Sir Gawain And The Green Knight is a masterful early-English romance. Including both the fantastic (i. e. the green knight), tradition (i. e. Arthur’s court) and adultery, the story touches upon important parts of entertainment, even today.
The constant alliteration was key in creating such an enjouable piece of literature. I also enjoyed the daring, detailed decriptions such as those from line 130 to 150, on the stature of the Green Knight. Although the vocabulary was somewhat difficult, I enjoyed it, as I am one of many students who needs to improve my vocabulary. Symbolism ran rampant through the story, as well. I enjoyed the use of the color green, most.
The Green Knight was obviously evil and abundantly green. Since green was also used to describe the Spring season and life, I believe that the abundance of it is just like the evil of overindulgence in life at that time. The abundance of green could have also been a reference to knowledge (i. e. the Tree of Knowledge n the Garden of Eden), and therefore a hint at the central message of the story: the lack of self or personal thought.
The abundant references to religion emphasized the theme, as well. Each religious word was directed at the notion that a person’s place in the world or community was predetermined; introspection was not allowed or needed. The only thoughts necessary were those of obedience to God, King and country.Gawain’s personal introspection about the value of his own life over his knightly duties (or honor) suggested that, for the first time, these ideas of self were coming into play.Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was a wonderful story, and I enjoyed it thoroghly.
