Sir Gawain and Green Knight Essays: Triumph or Failure? :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Sir Gawain Triumph or Failure?    Sir Gawain is presented as a grand knight who is the epitome of chivalry he is loyal, honest and above all, courteous. He is the perfect knight he is so recognised by the variant characters in the story and, for all his modesty, implicitly in his view of himself. To the others his greatest qualities argon his knightly courtesy and his success in battle. To Gawain these argon important, however he seems to set an even higher value on his heroism and integrity, the two central pillars of his manhood. The story is concerned with the conflict between his supposition of himself and the reality. When Arthurs court was challenged by the ternary estate Knight, Gawain alone offered to take the cup from Arthurs hands. He showed pride and courage greater than all - by coming forward. The song is filled with opportunities in which Gawain inevitably was forced to face difficult decisions. During his travels he had every opportunity to turn around, especially when the rain and cold and nudity became fierce. Gawain, however, continued on his way. Three times did the lady tempt him and twice he managed to neither offend her with discourteousness nor accept her amorous advances and defile his chastity. In destinies sad or merry, True men can yet try. Tests and decisions are as numerous in any mans life as are the beats of his heart. The consequences follow him forever - he is judged by them and they affect his entire existence. However, judgement should not be passed on a mans single decisions individually, but only by observing how he has chosen to live his life. The mass under which each choice has been made should be considered as well. From the bulk Gawain was facing not only the ruination of his pride, his good name, and his spirit, but too almost certain death. As a result, he learns an essential, inescapable item about himself and human nature - there is no shame in being imperfect. The true test of Gawa ins bravery was to bare his neck to the Green Knight and finish their trading of blows. Even with his magic girdle, Gawain flinched the first time. The second and third times he was able to hold steady and accept fate. by and by the ordeal the Green Knight ridiculed him for his weakness and fear.