The Author
Some of the things we can confidently assume about the author based on the text.
What are he possessed a knowledge of French and French poetry, he was religious, he was associated with the aristocracy, and he was from northwest England?
In addition to rhyme, the author relies heavily on this repetitive rhetorical device.
What is alliteration?
King of Camelot
Who is Arthur?
The story begins and ends with the celebration of these holidays.
What are Christmas and New Year's?
One of the many creatures Gawain faced on his journey to the Green Chapel.
What are bears, boars, bulls, dragons, ogres, satyrs, trolls, and wolves?
These are the other, more religious stories contained in the same manuscript as Gawain and the Green Knight, and therefore presumably written by the same author.
What are Pearl, Purity, and Patience?
The historical frame
What is the founding of Britain by Brutus following the fall of Troy?
Queen of Camelot
Who is Guinevere?
Gawain volunteers to take this person's place against the Green Knight.
Who is Arthur?
The three animals hunted by the Host.
What are deer, boar, and fox?
This is the Middle English dialect used by the author.
What is Northwest Midlands?
The author uses this structure to "weave" the strophes (or stanzas) together.
What is a bob and wheel?
The name of the Host, who also turns out to be the Green Knight
What is Bercilak?
Her face is on the back of Gawain's shield.
Who is Mary?
The reason Gawain accepted the belt from the Hostess.
What is it would save his life?
The reasons we know that the surviving manuscript is a copy and not the author's original.
What are the "typos" and the separate, inaccurate illustrations?
In Arthurian legends, this enchantress is often portrayed as Arthur's half-sister, sometimes helpful and sometimes hostile.
Who is Morgana le Fay?
This literary foil for the Hostess is also her companion.
Who is Morgana?
Gawain begins his journey to the green chapel on this day.
What is November 2 (All Souls Day)?
The reason the Green Knight nicks Gawain's neck on his third and final swing.
What is Gawain's dishonesty in accepting and hiding the magical belt?
This successful author wrote in London's East Midland dialect.
Who is Chaucer?
These three narrative plotlines were common in medieval folklore.
What are the beheading game, the exchange of winnings, and the temptation of the hero?
Gawain's horse
Who is Gringolet?
The five fives represented by the pentangle star.
What are his five senses, his five fingers, the five wounds of Christ, the five joys of Mary, and the five virtues of knighthood (chivalry)?
The Biblical men Gawain alludes to in his distress over being fooled by a woman.
Who are Adam, Solomon, Samson, and David?