The poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' focuses on testing the values of chivalry and courtesy expected of knights. It tells the story of Sir Gawain accepting a challenge from the Green Knight to seek him out in a year's time. On his journey, Sir Gawain faces temptations that test his integrity and loyalty. He fails to disclose receiving a girdle from the lord's lady as a token of her love. In the end, the Green Knight reveals it was all a test and that Sir Gawain, though flawed, remains honorable for living up to his word.

1. The poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' was written in the late 14th century by an
anonymous poet. This poem focuses on the values of chivalry and courtesy; which refers to
the society's idea of polite behaviour and appropriate conduct particularly expected from
knights. This is a narrative poem that tells the story of Sir Gawain, King Arthur's nephew,
who takes a journey to find the Green Knight who visits King Arthur's court to test the
noblest knight. The poem is not just a literary journey as it also focuses on the testing of Sir
Gawain and his values, along with the values of his society. Furthermore, this poem also
focuses closely on Gawain's experiences as an individual, allowing the reader to enter
imaginatively into the difficulties that he faces. As this poem is divided into four parts, I will
critically analyse how Sir Gawain's experiences change his expectations of himself, focusing
on each part at a time. This will help us understand how his values are tested as he takes his
journey.
The poem 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' is divided into four equally significant parts
called fits, and they discuss the trials that Sir Gawain undergoes in stages. The first part of the
poem introduces King Arthur's court filled with only "splendid men" (Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight, 38), and the King himself is described as one "who was the greatest in
courtesy", (SGGK, 26). Already, the narrator is putting a lot of emphasis on courtesy and
chivalry, which are very important values of a knight. The arrival of the Green Knight into
King Arthur's court is to test if they deserve their "fame [that] flies through the remotest
regions" (SGGK, 310 ); which means the Knight has heard of their reputation and has come
to find out if they can live up to it. The challenge this Knight (a man whose posture is
described as "half-giant" (SGGK, 140)), poses them is quite unusual and overwhelming.
Although these men are noble knights, what we are told is that all in this court are "beautiful
and young" (SGGK, 54), suggesting how inexperienced and untried they are. They are not
ready for such a bizarre challenge. This does not stop the Green knight from looking at the
Knights "to find whose fame stood high" (SGGK, 231) amongst all. The court is marveled by
the Green Knight's rude remarks and mockery as he refers to them as "beardless boys" and
"milk-sops" (SGGK, 280-282), which means they are all too young to challenge him. These
remarks, however rude and impolite, confirm the simple truth said before, that they are all
inexperienced and untried.
Although Sir Gawain (King Arthur's nephew) is among these young knights and is "the
weakest and least in wit" (SGGK, 354), he takes the opportunity to develop outside this court.

2. He is brave enough to accept the bizarre challenge of "strik[ing] on stroke for another"
(SGGK, 287), which no other man in the court can do. Sir Gawain proves to be very brave,
sacrificial, courteous and ready to fight; all aspects that mark a true Knight. Although Sir
Gawain agrees to the terms of the game, he does not have all the details about his opponent.
He does not know anything about the Green Knight, especially about his supernatural
powers. When Sir Gawain chops off the Green knight‟s head, he simply "pick[s] it up"
(SGGK, 433), and exits the court, expecting Sir Gawain to go look for him when the time
they agreed on arrives. This is not what Sir Gawain expects, he probably expected to give the
hardest blow, kill the Green Knight and end the game right there. He has been tricked to
agree to make a deal when he did not have all the facts. Nevertheless, the promise has been
made, the game field has been set and Sir Gawain has to go look for the Green Knight so he
can get his "blow" (SGGK, 453) as promised. This marks the beginning of a journey in which
he proves to what extent he can meet his society's expectations and live up to their values
together with his own values. The fact that he has to go searching for someone he does not
know by name and a place he has never heard of shows that this journey is going to be a
mysterious and uncertain; this could also represent the uncertainty of Gawain's in the society
he finds himself in. This part of the poem prepares us to partake on a journey we have no idea
on its final destination along with Sir Gawain as he is tested.
The second part of the poem focuses on the challenges Sir Gawain faces in the wilderness.
He is anxious about his journey as he is walking towards his unpleasant "fate" (SGGK, 565).
The choice of word the poet uses here is effective as it makes us realise that Sir Gawain
actually has no choice but to do what the Green Knight expects him to do. This also reminds
us as the readers that sometimes we do things we do not really wish to do, but we do them
under invisible compulsion, as the knight finds himself doing. Sir Gawain finds himself in a
dangerous place alone, in winter, with many physical and spiritual fights to win. Life has
changed for Sir Gawain as he is cold, both literally and figuratively; he shivers at the thought
of losing his life to the Green Knight in not so many days. As he carries his pentangle, "a sign
and token of truth" (SGGK, 625-626), he is clearly still aware of the virtues he stand for as a
Knight in society and as an individual. Honesty, truthfulness, bravery and keeping a promise
are values that are being tested at this point. Sir Gawain seeks shelter, protection, warmth and
food as he is in the wilderness "companionless" (SGGK, 693); here he is also tested of how
much he can survive alone without any back up and insufficient resources. We see Gawain's
heroic characteristics start becoming invisible as he is alone and has no one to save but

3. himself. This shows how Knights are also human and need to pay attention to their interests
and not focus on society all the time forgetting about their own needs.
Despite all he goes through on his journey, Sir Gawain still keeps his faith, which is one of
his values. He depends on "Mary" (SGGK, 738 ) for guidance as well as "Christ's cross"
(SGGK, 762 ) for haste; by so doing, Gawain proves that he still holds on to his values even
in the wilderness. His faith does not fail him as his request is grantedwhen he is welcomed
into Bertilak's castle where he finds shelter and food, as well as good company. Here Gawain
is observed for good behaviour by each and every member of the castle as he is well known
and is referred to as "the prince of the castle" (SGGK, 919); and they expect him to be a
living example of what courtesy should look like. Although Gawain finds a place a lot like
King Arthur's court, with games, good food and association; he still thinks about his duty and
agreement to meet the Green Knight. However, this Knight does not know that most of his
tests are going to take place in this castle where he receives such great hospitality. Once
again, Sir Gawain has to make a promise to Bertilak and “settle a bargain” (SGGK, 1105) to
exchange their gains of the day every time they meet. We see how the issue of promises,
vows and bargains is consistent in this poem as they keep re-appearing in Sir Gawain‟s life.
This shows how important living up to them will determine whether he passes his main test
or not. Unfortunately the noble Knight does not notice the coincidence of the games he is
asked to play and what they have in common; keeping a promise. This means that Sir Gawain
is completely unaware that he is being tested on this aspect, which will make his response to
the test, more realistic.
In the third part of the poem, we meet Sir Gawain in his bedroom being hunted the same way
Bertilak hunts for animals in the woods. The narrator highlights that Bertilak has “a hundred
men of the boldest hunting blood” (SGGK, 1144-1145); which is in opposition to King
Arthur‟s court, where we are not told of any activity they do outside the court. This is where
the theme of realism and romance collide as King Arthur‟s court is one world of artificial
perfection, where else Bertilak‟s castle is filled with men who have a more realistic view of
life as they hunt for food. This is another great experience for Sir Gawain as he finds himself
among such men with an authentic view of life. While the lord of the castle continues with
his hunt, Sir Gawain is faced with a challenging situation with the lady of the castle, as she
visits him in his bedroom and flirts with him. Sir Gawain finds this position uncomfortable
and awkward and makes „the sign of the Cross” (SGGK, 1202) to escape this trap; once again

4. we see Sir Gawain hold on to his faith during hard times. As if Sir Gawain has not made
enough agreements already, the lady of the castle asks him to “strike a bargain”, (SGGK,
1210) with her. Clearly there are a lot of agreements he has to abide to before he can get to
the final promise made to the Green Knight. His ability to overcome the temptations from the
lady of the castle by dismissing her sexual advances politely, with “tact and care” (SGGK,
1260), shows that he is indeed a true Knight. However, the lady accuses Sir Gawain of not
living up to his reputation as he “dall[ies]” (SGGK, 1299) and does not take the chance to ask
for a kiss. At the return of the lord of the castle, he exchanges his hunt with Sir Gawain as
promised, and Sir Gawain in return gives him the kiss from the lady of the castle. Their
agreement is successful on the first day.
On the second day of the game they make the same agreement to exchange their winnings.
Bertilak goes out hunting again and Sir Gawain is still hunted figuratively by the lady of the
castle, only this time she is “expecting to change his attitude” (SGGK, 1474-1475); which
suggests that she has a better strategy for him this time. Her persistence is quite exasperating,
allowing the reader to feel Gawain‟s pain and anger at this point as he has to deal with her.
Although she accuses the noble Knight of having “no patience with the ways of polite
society” (SGGK, 1483), he is able to deal with her cautiously and resist her temptation,
showing how he is willing to hold on to his chastity and cleanliness despite her persistence.
She also expects him to talk about love and war as she believes that is what Knights should
do. Sir Gawain does not agree with this notion or idea of a Knight as he believes talking
about love and war “would be stupid” (SGGK, 1545); clearly Sir Gawain‟s values clash with
that of his society. This shows how a Knight is also an individual with different opinions to
the rest of society. On this day, we are told that when Bertilak returns, they exchange their
gains as per “contract” (SGGK, 1636); which gives the reader a strong sense of obligation to
deliver that Sir Gawain is under. The choice of words the poet uses allows the readers to enter
imaginatively into Sir Gawain‟s world and experience his difficulties on a certain level.
Although Sir Gawain has given heed to the terms of the game, we spot a particle of
dishonesty in his dealings with Bertilak, as he refuses to tell his game mate how he gets his
gain, reasoning that it is “not part of the pact” (SGGK 1395). This shows how he feels
disloyal to the lord of the castle to kiss his wife in his absence and feels like a subject to
punishment; another humanly characteristic he displays.

5. On the final day of Bertilak and Sir Gawain‟s game, Bertilak has a new rule for the game and
that is “third time, winner takes all” (SGGK, 1680), and to show how this new rule is
essential, Sir Gawain is expected to keep it in mind for the following day. As the day arrives,
Sir Gawain is a lot uneasy as he must finally go and meet the Green Knight and accept his
stroke; he also still has to pass the last test by the lady of the castle as she brings more
temptations to him. Sir Gawain is stuck between courtesy and sin, for these two seem to be in
conflict at this point. It would be ill-mannered for him to decline the lady‟s obvious sexual
advances and offend her, at the same time it would be a bigger issue should he err the lord of
the castle and commit adultery with his wife. Sir Gawain has to decide now what he values
most, being courteous to the lady or being loyal to Bertilak. When the lady gives him a girdle
as a “love-token” (SGGK, 1805) to remember her, he hides it from Bertilak, which goes
against their initial agreement for the game. At this point we meet Sir Gawain very anxious to
the point of consulting the priest to find out how “his soul might be saved when he leaves the
earth” (SGGK, 1879) as he has admitted his shortcomings and has accepted the certainty of
dying. On the final test, Sir Gawain fails to keep up with the rules of the game. This shows
how the games he has been involved in have tired him out and the conflict of interests from
society leave him without a certainty of which one is right. He makes a promise to both
Bertilak and his wife and he cannot keep both these promises at the same time. This also
shows that being a Knight does not mean being a supernatural being that can do a lot of
things at the same time.
On the fourth and last part of this poem, Sir Gawain is faced with the last and primary duty he
has to carry out; to look for the Green Knight and accept his blow. However, he still has two
more test to pass first, both concerning his courage. Bertilak‟s servant tells him that it would
be really unwise for him to have the meeting with the Green Knight, as he “the worst man in
the world” (SGGK, 2098), and the servant also promises to keep his secret should he decide
to go back home. This is meant to scare him, and see if Gawain will still keep his word if no
one else knows what he is doing. In other words, the question at hand is if Gawain sticks to
his values to seem heroic in everyone‟s eyes, or if he does it simply because he values the
virtue at hand. It is evident in Sir Gawain‟s response that he truly values the virtue of
promises as he is determined to “keep [his] word and not despair” (SGGK, 2159), and not let
the servant to influence his decision anyhow. Gawain is more terrified when he encounters
the Green Chapel, and it also terrifies the reader as it is said to look like a place where “the
Devil says morning prayer” (SGGK, 2188), which suggests how awful and evil this place

6. looks. To make this terrible look even more horrifying is the sound of a blade being
sharpened from within that Sir Gawain has to witness, giving him even more reasons to run
away. At this point Sir Gawain is ready to die and fulfill his promise; nothing can stop him
now, not even his own fears. The Green Knight teases Sir Gawain for flinching and calls him
“lily-livered” (SGGK, 2273), which is a serious insult to a Knight of Gawain‟s reputation. At
the end, Sir Gawain gets a stroke for not being completely honest with his gains as he did not
give Bertilak the girdle. Sir Gawain feels like he has failed his Knighthood and feels like a
coward. Contrary to that, Bertilak assures Sir Gawain that he is the “most faultless warrior”
(SGGK, 2363) as he did all he did to save his own life. Although Sir Gawain is ashamed and
disappointed, Bertilak respects him even more for his humanly qualities and trying to save his
life. Sir Gawain wishes to “cleanse [his] name” (SGGK, 2388), from all his misdeeds and
faults as he has betrayed what he stands for as a Knight. He keeps the girdle to wear it as a
“sign of [his] fault” (SGGK, 2433) as he has been disloyal to Bertilak. When he does this, Sir
Gawain acknowledges that he is human and is bound to make mistakes. What he and us as
readers learn is that, in as much as we are proud of our achievements and display them in
public for people to see, we should also accept the fact that we will make mistakes from time
to time and we should learn from them. The little mistakes we make in life might cost us the
big things, but if we learn, like Gawain, that we are limited in life and to what society expects
from us, we will accept our shortcomings.
In conclusion, although Sir Gawain values his virtues as a Knight, he realizes that he can
never live up to all of them, especially when his life is at stake. His encounter with the Green
Knight and his experiences makes him understand that he is human and will make mistakes
from time to time; letting the values of his society down. He also learns that some things are
controlled by supernatural authority beyond human powers and there is nothing he can do
about it.

7. Reference list
Harrison, K. (translator). (1998). Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.New York: OXFORD
UNIVERSITY PRESS.