Maisha's Brit Lit Journal

Sir Gawain/Green Knight Fit 2: Discussion Questions 1) Look at the progression of each stanza in this section and briefly list/discuss in order what every stanza is about. Stanzas: 22. Change of seasons (Winter to Summer) and with it, the change in the surroundings of the setting. 23. A whole year goes by, and winter approaches again. This brings the time for Gawain to fight with the Green Knight. 24. King Arthur throws a farewell celebration for Gawain; where knights renowned to the people come to counsel him, and Gawain expresses his preparedness. 25. This stanza shows the weaponry and defense that Gawain is going to be carrying into his fight with the Green Knight. 26. The decoration that has been put up on Gawain's accessory and his horse; the grandeur of it and how greatly the King has taken preparation from his side, to give his thane a farewell for a cause he might not return from. 27. Gawain is given the Pentangle embossed shield, with its five points forged...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight vocabulary words: Guerdon (noun):  a reward, recompense, or requital. Aghast (adjective):  struck with overwhelming shock or amazement; filled with sudden fright or horror Recreant  (adjective):  cowardly or craven. Roister  (verb):  to act in a swaggering, boisterous, or uproarious manner. Tryst  (noun):  an appointment to meet at a certain time and place, especially one made somewhat secretly by lovers. Largesse  (noun):  generous bestowal of gifts. Covetous  (adjective):  inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; greedy. Beldame  (noun):  an old woman, especially an ugly one; hag. Doughty  (adjective):  steadfastly courageous and resolute; valiant. Panoply  (noun):  a wide-ranging and impressive array or display Behest  (noun):  a command or directive. Respite  (noun):  a delay or cessation for a ...

Discussion questions: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 1) When and where does the story start?  Why is the time of year important? The story takes place in Camelot during Christmas season. The season may apply a specific context to the story that will be brought up later on. 2) How is both the King and Queen described? The King: He is young, beardless and childish at heart. His choice of not eating without having everyone full and exaggerating his intentions show his childishness.  The Queen: Young and lovely. Silent and objectified presence. 3) How does the Green Knight behave?  What is the tone of his voice?  List some things he says. The Green Knight shows confidence about his proposal to Gawain like it's a regular thing for him. He doesn't consider anyone of King Arthur's warriors a match for him; his tone was dismissing and haughty. He said, " No, it is not combat I crave, for come to that,/On this bench only beardless boys are ...