Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 1126-1998 lecture Simon Armitage Tr.

Hunting and humping Gawain in a huge castle in the middle of the woods Strikes a deal with the lord of that castle: the lord goes to hunt and Gawain stays in the castle – whatever the lord gets while hunting is Gawain’s and whatever Gawain gets in the castle is the lord’s Very strange agreement. What do you think the lord has to gain. What will Gawain gain?

The lord begins his hunt (hunting is very important in Anglo Saxon culture) The lord is in touch with nature, as he doesn’t hunt certain animals due to importance in the ecosystem of the forest He has great success with hunting, suggesting a relationship between himself and nature (the forest) Who does this remind you of?

Gawain stays in the castle, sleeps too much The lady of the castle comes into his room at night She is beautiful and wants to sit and talk with Gawain, except Gawain knows what is going on She is there to seduce Gawain (she says she is in love with him). Why is she doing this? Why test Gawain’s honor as a knight?

A Note on Chivalry Part of Chivalry is not just being honorable, fighting giant green guys, and hanging out in castles all day. It also means respecting ladies. Gawain cannot just say “BEGONE” and end it there Must parley between her wishes and his strength of will Finally, they agree on just a kiss (what does this mean the lord will get after the hunt?)

The lord comes back from the hunt the next day There is a huge bounty (an almost magical amount, never before seen) and refuses to tell Gawain where he went to hunt (why?) The lord gives it all to Gawain and asks for his return: so he gets a kiss (weird flex, but ok…)

Again the challenge occurs Again the challenge occurs. The hunt is on and the lady comes into the Gawain’s room She is more aggressive the second time, asking Gawain to do what her husband is not there to Gawain once again parleys with her, showing firmness but respect, and gets her to leave. Another day won!

The lord returns and gets another kiss (why is the lord not questioning these kisses? Does he know what is going on?) The third time things change. This time, when the lady is turned down by Gawain, she asks to give him something He reluctantly accepts her girdle, which is a green sash with gold plates (where do we know this color from?)

The lord returns, gets another kiss, and the game is over. Gawain, however, does not give the girdle to the lord. Why? What does this mean for Sir Gawain’s chivalry? It’s Christmas once again, so Gawain has to go off to find the Green Chapel Knight What is the purpose of all of this? Read from 1998 – end to find out!

Extra Credit Draw a picture, write a 2 stanza poem (minimum), or find another way to artistically describe/discuss your favorite scene/moment/event from the story 10 pts, due December 12th/13th