Chivalry and the Code of Knighthood
What is chivalry?
A code of conduct emphasizing ideals such as courage, honor, loyalty, and courtesy.
What two things make the Green Knight seem supernatural?
His body is green and he is a giant.
Who tempts Gawain at the castle?
The lord's wife.
What does Gawain fear when he travels to the Green Chapel?
His impending death.
At whose court does the Green Knight appear?
King Arthur
Why does Gawain volunteer to accept the Green Knight's challenge?
To protect Arthur and the court's honor and because he believes he is the most expendable.
What does the green girdle supposedly offer Gawain?
Protection from death or physical harm.
What does Gawain receive from the lord's wife that becomes especially important?
The green girdle.
How does Gawain break his chivalrous code?
He lies about concealing the girdle.
What challenge does the Green Knight propose?
Someone must strike him with his axe, then accept a return blow in a year and a day.
What does the challenge with the Green Knight actually test in Gawain?
It tests his honesty and loyalty.
What might the Green Knight's green appearance suggest?
Nature, life, supernatural power, or forces beyond human control.
What does Gawain agree to exchange with the lord?
Whatever each receives during the day.
Why does the Green Knight spare Gawain's life?
Gawain's failure is only to preserve his own life, and the Green Knight recognizes his overall honesty and courage.
Where must Gawain travel to find the Green Knight?
The Green Chapel
How does Gawain struggle to balance courtesy and honesty when the lord's wife tempts him?
He tries to remain courteous to her while resisting her advances and honoring his commitments.
What two things does the Green Knight carry with him?
An ax and a holly
Why does Gawain keep the girdle a secret?
He believes it may protect his life.
Why does Gawain feel ashamed after learning the truth?
He realizes that fear caused him to compromise his integrity.
How long does Gawain have to return to the Green Knight
One year and one day.
How does Gawain's decision to keep the green girdle conflict with the ideals of chivalry?
He lies to the lord about keeping it just for self-preservation.
Why is it important that Gawain keep the green girdle at the end of the story?
It's a reminder to Gawain that he failed to live up to his ideals and he is imperfect.
What is the difference between Gawain's physical courage and his moral courage?
He faces physical danger bravely but struggles to remain honest when his life is at stake.
What is one of the poem's central messages about human perfection?
Even people who strive to be virtuous have weaknesses and can fail under pressure.
What does the Green Knight reveal about the events at the castle?
He was the lord. He arranged the tests(his wife attempting to seduce Gawain) to test his character.