Introduction
This novel is written in form of verses and can be associated with a long poem. In it, there are many distinctive themes coming forth as one reads it. Its most vivid theme is in portraying nature versus the human society. This novel shows that there has been enmity between nature and the human society; each is exploiting the available resources for their own benefit. Since nature can not physically antagonize man, it has to be represented. Thus, nature is represented by Green Knight. When a Green Knight mysteriously rides into King’s court and interrupts a feast for celebrating the New Year. He challenges them that should one of the king’s men behead him and finally survives, he would revenge in a year’s time. Thus, Sir Gawain accepts the challenge to behead the green knight. To his astonishment, the green knight picks his dismantled head, then, rides away. As a result Gawain is left in search of how to fulfill the agreement. Sir Gawain and the green knight blend Christian faith and the Celtic myth thus leading to an excellent production of chivalry, seduction and magic.
When one reads the story about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, he/she is exposed to various chivalrous acts of honor, loyalty and courage.
Analysis of the chivalric Code
In fulfilling the pact, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight decide on the time when Sir Gawain was to look for the Green Knight i.e. "at this timeshall seek” (line 156). Ten months later, Sir Gawain decides to look for Green Knight to face the fight. When Sir Gawain finally found the Green Knight, he says that "And you may lie on as you like till the last of my part be paid" (line 348). Gawain was saying this because he had fulfilled his promise of finishing the fight. In this, Gawain demonstrates honor; another tenet of the code.
As in the beginning of the fight, it is evident that Sir Gawain is ready and accepts his imminent death. He gracefully offers himself (line 350). He therefore prepares for the deadly blow. When the Green Knight lifted his hatchet and swayed it toward his neck, he never showed signs of resistance, didn’t look up nor aside; he remained still. "Gawain gave no groundbut stood still as stone." (line 385). Despite the fact that he doesn’t die, he expresses extreme courage which demonstrates how prepared he was to die honorably fulfilling his promise with the Green Knight.
In comparison, in the ‘The Odyssey’ and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’ there is evident hospitality from the social customs which allows people to communicate openly. We find the visitors conveying the messages first before the hosts knowing their intentions thus creation of possibilities of discussing the intentions of the visits amply. There are various incidences in the two books where hospitality being used in a manner to suggest that it is a significant custom e.g. the Green Knight is welcomed and given a hearing without much ado. Arthur is portrayed as hospitable and gracious (lines 250-255). Also, months later Gawain is perfectly treated when servants came served devoid questioning him (lines 835-836). In the Homer’s Odyssey as well, generous hospitality is used as a significant diplomatic tool.
Works cited:
Lawall, Sarah and Maynard Mack, Eds. _The Norton Anthology of world masterpieces: The Western Traditions_. New York. 1999.
