Name: Doreen
Student ID: 111450039
Annotated Bibliography II
Scholarly article 6:
De Roo, Harvey. “Undressing Lady Bertilak: Guilt and Denial in ‘Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight.’” The Chaucer Review, vol. 27, no. 3, 1993, pp. 305–24. JSTOR,
http://www.jstor.org/stable/25095808. Accessed 18 Dec. 2023.
Harvey De Roo's essay, "Undressing Lady Bertilak: Guilt and Denial in Sir Gawain
and the Green Knight," carefully examines the complex themes of guilt and denial in
the medieval epic poem. De Roo delves into the intricate relationship between Sir
Gawain and Lady Bertilak, shedding light on the emotional turmoil and psychological
nuances that define their interactions. Rather than sticking to traditional views, De
Roo challenges common perspectives on Sir Gawain's character, offering a fresh
perspective on his behavior and attitudes towards Lady Bertilak.
A key focus of De Roo's analysis is Lady Bertilak's pivotal role in the narrative,
emphasizing how her character significantly contributes to the development of guilt
and denial themes. The essay doesn't just look at the external actions of the characters
but delves into the psychological and emotional complexities of Sir Gawain. By
exploring his internal struggles, the article reveals a deeper understanding of his
character and its impact on the plot and overall character development.
"Undressing Lady Bertilak" is more than a typical analysis of a medieval poem; it
serves as a scholarly exploration uncovering the cultural and societal values woven
into the narrative. By highlighting the psychological dimensions of the characters, De
Roo's work enhances our understanding of the intricate tapestry that is "Sir Gawain
and the Green Knight."
Scholarly article 7:
Baughan, Denver Ewing. “The Role of Morgan Le Fay in Sir Gawain and the Green
Knight.” ELH, vol. 17, no. 4, 1950, pp. 241–51. JSTOR,
https://doi.org/10.2307/2872048. Accessed 18 Dec. 2023.
In Denver Ewing Baughan's insightful essay, "The Role of Morgan Le Fay in Sir
Gawain and the Green Knight," a compelling reexamination of the mysterious
character, Morgan le Fay, unfolds. Baughan courageously challenges established
interpretations of the beheading episode, asserting that Morgan le Fay's magical
powers succeed—a departure from conventional perspectives that depict her failure
against Gawain's virtue. The essay serves as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in
comprehending the character dynamics within the medieval romance. Baughan
strategically underscores the narrative significance of Morgan le Fay's magical
abilities, portraying them as a unifying and purposeful force in the overarching story.
This emphasis aims to correct historical neglect and misunderstanding regarding the
profound significance of her character. Additionally, the essay explores the intrinsic
connection between Gawain's chastity and the beheading episode, convincingly
arguing that it forms an integral aspect of both the romance's theme and its unfolding
action. Beyond mere reinterpretation, Baughan's essay seeks to redirect scholarly
attention from sources and analogs to the inherent meaning and purpose embedded in
the romance. Through this approach, the author encourages a thorough
reconsideration of Morgan le Fay's unique role, effectively addressing and dispelling
confusion surrounding her character. In essence, the essay offers a refreshing and
nuanced interpretation of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," challenging traditional
views and notably highlighting Morgan le Fay's pivotal significance in shaping the
narrative's rich tapestry.
Outline
Introduction:
In "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," the three days of hunting by Bertilak and the
seductive attempts by Mrs. Bertilak inside the castle intricately weave a complex
narrative, testing Sir Gawain's virtue and resilience in the face of both external
challenges and internal temptations.
BP1: Sir Gawain ventures into forest to find the Green knight but failed the honesty
test in master’s court and discovered the himself as a coward of death, thus blame
himself harshly.
“Nature and the Inner Man in ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
“The Pentangle Knight: ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
BP2: Traditional analysis usually argued the issues from male aspect like Sir Gawain
and the Green Knight yet neglected the significant impact of female characters such
as Lady Bertilak and Morgan Le Fay.
“Feminine Knots and the Other Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
“Undressing Lady Bertilak: Guilt and Denial in ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
“The Role of Morgan Le Fay in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
BP3: Besides the characters literature language also help the plot to build a vivid
atmosphere, such as rhetorical description, alliterative verse, and arranging the plot
order.
“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: An Appraisal”
“Rhetorical ‘Descriptio’ in ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
Conclusion: The research study about the transformation of characters’ inside emotion
and how the writing skill boosted up the amazing atmosphere; however when I read
the paragraph the word “homosexual” jumped out in my mind. The author somehow
weakens the attractive of women and strengthen the relationship between three male
character---Sir Gawain, the green knight, and the King Author.