1. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
ENG 273: World Literature

2. History Medieval Europe (14th Century) Written in Middle English
Unknown Author
Dubbed “Pearl Poet” or “Gawain Poet” based on the content of the manuscript
Genre: Chivalric Romance
Hero = Knight
Goes on a Quest
Not “mushy” romance, but emphasis on:
Courtly manners/love
Chivalry
Damsels in distress

3. Characters King Arthur Queen Guinevere Knights of the Round Table
Sir Gawain
The Green Knight
Medieval “Green Man”
Folklore related to nature, seasons, rebirth
Lord and Lady Bertilak
The Ugly Woman

4. Plot King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Christmas in Camelot
Green Knight’s Challenge
Gawain’s Promise
Gawain’s Search for the “Green Chapel”
Temptation in the Castle
Final Confrontation

5. The Code of Chivalry Rules of Behavior Morality
Popularized in literature

6. Key Themes Critique of Chivalry Heroism vs. Cowardice Test of Honor
Appearance vs. Reality
Words vs. Deeds
Heroism vs. Cowardice
Test of Honor
Temptation
Loyalty
Honesty
Perfection vs. Flawed Humanity
Photo by Viona Ilegems