Background to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Medieval Romances Background to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Definition of Romance The word ROMANCE originally denoted languages derived from Latin, then came to refer to something written in French as well to have anything having characteristics of French writing.

Characteristics of the Romance A Tale of High Adventure Structurally it follows the pattern of a QUEST --Can be a religious Quest, a conquest for the knight’s liege lord, the rescue of a captive lady OR any combo of the above It idealizes CHIVALRY

Continued It also idealizes the HERO-KNIGHT and his noble deeds—courage, skill in arms, openness to adventure/challenges Emphasizes his love for a lady (or the concept of ladies in general) or love as a motivation Often uses concealed or disguised identity

Setting The settings tend to be imaginary and vague Often in a fantasy world of marvels Typically moves from court to wilderness

Supernatural/Mysticism The tales derive mystery and suspense from supernatural elements—creatures (dragons, trolls, ogres, etc), sorcerers/sorceresses (Merlin, Morgana la Fey), objects (Excalibur, the Grail, etc.) The tales therefore employ miracles and wonders Repetition of the mystical number 3

Characteristics of the Hero-Knight Birth is often shrouded in mystery He is reared away from true home in ignorance of his real parents For a time his true identity is unknown After meeting an extraordinary challenge, he claims his right His triumph benefits his nation or group

Chivalry an elaborate code of conduct, manners, behaviors from the French word chevalier: horse soldier Purpose: to reduce the coarseness and violence of medieval life

Divisions of Chivalry Feudal—stresses loyalty to lords, strength, courage, skills in weapons Religious— stresses piety, temperance/abstinence, chastity Must adhere to church laws first, then to king’s laws

Continued Courtly (usually referred to as Courtly Love)—stresses adoration of the lady, faithfulness, courtesy, social graces. Belief that love is a perfecting force that makes one noble, even perfect

Knightly Virtues and Duties Total devotion to goal Uphold good and overturn evil Protect poor and weak—widows, maidens, orphans Generosity Gain and cultivate a positive reputation

Continued Love God and be willing to die for Him Possess justice and loyalty Remain clean in flesh and spirit Face death’s inevitability Abstain from excessive alcohol use Attend mass daily

Becoming a Knight Age 7—The son of a noble begins training, starting out as a page in the house of a lord. He learned manners and the use of weapons Age 15—He became a squire. He attended to his lord, spent time in military exercises. Knighthood was reached when the squire became sufficiently skilled. No particular age.

Rules of Hospitality Also called Guest/Host Relationship Unwritten set of expectations and behaviors between any visitor and his host. Visitors would often be strangers, travelers seeking refuge at any house along the way.

Guidelines Guest has free reign and should be treated with great care and concern. Host is a servant to his needs. Guest must conduct himself accordingly in dignified/formal manner, never taking advantage of the situation or generosity of host. Host can allow no harm to come to guest—must defend his guest at any cost, with his death if need be. This relationship is basically an embodiment of the “Golden Rule”