Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Essay Example

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’ poem narrates the story of a feast for knights and ladies at King Arthur’s court where the king asks for narration about adventure. Symbolism in the poem is used to give the plot more importance and as a way to liven the plot. The color green is a recurring symbol in the story. The green knight and the green sash are the main symbols employed in the story. A mysterious gigantic figure with green skin, green clothing and riding a green horse unexpectedly appears in the court and challenges the attendees to a game. “He fared as a giant were made, and over all deepest green” (lines 154-155) In English mythology, green was associated with nature. The green knight carries a holly branch in one hand depicting that his color could be connected to nature. The green knight’s strong survival instincts are a representation of the nature of animals. The venue where Gawain is to meet the green knight, Green Chapel, is a wild and natural place symbolizing nature. In the poem, the green of the figure symbolizes mystery and supernatural nature of the knight as compared to the ordinary attributes of Gawain. Green is also connected to magic as the green knight can miraculously survive a decapitation. It is presumed that his mystical nature and enchantment are connected to the color green. The green nature of the knight is also a symbolism of the origin of the knight, which can be deduced to be in nature. “Embroidered above with birds and butterflies, with gay gaudy of green” (lines 317-318). The color green is used as a symbolism for outward appearances and the real nature of people. Although the green figure is depicted as evil in the beginning due to his green and paranormal, at the end we realize that the green knight was of little ill-will. The green knight is also a symbol of a supernatural disturbance in nature in contrast to Gawain’s calm and honor. The green sash that Gawain’s wife gives to him is used to give him protection from danger. It is expected that the green sash will grant him abilities to overcome the green knight who was also a figure that utilized the color green. The green sash symbolizes the cowardice that lies in Gawain. Gawain was extremely terrified of meeting with the green knight. Green is used to bring contrast between Gawain and the knight in regards to bravery. The sash is interpreted as a symbol of courtly love and as a sexual advance from Bertilak’s wife. “For you would not be so high beholden to me, I shall give you my girdle: that profits you less” (lines 1182-1183). After the ordeal with the knight, the Gawain keeps the green sash as a reminder of his failure of the test he was given. The sash reminds Gawain of his frailties and sinful nature. The green knight is very courageous while Gawain is depicted as fearful during his encounter with the knight. The color green contrasts Sir Gawain’s good nature and the knight’s evil and mysterious attributes. By wearing the green sash and agreeing to fulfill the agreement, it symbolizes the honor in the knight’s conduct. Gawain’s acceptance of the green sash and his later concealment brings out the deceptive nature of Gawain. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table adopt the green sash as an emblem in acknowledgment of Gawain’s adventure and absolution of his wrongdoing. The knights fail to comprehend the symbolism and meaning behind the green sash. King Arthur takes the green sash to represent Sir Gawain’s courageous and adventurous nature. “The girdle of green silk that gallant well suited” (line 2316) He hopes that the green sash will inspire other knights. However, he does not realize that the green sash represents Gawain at his most timid point. The king uses the green sash as a symbol to represent Gawain’s honor without realizing that Gawain hid the green sash and that it actually symbolizes his dishonest attribute. Gawain hid the sash because he feared losing his life, a trait that is discouraged of any knight. Therefore, the king and his knights adopt the green sash as an emblem without truly appreciating its significance to Sir Gawain. Knightly chivalry and medieval romance are recurring thematic concerns throughout the story. The poet seems to idealize the concept of knightly chivalry in medieval times. The poet emphasizes the need for chivalry among the knights in King Arthur’s court. The attributes of courage, bravery, respect, and courtesy are revered among all other characteristics. The chivalrous code paints people with cowardice and poor manners as lacking in masculinity. When the green knight challenges the court to a game, the poet is setting up a demonstration of the importance of chivalry. When other knights fail to step up to the challenge, Sir Gawain presents himself. Sir Gawain’s courage is a clear indication that the poet idealizes the concept of valor. The poet emphasizes several pillars of the chivalry code such as friendship, kindness, chastity, courteousness, and devotion. “So he conceded courteously of that court he came, where noble King Arthur is headman himself alone” (lines 654-655). After overcoming the first challenge, the green knight requires that Gawain seek him out in the wilderness after a year. Gawain prepares to meet the green knight in fulfillment of his promise, an indication of the worth of the chivalry code. The poet suggests that ideal chivalry is submitting oneself to the service of the Lord. The poet idealizes that a knight should submit their service to the Lord whether in sport or battle. After the incident with the green knight, the knights feel disappointed in themselves because they failed to live to the chivalry code of bravery. Gawain’s adherence to chivalry is what stops him from breaking his chastity and sleeping with Bertilak’s wife. The poet submits that chivalry is the code that enables people to place the interests of others above individual personal needs. However, the poet also points out that despite the need for chivalry one should appreciate their weaknesses such as mortality, thus Gawain decides to hide the green sash from Bertilak to avoid losing his life. Work Cited Raymond, Barron,W. Sir Gawain and the Green Knights. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1998. Print Read More