Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the ideal Christian knight is described as having humility, piety, integrity, being loyal, and an honest individual. Other knights in the story are also described as being manly with specific armor and weapons. An ideal knight is also considered to be very dignified and courageous. Sir Gawain mentions that knights should also be 'faultless in senses' (line 640). Sir Gawain has exemplified his duties as a knight by showcasing the trademarks of the ideal Christian knight. While he was not a perfect knight, he still portrays the characteristics of the ideal knight.

Sir Gawain is a noble knight that has taken on a mundane task of protecting the King. He in a sense has chosen to sacrifice himself for the king, and others have seen this act as brave and courageous. In this regard, Sir Gawain does meet up to the ideal Christian knight. He does encompass the attributes of an ideal knight. I believe it is difficult for anyone to truly live up to an ideal, which is in essence, perfect. No one is truly perfect. We all have flaws and faults that test what can be considered ideal. Sir Gawain is not excluded from these flaws and faults. His comment about being faultless in senses is tested when he approaches the time where he is to meet the Green Knight again. "But to keep himself safe when consent he must to endure a deadly dint, and all defense denied. And now the bold knight came Into the courtyard wide; that folk of worthy fame He tanks on every side (p. 203).

Sir Gawain succeeds in his role since he is very courageous. He does not seem to be afraid to commit to the Green Knight and put himself in harms way to protect the king. He has placed his loyalty in nobility and is protecting others in doing so -- showing great humility.

I believe he has failed in the sense that he was tested and challenged in his fate to meet the Green Knight and to succumb to possible beheading. I do not put disapproval or judgment on this act -- but I do believe that society as a whole would have classified him as even more of a hero or great knight had he died, rather than walk away. While he failed in the original task to succumb to the Green Knight, I do not believe that he was wrong in showing a cowardly side. He wears a mark of his shame, with I believe exonerates his fault and shows his humility and guilt for having failed in the original task. 'But your girdle, God love you! I gladly shall take And be pleased to possess, not for the pure gold, Nor the bright belt itself, not the beauteous pendants, Nor for wealth, nor worldly state, nor workmanship fine, But a sign of excess it shall seem oftentimes When I ride in renown and remember with shame The faults and the frailty of the flesh perverse How its tenderness entices the foul taint of sin.... (211).

If Sir Gawain had not returned to his people and pretended that he didn't fault, I believe he would have failed in becoming a successful knight and my views on his efforts would be different. However, he marked himself with shame and dignity in the efforts that he did make, which in my mind makes him a very brave knight.

Works Cited

David, Alfred. The Norton Anthology, English Literature (Volume A.). New York: WW Norton and Company. 2006.