak uses his wife to deceive Sir Gawain, by having her to try to seduce Sir Gawain on three different occasions. Although Sir Gawain remains loyal to Bertilak, Sir Gawain still takes the girdle; therefore, in the end Sir Gawain is left with a sense of failure, proving that Bertilak attained the motive he was seeking.
Chivalry In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
1052 Words | 5 PagesDuring the Medieval times chivalry was one of the most important characteristics a knight could display. Chivalry was viewed as a moral obligation that involved bravery, honor, respect, and gallantry. Knights were expected to uphold this code or face social consequences for any infractions, with punishments ranging from humiliation to termination of their knighthood. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” presents the struggles knights faced with honoring the chivalrous code at all times. Sir Gawain, while imperfect, exhibits qualities expected of knights and embodies the internal struggle between honoring the chivalrous code and giving into selfish desires.
Redemption In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
688 Words | 3 PagesAll in all, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight gave many fine examples of classic literature and the beauty of it. However, Gawain tried to redeem himself, but failed miserably. Redemption is achieved by falling and getting back up. Gawain tripped over his own feet, then blamed the girl who didn’t do anything. Gawain cannot teach anyone anything about redemption.
Loyalty In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
718 Words | 3 PagesSir Gawain takes knighthood to a deeper level and continues to see his knightly duties and responsibilities as they blatantly are verses getting hot-headed, dramatizing a situation, and uprooting his
Analysis: Fault And Redemption In Sir Gawain
1195 Words | 5 PagesThis scar from the Green Knight helped Gawain to realize his faults and the things that make us human in life. As he realizes these imperfections it says, “Gawain stood their speechless for what felt like a century, so shocked and ashamed that his stomach churned and the fire of his blood brought flames to his face and he wriggled and writhed at the other man’s words.” (179). The Green Knight had tested Gawain and by being honest two-thirds of the time, Gawain was allowed to live, even though he would always live in shame from that moment on. Others believed that he was brave and stood up, but Gawain was ashamed while the knights thought he was honorable.
Chastity In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
573 Words | 3 PagesThe lines 1550-1553 from the Pearl poets epic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight epitomizes two of the most important virtues of a noble knight, and Sir Gawain, the man the story follows, defines what is a true knight. He holds a place next to King Arthur and the queen as well as exemplifying two of a knights most important virtues. The first being chastity and the second being courteousness, both however, are very much entwined in this tale. Throughout this epic and many other Arthurian legends praised these traits in the knight and as we shall see, Sir Gawain although still very much human, is a master of both. The virtue of chastity is extremely important in Arthurian legend and we can see this from examining Gawain’s shield.
More about Marie Borroff's 'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight'
The Chivalric Code In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
757 Words | 4 PagesHow Does Gawain Show Courage
261 Words | 2 PagesMaturity In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
85 Words | 1 PagesChristian Symbolism In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
605 Words | 3 PagesTheme Of Chivalry In Sir Gawain
699 Words | 3 PagesHonor In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
775 Words | 4 PagesPast Mistakes In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
1197 Words | 5 PagesSir Gawain And The Green Knightly Virtue Analysis
998 Words | 4 PagesThe Hero In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
1269 Words | 6 PagesSir Gawain And The Green Knight Deception Analysis
1719 Words | 7 PagesChivalry In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
1052 Words | 5 PagesRedemption In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
688 Words | 3 PagesLoyalty In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
718 Words | 3 PagesAnalysis: Fault And Redemption In Sir Gawain
1195 Words | 5 PagesChastity In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
573 Words | 3 Pages