Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by the Pearl Poet Background and Introduction

Background to the Poem Written at the time of Chaucer, lost, rediscovered and published in 1839 Modern translation of a 14th century middle-English poem written in a northwest midlands dialect

Background to the Poem Retains some components of Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse Primarily alliterative verse with some rhyming elements

Characteristics of the Text The bob and the wheel A transition or pivot between the alliterative verse A summary or counterpoint in rhyming verse The bob is usually two syllables The wheel has an abab rhyme And grace; Where war and feud and wonder Have ruled the realm a space, And after, bliss and blunder By turns have run their race.

Background to the Poem Unknown poet referred to as the “Pearl Poet” Only one hand-copied manuscript exists in the British Museum Originally in the collection of Sir Robert Bruce Cotton (1570?-1631)

Background to the Poem One of several manuscripts found on shelves designated by the busts of ancient rulers The only known manuscript of the poem is referred to as Cotton Nero A.x The only known manuscript of Beowulf is referred to as Cotton Vitellius A.xv.

Background to the Poem These manuscripts attributed to the same poet include “Pearl” (Hawthorne’s inspiration), “Patience,” and “Divinity” Poetic form consists of liberal alliteration

Background to the Poem The poem’s purpose is Christian Landscape is pre-Christian Evil and good are intimately related rather than opposed forces

Introduction – The Knight Errant The quest = searching for the event that will test the true measure of his character Gawain’s physical test is a precursor to his spiritual test Gawain’s journey is to his shadow self to integrate the dark side into his full identity

Introduction Poem takes place during the Golden Age of Camelot Concerns the tests of Sir Gawain: how he partly passes, partly fails

Introduction Of all Arthur’s knights, his nephew Sir Gawain was said to be the ideal of knightly courtesy: “Gawain the Good”

Introduction – The Plots The Beheading Game Temptation of the Lady Exchange of Winnings

Characteristics of Medieval Romances Opens at a feast Involves a challenge Tells adventures of a young hero Involves supernatural elements Teaches the hero a moral lesson Woman is featured as a temptress Showcases the cyclical qualities of nature