Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Chivalry Essay

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an adroitly expressed fourteenth century Arthurian poem in Middle English. The nature of the adventure is guided by explicit codes of conduct. Primarily, the code chivalry plays a significant role in the actions and behavior of Sir Gawain and supplementary characters throughout the poem. Chivalry is defined as the medieval knightly system with its religious social code. Values of English chivalry develop from the Christian concept: morality. This biblical theme promotes ethical beliefs of human interaction. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight has abstract ideas as it contains a story of a journey of romance. Although it may not seem like a Christian text by modern standards, morality plays a big role at the heart …show more content…

“…Sir Gawain… was… a full gallant knight.” (Sir Gawain). As a knight he is expected to fulfil abounding obligations. This “perfect” knight has divided loyalties that rest in showing impeccable Christian chivalry, but be unconditionally courteous to ladies especially. He also should consistently be faithful to his word yet, be completely uncompromising in action (Sir Gawain; pg. xiii). Sir Gawain has eminence as "the man to whom all excellence and valour belongs / Whose refined manners are everywhere praised" (Sir Gawain; lines 911-912). Particularly, he is a tremendous knight as well as a master of courtoisie, …show more content…

“‘Our Father, Hail Mary and Creed.’ He prayed as he rode and wept for all his sins. Many times he blessed himself, saying ‘Christ’s Cross be my help!” (Sir Gawain; lines 757-762). Once he prays for help, another recurring Christian Element, he is rewarded by the appearance of a castle. The people who live in Bertilak’s castle teach Gawain about chivalry that is more firmly based in truth and reality than that of Arthur’s court. These people are connected to nature, their way of hunting and the way the servants acknowledge Gawain by kneeling on the “naked earth” (Sir Gawain; lines 818). Averse to courtiers at Camelot, Bertilak’s courtiers joke mannerly about how bountiful their feast is (Sir Gawain; lines

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