Meredith Shut English 120 Essay One Outline counter: + dogsnak evolve ‘TOPIC: How and to what extent dges Sir Gawain and the Green Knight offer a criticism of chivalry? What aspects of the chivalric ideal are shown to be contradictory or morally problematic in the poern? Or, a how oes the inem emend orn de, Introduction (1 page) own chivalric ideals? a Ci 06 Chivalry avolve or nor! & \ ay _ a, “thesis” statement aes IT a “Worle ot tHpewr,, KS Oy A: Si-Gawain andthe Green knight serves as an exploration ofthe on Wi a hin” andinconsstences ofthe Medieval chivae system through the introduction e or Ny and development of complex, morally conflicted characters. (i/ 71. SOrrtar1C8 ) < Vb. I oft pntangeasmasermetanher Cio dbCEO bated Hervry , « ‘geolanyhiSrof Gai cite (tone peo places Role of The Green Knight as an embodiment of critique (.5) @. Parti notes n vt Emphasis on Gawain’s perceived er and the importance of his reputation (1) ie M 2, Trova ox he porhnay tO 5 Neary punter an implesibe at \ Gawain’s entrance into a world devoid of chivalryand then paren teat Bertiak's ge Har" e caste (5) Ln world of Coaliiy cbruth, ‘a. Emphasis on the naive nature of Gawain’s thoughts Eventual breakdown of Cea cae (2), No sc at Conclusion (1) NpO%4 Bauain souproid vis es, eatin ViAUS a. The green, magical girdle is initially a sign of public shame, of the comy and values that Gawain made. Eventually, we learn of the girdle’s prominence among the Knights of the Round Table as a symbol of esteem. b. Anattempt to emend the system via the introduction of the girdle proves the fickle nature of the court and lends itself to the idea of the poem asa critique not of the chivalric system, but of courtly life and social stratification. ain y teeny, 008 not live yp Yosnestandard bet wee Aaya Ae pring ie et ethertnan Berne ee Wenighr, Mt oe court ingwead embraces Golvains ayuen i ragyarig 4he giedle 46 9 Hymbo oF e5,eem inn nan gare,aunteraryne code do . rm Cw me nor evolve inthe poem ' NM prea Fight entered NG On rtbodnantt GF OF que, wr cesar binned yy r quire 1B 40 Adnerent JoMng Code Frrigr enero One could argue Anay Yhe : 2 ve & 8 2y¥ SnthE < ehLeS = =s == es in 40 AGA gn ne te ee Nan Ne une (ie uw ‘s ee S088 BE CS aSSs B= Sea%e Sj SS oy <3 Eeetecs. \peceees dienes S\N\\W = Exes. 2 S eS \Meredith Frances Shutt, English 120 Section Leader ~ Krista Turner Essay One Sir Gawain and the Evolution of Relative Virtue chivalry through the evolution of a chivalric code which initially emphasizes infallibility and ultimately develops as a relative entity meant to accommodate the experiences of individual knights. Close textual analysis of the work supports the notion of Sir’ Gawain’s personal transformation in conjunction with the code's evolution. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight attempts to improve upon the traditional, universal ideals of 4 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight serves as an exploration of the contradictions and inconsistencies of the Medieval chivalric system through the introduction and development of complex, morally conflicted characters. I contend that the code of chivalry adhered to in the| ve poem does indeed evolve to accommodate the complexity of distinctive human experiences.|The introduction of the pentangle in Part II emphasizes the initial aspirations of Sir Gawain and the ‘Arthurian court. The pentangle, an ancient sign of Solomon, is an “endless knot” (p. 175, 1. 630) representative of the five chivalric virtues of “beneficence boundless and brotherly love/ And pure mind and manners, that none might impeach, / And compassion most precious” (p. 176, Is. 652-654). fasamed, whole entity, not to be separated or its components made distinct. In this sense, Gawain and other knights aspire to be the perfect person, completely stableand virtuous at all times. Throughout the poem’s progression, the reader follows the breakdown of Gawain’s adherence and steadfast dedication to the paradigmatic code. Though much intemal narrative is not offered by the text, one does come to understand the inner turmoil faced by our protagonist, who must pick and choose which values to uphold over others. Ultimately, the KO chivalric code is proven to be a relative rather than universal ideal dependent upon the distinct experiences of individual knights and courtiers.Strong emphasis is placed throughout the text on the goodness of Sir Gawain’s reputation. There is no man “as good as Gawain” (p. 174, 1. 559), or as “faultless in his five senses” (p. 175, 1. 640). As the quintessential knight, even Gawain’s clothing is described as, “goodly gear” (p. 174, 1. 584), further highlighting the greatness and strong virtue associated with Gawain’s life. The Lady Bertilak continually extols Gawain based upon his reputation: Sir Gawain you are, Whom all the world worships, whereso you ride; ‘Your honor, your courtesy are highest acclaimed By lords and by ladies, by all living men (p. 187, Is. 1226-1229) It is of particular interest to note that Gawain’s punishment for not meeting the Green Knight in one year’s time is not death or exile, but 1S8s of reputation. The Green Knight warns “Therefore come, or be counted a recreant knight” (p. 171, 1. 456). In Arthur's court, there is nothing more abhorrent than to be known as a coward, a recreant and dishonorable fool. In Part Ul, Gawain wots notes that he would “as soon sink down dead as desist from [his] errand” (p. 184, 1. 1067). It is oe kon my intent to illustrate through these passages the vast importance of reputation, nobility, and Fant greatness in the Arthurian court. To maintain adherence to the virtues of valor and chivalry is, in Reetenneth the mind of Gawain’s contemporaries, the ultimate manifestation of greatness. Tae “There isa shift in setting throughout the second, third and fork prea eer «TON ded “Mii the-nobte 64 Gawain is placed in a world devoid of hiv tebe in longer rely te ae -sole!6n the paradigmatic virtwesouttined for Se Arthur Ss cout ‘country wild and strange” (p. 177, 1. 709) Gawain is faced with “few...that had great a will toward God or man.” (p. 177, 1s. 701-702). It is through these bleak descriptions of the Welsh countryside that LOZ OLE Shaw one fret becomes cognizent-ff Gawain's evolving perspective. In a world of courtly relations,maintaining steadfast virtue is a simple matter of subservience to the king, of blindly following the rules of an archaic game. Thrust into the reality of wilderness and nature, Gawain is much less comfortable. Enter the castle of Lord Bertilak, a realm of false chivalry. Upon sight of the “fair and green” (p. 178, 1. 768) grounds, Gawain “offers his thanks/ to Jesus and Saint Julian” (p. 178, Is. 773-774) and falsely assumes that he has entered a world much like his own. Following the chivalric code, Sir Gawain offers his thanks and services to the lord of the esse, “And your man to command I account myself here/ As I am bound and beholden, and shall be, come what may” (p. 183, ls. 1040-1041). Gawain’s quickness to bind himself to the Lord Bertilak emphasizes Gawain’s naive nature and susceptibility to believe in the fagade of hospitality created by the “many courteous folks” (p. 180, 1. 852) of Lord Bertilak’s castle. ‘The dissolution of Sir Gawain’s adherence to the pentangle is or eetel see auoreness? occurs both with and without Gawain’s knowledge. Upon meeting the Lady Bertilak, Gawain binds himself to her will. “For I surrender myself, and sue for your grace/ And that is best, I believe, and behooves me now” (p. 187, Is. ee Gawain seems to have simul} sly aplern; oa red = bound himself to two very different people Sees i ‘Wiis: Gawain was simply following the chivalric code in that he offered his services to his host, the Lord Bertilak, his and his courtesy to a woman, the Lady Bertilak. Sir Gawain does indeed begin to r own unfamiliar internal struggle once he is fully invested in the exchange game with Lord Bertilak. The Lady Bertilak, determined to bed him, continually attempts to kiss Gawain. “Either take her tendered love or distastefully refuse. / His courtesy concerned him, lest crass he appear” (p. 198, Is. 1772-1773). Gawain faces a moral dilemma concerning the lady’s love: is he to rudely deny her kisses in favor of the lord? Or should he courteously accept them and deny their occurrence to the lord? Gawain chooses the latter and, when asked by Bertilak who kissed him,he simply responds, “That was no part of the pact; press me no further” (p. 191, 1.1395). Ultimately, the most dramatic and telling exemplification of Sir Gawain’s rejection of the traditional chivalric code is his eventual acceptance of the lady's magical girdle. Initially, Sir Gawain rejects an opulent ring from the Lady Bertilak, insisting “Before God, good lady, I forgo all giftsy/ None have Ito offer, nor any will I take” (p. 199, ls. 1822-1823). Conversely, Gawain is quick to accept the lady's gift of a magical green girdle which possesses supposed powers of J immortality. This sudden shift in ideology is representative of Gawain’s inner transformation. In eee order to win the Green Knight's game, itis within Gawain’s best interest to deny the wholeness eee ° of the pentangle and accept a gift from another man’s wife. Concealing the gift from the roo seemingly hospitable lord, though dishonest, is the rejection of a code which, if Gawain ardently follqwed, would lead to his demise. Ryveetegsiites apreses fo couse Mie reodor Past IV of our tale opens with Gawain'S1Ghatae Hn the Lord Beriak’s ose Gawain is dressed in his “richest raiment” (p. 203, 1.2025), a parallel to his equally fanciful attire in Part I. The subtle yet integral difference is the addition of the girdle, a representation of Gawain’s transformation in virtue. Once on the path toward the Green Knight's chapel, Gavain’s travelling companion offers to change direction, to abandon the task with the promise of his own silence. Gawain, in a show of his steadfast dedication to honor despite murky and somewhat distorted circumstances, declines the offer. “If I tumed back now, / Forsook this place for fear, and fled... could not be excused” (p. 205, Is. 2129-213). My-purpose in highlightis@> hose ee sc Boonaste en's character, suhidhs still highly virtuous and courageous. In another parallel to Part Il, Gawain is suddenly thrust into a realm of wildemess, untamed and unkempt. Gawain’s personal evolution is further emphasized by his placement in a situation that strongly resembles earlier passages. Rather than being portrayed as thequintessential knight as he was before, Gawain is now full of fault. He grimaces in response to the Green Knight's initial blow, a natural, human reaction. Once Gawain is finally dealt the game-finishing blow, he leams of the Green Knight’s true identity and intent. The Green Knight, or Lord Bertilak, tells Gawain that the nick upon his neck shall serve as penance for his actions. “Thold you polished as a pearl, as pure and as bright/ As you had lived free of fault since first you were bom” (p. 210, Is. 2393-2394), It is through reading this quotation that-Heecahnt faly cognizant of the evolution of the chivalric code. Despite Gawain’s ultimate denial of the 2 Penang eS he yam silient, eer poyreetl Rage piles PSE Green Sieh AS recognizes Gawain’s transformation and, rather than chastising him, offers him full forgiveness. Ultimately, Sir Gawain does not live up to the standard set by the paradigm of the pentangle of virtues. Rather than ostracizing Gawain, the court embraces him upon his return and regards the girdle as a symbol of esteem rather than of shame. In this sense, the chivalric code evolves to accommodate the complexity of Sir Gawain’s tests in virtue. Though Gawain’s reputation as the perfect knight is destroyed, he is now considered a man of truth who embraces all of his faults and adheres to a code specified to his distinctive needs. By adopting an adapted chivalric code, the people of Arthur’s court end the poem honoring Gawain’s legacy with an enlightened comprehension of resiliency and truth. Another reading of the work may lead one to believe that the chivalric code did not evolve as a specialized standard specific to the experiences of various men. By integrating the girdle, a symbol of Gawain’s personal trials and growth, into the lives of all of oes eg eee ld ses that the je code.is sil striving tgbe.ag 6 We universal standard. on ae ete int dolore, my hypothesis is greater supported through the actions of both Sir Gawain and the infamous Green Knight. Regardless of one’s personal interpretation of the work, many lessons are to beJeamed from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight about personal growth and the strength of ~~ 2 uderk, mere.) See ale Die sere Sagat ot Seta