Seven Elements of Romance Specifically with Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight
1. Interiority
See him as remorseful and repentant for being a coward/lying
In small bedroom is where he struggles with temptation/staying noble
2. Supernatural
Green Knight (himself)
Game—one strike for another
Belt/sash (protects life)
Mystery castle
Morgana La Fay (causes all to happen)
3. Adventure
On the quest through the forest and then to the castle
Find the Green Knight, keep his word and allow the strike
Struggles alone (solitary quest)
4. Important Role of Women
Green Knight’s queen—temptress and tests his knighthood
Morgana La Fay—causes the story to happen (catalyst of action)
5. Love
Love for woman—respects and honors GK’s wife (saves himself)
Love for Court—will fight to defend king and Camelot
Love for friends—Arthur, the Lord of the mystery castle
6. Hero Embodies Chivalric Ideals
Courtesy—GK and his wife (not doing as she asks)
Bravery—takes on the Green Knight in the game
Doesn’t flinch (anymore) and stands still
Determined—pushes on through the elements/solitary journey
7. Episodic
Each part has own stories
Part 1: the Game with the Green Knight
Part 2: searching for the Green Chapel and Knight
Part 3: hunts and temptation with the GK and his wife
Part 4: GK gets to strike Gawain