Characters
Who is the brave knight who accepts the green knight's challenge?
Sir Gawain
What challenge does the Green Knight offer to Arthur's court?
In a beheading game, a knight may strike him once, but must receive a blow in return in a year and a day
“I am the weakest, I know, and the feeblest of spirit.” Who says this and why?
Sir Gawain, to show his humility when accepting the challenge
What does the green girdle symbolize for Gawain by the end of the story?
Human fallibility and a reminder of his failure
In what language was Sir Gawain and the Green Knight originally written?
Middle English
Who is the Mysterious Knight who arrives at king Arthur's court during the New Years Feast?
The Green Knight
What gift does the Lady give Gawain that he keeps secret?
A green girdle (belt)
What is the meaning of the Green Knight’s laughter after his head is cut off?
He is mocking the knights and showing his supernatural nature
What does the Green Knight represent in terms of nature and the supernatural?
A force of nature, testing the limits of civilization and chivalry
Who is believed to have written Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
An anonymous poet, sometimes called the “Pearl Poet”
Who is the ruler of Camelot where the story begins?
King Arthur
Who says, “Remember your promise, knight,” and in what context?
Lady Bertilak, during one of her seductions
How is the theme of honor tested in the story?
Gawain must balance truth, loyalty, and survival throughout the challenge
During what century was this poem written?
14th century
Who tempts Gawain during his stay at the lord; 's castle?
Lady Bertilak
How many times does the Green Knight swing his axe at Gawain?
Three times
What does Gawain exclaim after realizing the Green Knight spared him
He thanks him but is ashamed of his own failure to uphold perfect virtue
What does the number three symbolize in the story?
Testing, temptation, and the stages of Gawain’s moral journey
What literary tradition does this poem belong to?
Arthurian Romance
Who is revealed to be the Green Knight and the orchestrator of the challenge?
Lord Bertilak, with the help of Morgan le Fay
Why does the Green Knight only nick Gawain on the third blow?
Because Gawain was honest the first two days but withheld the girdle on the third
What line does the Green Knight use to reveal his true identity and test?
“I sent my wife to test you. And in truth, you seem the most faultless knight."
How does the poem reflect medieval values of chivalry and knighthood?
It challenges them, showing that even the best knight can fall short of perfection
How does the poem blend Christian and pagan traditions?
It includes Christian morality and holidays, but uses pagan symbols like the Green Knight and nature