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

2. 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

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

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

15. 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