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The Color Green In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

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In the poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, the themes of chivalry and courtesy show up time after time throughout the story. Along with those themes, the color green seems to be a very significant symbol. At the end of the poem, Gawain states that he will wear the green girdle that was given to him by Morgan le Fey so he can always remember his wrongdoing. Along with Gawain wearing it, all of Arthur’s men decide to wear it as a green sash, yet it holds a completely different meaning to them. It is interesting to note the different views the two have on wearing the green sash and understanding Gawain’s character. In the story, it is evident that Gawain thinks he is the least of King Arthur’s knights although he his is nephew along with one of Camelot’s most noble knights. This character trait of Gawain being modest is most revealed when the Green Knight shows up for the first time wanting King Arthur to behead him, and Gawain states, “I am the weakest of your warriors and the feeblest of wit; loss of my life would be at least lamented” (354-355). When Gawain finishes this speech in these lines, all of the rest of the knights agree that Gawain should do it incase something goes awry. After Gawain chops the Green Knights head off, the Green Knight states before his head getting axed off, “…you must solemnly swear that you’ll seek me yourself” (394-395). Since Gawain is a noble knight, he of course keeps his promise although it’s seemingly terrifying to him. As the theme

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