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The Test Of Honor In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight - Online Term Paper

The Test Of Honor In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

During the course of the medieval poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain is presented with a number of choices, and must, as a result of these options, make difficult decisions. In most instances, his choices trap his natural self-interest in preserving his own life against his sense of honor. Honor was a major factor in the Age of Chivalry - commanding a much higher priority than it does in our society today.
Gawain made more than a few decisions in the poem and from the start he was facing not only the loss of his pride, his good name, and his spirit, but also death. When the Green Knight challenged all of Arthur's court, Gawain was the only knight that offered to take Arthur's ...

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face difficult decisions. Gawain could have simply left Camelot never to return. He instead chose the option of keeping his word and searching for the Green Knight, even
though he knew he had to take what was coming to him. "Now, liege lord of my life, my leave I take; / The terms of this task too well you know / to count the cost over concerns me nothing. But I am bound forth betimes to bear a stroke / From the grim man in green, as God may direct." (Gawain, lines 545-549). During his travels he had every opportunity to turn around. Gawain, however, showed honor and courage and continued on his way.
The Green Knight at the end of the poem once again tested Gawain. This was the true test of Gawain's honor as a Knight. He was required to bare his neck to the Green Knight and finish their trading of blows. His flinching at the Green Knight's first feinted blow cost him a little pride, but it was certainly an understandable reflex, and he did not allow it to happen again. ...

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 5/3/2004 06:12:38 PM
Category: Poetry & Poets
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 573
Pages: 3

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