1. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Author unknown ?

2. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Author probably a contemporary of Chaucer, but remote from royal court
Style alliterative verse, like Beowulf, but longer lines and different patterns
Combo of comedy/satire of manners and Christian view of character/destiny
Addresses the strength of Christian ideals under pressure

3. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Decapitation motif comes from ancient folklore vegetation myth involving sacrifice for rebirth
Arthur’s court = ideal of chivalry and courtesy (or does it?)
Gawain, in this tale, is the most courteous and valiant of Round Table
Gawain is Arthur’s sister’s son
Gawain’s pentangle represents truth (& troth), tested by challenge and temptation

4. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
One of the latest of Middle English Romances
Part of Alliterative Revival
Bob and Wheel = groups of long lines that end with bob (2 syllable word or phrase) and wheel (quatrain with ababa rhyme scheme, rhyming with bob)

5. Characteristics of Medieval Romance
A tale of High Adventure. Can be a religious crusade, a conquest for the knight's liege lord, or the rescue of a captive lady or any combination.
usually idealizes chivalry, the hero-knight and his noble deeds
An important element is the knight's love for his lady.

6. Characteristics of Medieval Romance
The settings tend to be imaginary and vague.
derives mystery and suspense from supernatural elements.
uses concealed or disguised identity.
Repetition of the mystical number "3." (Repetitions of the number or multiples of 3)

7. Code of Chivalry
1. Thou shalt believe all that the church teaches and shall obey all her commandments.
2. Thou shalt defend the church.
3. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
4. Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born.
5. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.

8. Code of Chivalry
6. Thou shalt make war against the infidel without cessation and without mercy.
7. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
8. Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word.
9. Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone.
10. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against injustice and evil.
- Leon Gautier, The Decalogue (1891)

9. And http://labyrinth.georgetown.edu