Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

1. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

2. I. Introduction • Background—manuscript discovered in 1839 • Author—Unknown: The Pearl Poet 1. 2. 3. 4.

3. I. Introduction • Plot sources 1. 2. • The Medieval Romance: Five Qualities 1. 2.

4. D. Medieval Romance (five qualities) 3. 4. 5.

5. Major Themes • Civilization vs. Nature • Use of setting: Camelot and Bertilak’s Green Chapel Castle

6. Major Themes (continued) • Moral Theme: The Power of Nature over Morality (Chivalry) 3. Psychological—Self Knowledge learned through failure (“she knowsthere’s no success like failure / And failure is no success at all” – Bob Dylan) a. Journey of _____

7. Major Themes (continued) b. Life is a journey into humility—the losses: Courtesy fails him Martial abilities fail him Faith fails him (green belt)

8. Major Themes (continued) 4. Religious Themes a. Christianity vs Paganism b. What does God want? c. Fall from innocence

9. III. Characters • Sir Gawain • The Green Knight

10. III. Characters (continued) • Lady Bertilak Temptation (Eve character in fall) • Morgan le Fay (Old Lady) evil inspiration behind the beheading game (hope to shock Guenivere to death)

11. IV. Symbolism • The journey • The Green Knight • The Green Chapel • The green belt

12. IV. Symbolism (continued) 5. the pentangle charity Generosity fellowship Courtesy pity