5 points of chivalry code sir gawain and the green knight

His reputation precedes him in this situation, and it is because of what others have heard about him that they hold him as an esteemed guest in their castle. Furthermore, once Gawain reaches Bertilak’s castle, he is treated with the utmost hospitality due to the fact that he is “famed for prowess and purity”.

His perfection is quite literally found on the outside his spotless armor and pentangle are not necessarily indicators of anything chivalrous on the inside as well. It is important to note that the pentangle is on the outside of his shield, an ostentatious location that would be impossible for others to miss. The pentangle represents an interrelation of the virtues that Gawain possesses in order to be considered perfect. A year later, after Gawain has accepted the challenge and is preparing to leave Camelot in pursuit of the Green Chapel, the author spends an exorbitant amount of time describing Gawain’s armor and the pentangle on his shield. Rather than allow his kingdom to be slandered, King Arthur himself rises to the challenge when none of his knights do, ready to risk leaving his kingdom potentially void of a ruler to avoid tarnishing the reputation of Camelot. Though their “virtues reverberate through the vast realms,” the Green Knight tells them that he cannot find “the fortitude and fearlessness” they are renowned for. And, when no one rises to accept his challenge, the first thing the Green Knight attacks is nothing other than their reputation. Since King Arthur’s knights are “the most chivalrous and courteous knights known to Christendom,” their sparkling reputation is what attracts the Green Knight to the court in the first place. In the second stanza the author says, “But most regal of rulers in the royal line was Arthur, who I heard is honored above all” (emphasis mine), making it clear early on that hearsay plays an integral role in the concept of chivalry. By following Gawain’s fall from his position as the “noblest knight,” the audience is meant to understand that to be perfectly chivalrous is an unattainable standard.ĭuring the first fit of the poem, the author introduces the idea that chivalry is firmly based on reputation and outward appearances to the point of detriment.

The Gawain Poet, however, is presenting the audience with a critique of chivalry through Gawain’s ultimate failure in the beheading game with the Green Knight. He, like every other member of Arthur’s court, is expected to uphold the rigid code of chivalry in order to also uphold his own personal honor and that of the court.

In a medieval context, though, it is the basis of every action a knight ever performs. Chivalry, in a modern context, may bring to mind the simple practice of being courteous to women. The backbone upon which the medieval romance “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” was constructed is the code of chivalry.

5 points of chivalry code sir gawain and the green knight