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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (p. 230-243)
As the poem begins, Arthur and his knights are gathered to celebrate Christmas and the new year with feasting
and revelry. When the evening’s feast is about to be served, Arthur introduces a new game: he refuses to eat
his dinner until he has heard a marvelous story. In the midst of their festivities, an enormous man—who is
entirely green—bounds through the door.
Lines 1-30 Summary
The gigantic knight has a beautiful face and figure. Every piece of his elaborate costume is green, with
flourishes of gold embossing. His huge horse is green, and his green hair and beard are woven together with
gold thread. He holds a holly bob in one hand and a huge green and gold axe in the other.
Read lines 31-141
 In lines 31-36; what can you infer about the personality of King Arthur?

In lines 37-45; how does the Green Knight’s greeting appeal to King Arthur’s sense of honor?

After line 75, how do you think King Arthur’s court will reply to the Green Knight’s challenge?

Read lines 80-100; how is the Green Knight taunting the knights of Camelot and what does he hope to
accomplish with his taunts?

In lines 120-141; how does Gawain’s response demonstrate the qualities of a chivalrous knight?

According to Gawain, why should he take King Arthur’s place?
Arthur grants Gawain’s request to take on the Green Knight’s challenge. The Green Knight asks Gawain to
identify himself, and the two agree on their pact. Gawain then prepares to strike his blow against the Green
Knight.
Read lines 142-189
 Which characteristics of medieval romance are reflected in lines 161-174?

Describe the feelings that Gawain and Arthur have at the end of line of this section.
As the end of the year approaches, Gawain leaves on his quest to find the Green Chapel and fulfill the pledge.
After riding through wild country and encountering many dangers, he comes upon a splendid castle. The lord
of the castle welcomes Gawain and invites him to stay with him and his lady for a few days. The lord proposes
that he will go out to hunt each day while Gawain stays at the castle. At the end of the day, they will exchange
what they have won. While the lord is out hunting, the lady attempts to seduce Gawain. Gawain resists her.
On the first two days accepts only kisses, which he gives to the lord at the end of each day in exchange for what
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the lord has gained in the hunt. On the third day, Gawain continues to resist the lady, but she presses him to
accept another gift.
Lines 190-240
 In lines 209-217; what does Gawain’s refusal of the gifts suggest about his character?

In lines 227-236; why is Gawain distressed when he learns about the sash’s magical powers?
When the lord returns at the end of the third day, Gawain gives him a kiss but does not reveal the gift of the
sash. On New Year’s Day Gawain must go to meet the Green Knight. Wearing the green sash, he sets out
before dawn. Gawain arrives at a wild, rugged place where he sees no chapel but hears the sound of a blade
being sharpened. Gawain calls out, and the Green Knight appears with a huge ax. The Green Knight greets
Gawain, who with pounding heart, bows his head to take his blow.
Lines 241-288 Summary
The Green Knight lifts the axe high and drops it. When the Green Knight sees Gawain flinch, he stops his blade,
mocking Gawain and questioning his reputation. Gawain tells him he will not flinch again, and the Green
Knight lifts the axe a second time. Gawain doesn’t flinch as the axe comes down, and the Green Knight holds
the blade again; this time congratulating Gawain’s courage. He then threatens Gawain, saying that the next blow
will strike him.
Lines 289-392
 In lines 289-306; why does Gawain react the way he does after the third “strike” at his neck?

Does Gawain’s reaction detract from the chivalry that he needs to display as a knight?

In lines 324-335: summary the Green Knight’s reasoning behind the way he acted during each of the
“strikes” toward Gawain.

What is ironic about Gawain accepting the sash from the lady?

In lines 357-365; what ideals of chivalry does Gawain believe he has betrayed and why?

Why does the Green Knight react the way he does to Gawain’s confession?
Lines 383-392 Summary
The Green Knight laughs and absolves Gawain, now that he has adequately confessed his sin. He gives Gawain
the girdle to keep and asks him to come back to the castle and stay there longer to celebrate New Year’s, but
Gawain refuses. The Green Knight and Gawain part ways. Gawain goes back to Camelot, and the Green
Knight’s adventures are unknown.