Sir Gawain/Green Knight Fit 1: Discussion Questions

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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 sitting." This is said in a way that expresses his conceit.

 "If I were hasped in armor on a high steed,/No man among you could match me, your might being meagre." He's definitely confident in his ability to destroy his opponent.

 And when no one rose to his proposal: "The revel and renown of The Round Table/Is now overwhelmed by a word from one man's voice,/For all flinch fr fear from a fight not begun!"

4) How is Gawain humble in this section?

 Gawain recognizes his position at the table of warriors; but his demeanor and comments about himself show his astounding humility, close to even self-deprecating. After he rises to the challenge and tells King Arthur that he is prepared to fight the Green knight, he says:

"I am the weakest, the most wanting in wisdom, I know,/And my life, if lost, would be the least missed, truly. Only through your being my uncle, am I to be valued;/No bounty but your blood in my body do I know."

5) How do the guests act after the Green Knights leaves?

 They become shocked at first, at the sight of Green Knight's act, but they continue to celebrate after considering what just happened, taking it as entertainment.

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