Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

World Literature Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Introduction This paper will discuss three major values in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a classic work of poetry from the medieval period (exact date of the work is unknown), as well as their significance for the historical period and to the characters who display the values or a lack thereof. Within the paper, quotes will be offered when necessary to illustrate key points, and tie together key concepts to provide a smooth flowing discussion.

To begin, the researcher will examine the concept, if not the existence of Courtly Love within the work itself. Courtly Love in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Although one cannot find direct passages within Sir Gawain that specifically discuss Courtly Love, the concept of courtly love is certainly a prevalent theme that is interwoven within the lines of poetry, encompassing the male/female dynamic, as well as the classic struggle between Sir Gawain himself and the protagonist Green Knight. It should be pointed out that the term Courtly Love refers to a state of mind and a way of life rather than a specific action or statement that identifies it.

More specifically, the evil Morgan tries to tempt Sir Gawain in a variety of ways, and he resists every temptation, indicating that he is truly a "courtly gentleman" and loves the way of life that he has embodied in his thoughts, words, and deeds. Through Sir Gawain, we see the epitome of Courtly Love, although the concept is generally difficult to quantify. The Chivalry Concept More tangible and prevalent within the text is Chivalry; specific passages can be quoted to show the elements of Chivalry throughout the poetry itself. An ideal example, translated into modern language, is Gawain's response when tempted to void his virtue in the bed of the wife of his host: "In good faith," said Gawain, "I would gain too much! Though I am hardly he of whom you are speaking - the honor you outline is obviously more than what I am worth - and how well I know it! By God! I'd be glad if it seemed good to you to assign some other service I might do to value and revere you; I'd be very glad" (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight).

When in the face of temptation, Sir Gawain not only refused the romantic advances, he did the chivalrous thing and offered his knightly, rather than "nightly", services. Sir Gawain and Piety Above and beyond Chivalry, Sir Gawain personifies Piety through his own personal virtue and adherence to it. Within the text itself, "I beseech Thee, Lord, and Mary Thy gentle Mother, for some shelter where I may hear Mass…. This I ask meekly, and thereto I pray. Thus he rode praying, and lamenting his misdeeds, and he crossed himself, and said, "May the Cross of Christ speed me"(Sir Gawain and the Green Knight). This translated quote shows that rather than relying simply on his wits or brute force to achieve his ends, Sir Gawain calls upon his God to help him through his darkest hours, thereby reinforcing the fact that he is a pious and faithful man of God.

Another noteworthy occurrence that shows the Piety of Sir Gawain even in the face of death at the hands of the Green Knight, is the occurrence when Sir Gawain basically dared the Green Knight to behead him, and despite the Green Knight's best efforts, the axe failed to do any more than slightly cut him. This passage also shows the theme of male competition within the lines of this poetic work. Conclusion Although no one even knows who wrote these poems originally, it is clear that the author was wise. The themes that are portrayed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight- Courtly Love, Chivalry and Piety, among others, are desirable, if not prevalent, in the modern world as well. The final point that can be made within this paper is that often times, the ancient virtues and beliefs transcend the ages, and should never be ignored.

Works Cited Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Ed. J. R. R. Tolkien and E. V. Gordon. 2nd ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1967.