Medieval Literature
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Name
On a lined piece of paper, respond to the following questions in complete sentences. Please see example
sentence starters in questions 1 and 2. All FCA’s count [spelling, sentence structure, grammar,
appropriate capitalization, etc.].
1. List the four elements that appear in medieval romance.
The four elements that appear in medieval romance are…
2. Illustrate, by example, the differences between external and internal conflict.
An example of an external conflict is …. An example of an internal conflict is ….
3. Describe the appearance of the Green Knight – what does he look like?
4. What was the Green Knight carrying into the hall? Is this an appropriate item? Why or why
not?
5. What details bring out the chivalry that King Arthur shows to the guest?
6. What poetic devise is all through the piece? Write out three examples, in quotations, from the
Green Knight poet.
7. What is honorable about Arthur’s answer to the Green Knight after his challenge?
8. What are some of the insults and insinuations that the Green Knight tosses out at the Knights of
the Round Table?
9. What is the game that is proposed by the Green Knight? What is going to happen, and when?
10. What is the reaction of the Round Table Knights after the Green Knight proposes his game?
11. What is the Green Knight’s reaction to the Round Table Knights?
12. What does Sir Gawain do to the Green Knight in the hall? Describe his action and refer to the
lines in which this event takes place.
13. What elements of Medieval Romance can be found in the Green Knight’s speech to Sir Gawain?
14. Is Sir Gawain’s knighthood a good thing to “swear on,” as Gawain does? Why or why not?
15. What type of medieval occurrence is happening when Gawain meets the Lady of the house?
16. What is Sir Gawain’s internal conflict as he learns of the sash’s magic powers?
17. What does Sir Gawain do as the Green Knight is about to strike? How does this work/not work
with his commitment to chivalry?
18. How many attempts does the Green Knight take on Sir Gawain with the large axe? List the lines
in which each attempt appears.
19. What do you think Sir Gawain expects the Green Knight to say after Gawain speaks, admitting
guilt? What does Gawain’s behavior show has happened to him?
20. Why does the Green Knight forgive Sir Gawain for what he has done?
21. At the end of the story, Gawain is in “disgrace.” What has disgraced him? Why?
22. What is the non-material gift – the chivalrous gift –The Green Knight leaves with Sir Gawain?
Would you leave Sir Gawain with this gift?