Warm-Up 09/10/13 Jot down everything you think of when you hear “romance.”

Literary Romance Four Characteristics: Narrative set in a world of pure wish fulfillment Ordinary laws of nature are suspended Superhuman heroes fight the forces of evil Typically a quest involved (dangerous journey in search of something precious)

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Written around 1375 Author unknown, referred to as “The Gawain Poet” Thought to be from NW England based on descriptions and language used in poem

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Ideal Knight (nephew of King Arthur) Poem portrays ideals knights would strive to meet Dutifully obeyed code of chivalry, a combination of Christian and military ideals Trawthe: meaning “truth”, “devotion”, “fidelity” keeping one’s word AND remaining faithful to knighthood vows Secular and religious chivalric responsibilities

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Chivalry: code of honor intended to govern knightly behavior. Protect those who cannot protect themselves (women, children, elderly) 1. Courage 2. Sexual Morality 3. Fidelity