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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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”