Nobility in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay - 468 Words

King Arthur and his knights represent the pinnacle of bravery, chivalry, and honor. However, when a strange knight, the Green Knight, enters Camelot with a challenge, none of the knights accept it (?). No knights wanted to go blow for blow with the Green Knight for fear of losing their lives. It is not until Arthur rises to face the challenge, to defend the honor of his court, that Gawain steps forward and accepts it. Therefore, the purpose of the Green Knight is to teach Sir Gawain to value his honor and the honor of the king more than his life. One may consider Gawain’s acceptance of the challenge a noble gesture. Gawain says, â€Å"Though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself†¦I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest;†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦Gawain is not making a grand gesture, but he is doing his duty defending the life of his king. Furthermore, during Gawain’s speech why he should take Arthur’s place, Gawain states â€Å"While so bold men about upon benches sit† (351). This appears as a complement to his fellow knights, but Gawain is implying that he is better (that the other knights should be stepping forward?) than the other knights. Gawain, alone, accepts the challenge to protect the life of his king. King Arthur and his knights represent the pinnacle of bravery, chivalry, and honor. However, when a strange knight, the Green Knight, enters Camelot with a challenge, none of the knights accept it (?). No knights wanted to go blow for blow with the Green Knight for fear of losing their lives. It is not until Arthur rises to face the challenge, to defend the honor of his court, that Gawain steps forward and accepts it. Therefore, the purpose of the Green Knight is to teach Sir Gawain to value his honor and the honor of the king more than his life. One may consider Gawain’s acceptance of the challenge a noble gesture. Gawain says, â€Å"Though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself†¦I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest;† (350,354). While Gawain appears to be acting humble and willing to sacrifice himself, this tells the reader that he values the life of his king more than his own. Gawain is not making a grand gesture, but he is doing his duty defending the life of his king.Show MoreRelated Sir Gawain: A Man of Virtue Essay861 Words   |  4 PagesSir Gawain: A Man of Virtue Nobility, honesty, valiance and chivalry are the values instilled in Sir Gawain. He is a respected knight due to these characteristics. Both Sir Gawain and The Green Knight and in The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell present these qualities of Sir Gawain. In both tales, he proves these traits through many events. 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