Similarities Between Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic poem that illustrates the chivalric ideals that a knight of the Round Table must uphold. The characters in this poem recognize a strict code of ethics and chivalry. Sir Gawain and his fellow knights hold beliefs such as courtesy, nobility, and religious ideals to a high regard. In this society people are classified in congruence with their faithfulness to a code of behavior called chivalric code. Knightly chivalric code was obtained from the Christian perception of morality. It is a crucial component of Sir Gawain’s beliefs as a knight in Arthur’s court.

Originally courtesy meant special consideration one knight showed to another. The courtesy two men show is a mutual

contract of loyalty. It involves trust, respect, and sometimes allegiance. Gawain represents this type of courtesy, not only to Arthur, his king, but to Bercilak and even the Green Knight. “I shall kiss at your command, as becomes a knight. Who fears to offend you; no further plea needed” (Stone 1290). This is an example of Sir Gawain being courteous not only to his host Lord Bertilak but also to Lady Bertilak. Lady Bertilak attempts to seduce Gawain but because of his chivalric duty to be courteous and to honor Lord Bertilak he politely avoids this situation and does not become romantically involved with her. By making this choice Gawain knows he is running the risk of upsetting Lady Bertilak and has to find a way to respectfully decline her offer. He does so by being polite and courteous and giving her the kiss she asked for but nothing more than that.
Sir Gawain’s behavior is governed by nobility; it’s what prompts him to accept the Green Knight’s challenge in King Arthurs place.

“Before all, confide. This fight to me. May it be mine.” (Stone 320). At this moment the Green Knight was asking for a participant in a Christmas game. He asked for any of the knights to volunteer but no one stands. Eventually King Arthur accepts the challenge, but Gawain nobly takes the Kings place. This displays nobility from Sir Gawain, even though he knows he is not the strongest or the wisest he will take on the challenge for his King. Gawain accepted the challenge which was to strike the Green Knight with an axe, but in return the Green Knight would do the same to Gawain. After one year passes it is Gawain’s time to finish the agreement. “But I am bound to bear the blow and must be gone tomorrow. To seek the gallant in green, as God sees fit to guide me.” (Stone 541). This represents Sir Gawain’s nobility. He knows he is going to be struck by the Green Knight and he cannot defend himself. He could escape this fate and not search for the Knight but he must do what is noble. Sir Gawain’s chivalric values help him to uphold his noble duties as a knight of the Round

Table.
The chivalric code was constructed by man in pursuit for Christ like perfection. It was believed that chivalry is not a natural trait for a man to have but something he must strive and work to be. The natural state of a man is constantly battling with the ideals of Chivalry. For Sir Gawain to maintain his chivalric code he must depend on his faith in God to win that inner struggle. On Sir Gawain’s journey to the Green Chapel he is alone and constantly speaking to God. “I beseech thee Lord, and thee Mary. That is some haven with due honor I may hear Mass and Matins tomorrow morning...” (Stone 733). This quote was Sir Gawain praying to God and seeking comfort, he does not know what will happen to him the following day. Gawain’s religious ideals help him continue on his path and sustain his chivalry. Despite the clear Christian message in this poem, there are strong Celtic pagan ideals as well. This is symbolized on Sir Gawain’s shield. One side of the shield has the Pentangle on it, “Then they showed him the shield of shining gules, with the Pentangle in pure gold depicted thereon” (Stone 595). The Pentangle is a pagan symbol used to represent the virtues and beliefs of a knight. Its presence on the knight’s armor is reassurance of these ideals. On the inside of his shield was the Virgin Mary, “That the Holy Queen of Heaven had of her Child... Etched on the inside of his armoured shield, so that when he beholds her, his heart did not fail” (Stone 623). The Virgin Mary is a religious symbol of Christianity. The importance of Mary on his shield is to guide Gawain in the right direction and make sure he does not fail. The Pentangle is on the outside, and the Virgin Mary is on the inside of the shield. This represents the dual Pagan and Christian beliefs that are represented in this poem. Sir Gawain’s religious beliefs are important to maintain his chivalric code. His faith in God allows him to reconcile between dangers of the natural world and that of human society, all while keeping his chivalric beliefs intact.
Sir Gawain is a noble, courteous knight who truly serves his King. He embodies what a knight of the Round Table should be. Gawain receives strength and guidance from his religious beliefs that allow him to endure challenges and remain chivalric. Sir Gawain holds himself to a high standard but finds he is unable to be perfect. This is proven when he takes the silk belt and keeps it a secret. He takes responsibility for his actions but understands the perfection he seeks is unobtainable. Even though Sir Gawain feels very guilty with his wrong doing he is ultimately a very good example of the chivalric code and he illustrated these ideals through the entire poem.