BRILL'S STATEMENT: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MEDIEVAL LITERATURE: SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT

Chivalry: A Conflict of Interests

          Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a tale derived from the annals of King Arthur’s medieval court, depicts various elements of the gender roles and dynamics present throughout the literature and embedded in societal customs in this fascinating period.  However, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight departs from traditional gender roles over the course of the poem; essentially reversing some of the typical gender-based binary oppositions.  Although there are instances where the traditional depiction of gender roles are manifested, the overarching theme portrays the chivalrous knight in a new light; starkly contrasted with the stereotypical roles of medieval chivalry.  Many of the characters in this poem are employed to illustrate this challenge to traditional behaviors by ostensibly breaking their conventional behaviors, while some characters play an anchoring effect by maintaining their stereotypical roles.  By utilizing the principle of courtly love, the oppositions that the characters assume are complicated and the traditional gender roles further contradicted.  The primary characters throughout this story, specifically Sir Gawain, the Green Knight/Lord Bertilak, the Lady of the castle Hautdesert, Morgan la Fay, and Arthur and his court, will be put under a critical scope in order to dissect their habits and behaviors. This analysis will create a concise picture of their individual characteristics, how these depictions effect gender roles in the text.

              In the first scene of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, King Arthur’s prosperous and jovial court is presented; “with many a gallant lord and lovely lady, and all the noble brotherhood of the Round Table. There they held rich revels with gay talk and jest; one while they would ride forth to joust and tourney, and again back to the court to make carols” (Weston).  King Arthur’s traditional Christian court was an ideal archetype of the medieval court system in England.  It displayed many of the features common throughout the rich and complexly stratified society.  These traits included promotion of Christianity involving priests, cardinals, and bishops, inclusion of legal advisers, knights, upper nobility, counts, dukes, the rich, and academic scholarly figures, as well as the royalty and power holding elites.  The Round Table was the central point of interest in Arthur’s court, upon which many of the “brave and gallant” knights sat and where many aspired to join.   This table was a symbol of the centralized power that Arthur maintained over his fiefdom, which included a strategically placed ruling class safeguarded by handpicked knights, each for their own talent.  These knights were admired by all, and considered extremely noble and brave; practicing a level of chivalry above the rest of society.  They were expected to maintain their numerous duties and responsibilities while upholding the values that the society promoted.  The women associated with the knights were always considered the fairest and most exceptional in the land.  The highest figures of authority King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere were respected by all, and dictated the values by which the society was measured.  A noticeable attribute of the knight, was an affinity towards appeasing and courting women; a quality which was apparent in public showing of flirtation and gallantry. 

The knights of King Arthur’s Round Table were known to display all of the predictable attributes of traditional masculinity.  These masculine attributes included strength, maintaining honor, displaying gallantry, heroism, courage, fairness, loyalty, chivalry towards the ladies, faith towards the Church, and various other traits.  This masculinity is known to be very apparent in Arthur’s court; King Arthur himself displayed these attributes in an effort to lead by example when:
“Arthur would not eat till all were served, so full of joy and gladness was he, even as a child; he liked not either to lie long, or to sit long at meat, so worked upon him his young blood and his wild brain. And another custom he had also, that came of his nobility, that he would never eat upon an high day till he had been advised of some knightly deed, or some strange and marvelous tale, of his ancestors, or of arms, or of other ventures. Or till some stranger knight should seek of him leave to joust with one of the Round Table, that they might set their lives in jeopardy, one against another, as fortune might favor them. Such was the king's custom when he sat in hall at each high feast with his noble knights, therefore on that New Year tide, he abode, fair of face, on the throne, and made much mirth withal (Weston).”

This display of chivalry was seen as a golden standard by which the Round Table was to act.  Sir Gawain’s substantial gallantry denoted by his position at the Round Table allowed him to sit adjacent to Queen Guinevere. This gallantry proved Gawain’s position as an exceptional knight.  However, Sir Gawain’s perceived displays of gallantry and chivalry are questioned throughout the stages in his journey when his behavior diverges from the normal depiction of the masculine gender.

            The Green Knights’ initial appearance in King Arthur’s Court fosters the first signs that the traditional gender roles that the characters will be expected to uphold are altered.  The hyper masculine Green Knight answers Arthur’s prayer of a challenge to his Round Table and disrupts the festive atmosphere.  The contrasting imagery of this untamed Northern pagan giant can be understood as an opposition to the Christian South (King Arthur’s Court).  The values that this “knight” represents vary from that of Arthur’s knights.  While a healthy dose of masculinity accompanied by gallantry and chivalry were traditional roles practiced by Arthur’s knights, the Green knight practiced none of these civilized or socially acceptable customs.  Instead the knight compensates for his lack of social aptitude with a furious temper, unrefined arrogance, and brutish strength.  His hyper masculine identity was summarized through the imagery and actions that the Green Knight demonstrates when he first encounters the court:
“There came in at the hall door one terrible to behold, of stature greater than any on earth; from neck to loin so strong and thickly made, he seemed even as a giant. And yet he was but a man, only the mightiest that might mount a steed… his hair falling around his shoulders; on his breast hung a beard, as thick and green as a bush, and the beard and the hair of his head were clipped all round above his elbows.... in one hand he had a holly-bough, and in his other an axe, huge and uncomely, a cruel weapon in fashion, if one would picture it.  The knight greeted no man, but looked ever upwards; and the first words he spake were, "Where is the ruler of this folk? I would gladly look upon that hero, and have speech with him." He cast his eyes on the knights, and mustered them up and down, striving ever to see who of them was of most renown” (Weston).

            In this manner, the knight challenges the knights of King Arthur’s court to a deleterious contest.  This behavior was interpreted by this socially advanced court as a disrespectful and a somewhat blunt-mannered entrance.  The knight then proceeds to address the court and Arthur’s knights in this provocative demeanor.  Although this challenge was daunting, the natural instinct to answer the challenge was instilled in the knight’s masculine behavioral routine.  In this instance however, none of Arthur’s knights were brave enough to step forward.  The manner with which the challenge was presented posed a threat to the knights, and in a break from tradition, the knights shirked their responsibilities as a whole.  The Green Knight’s hyper masculine behavior in this scene represents the id that any male in medieval times would hope to emulate and reflect through equally adequate actions.  Although King Arthur was the only man in the court brave enough to initially answer the call, it reinforces the reputation that the Green Knight portrayed; the reputation of Arthur’s legendary bravery as the leader of his court.

It was questionable as to the true intent of the Green Knight’s proposed challenge at this point, although Sir Gawain took the opportunity to prove his masculinity and knighthood in this ominous challenge.  In an archetypal display of chivalry and selflessness Sir Gawain stated
"I beseech ye, my lord, let this venture be mine. For I think it not seemly when such challenges be made in your hall that ye yourself should undertake it, while there are many bold knights who sit beside ye, none are there, methinks, of readier will under heaven, or more valiant in open field. I am the weakest, I wot, and the feeblest of wit, and it will be the less loss of my life if ye seek sooth. For save that ye are mine uncle naught is there in me to praise, no virtue is there in my body save your blood, and since this challenge is such folly that it beseems ye not to take it, and I have asked it from ye first, let it fall to me, and if I bear myself ungallantly then let all this court blame me" (Weston).

            In an effort to curry favor amongst the court and perhaps reinforce the court’s reputation he maintains an aspect of overarching respect for his kinsmen despite the inequity of the situation and their initial cowardace.  The contrast of behaviors between the various knights and Sir Gawain suggests an internal conflict of interests.  It appears that Sir Gawain is a selfless martyr of his people, protecting the King from an almost inevitable hazard.  What motivated Sir Gawain to make such a hasty decision?  While this does reveal that Sir Gawain represents the ideal knight, forging a positive connotation associated with King Arthur’s court, and elevating his courage and honor, it may also be indicative of Sir Gawain’s personal insecurity and perhaps conflict of roles.  Undoubtedly, this action was employed by Gawain as proof of his ideal masculine nature and personal aptitude that he may have doubted about himself.  When a role is assumed, the undertaker usually expects some payoff as compensation.  The compensation to Sir Gawain in this case was a permanent reputation as a chivalrous knight of the well-respected Round Table.  It may also indicate a deeper character trait that may be classified as passivity towards his knightly duties in other realms of behavior.  He doesn’t view his duties as necessary, but instead takes them as certain requirements without questioning their validity.  Such behaviors will be examined more closely with respect to Sir Gawain’s relationship to Lord Bertilak and his lady as well as Morgan la Fay.

            Sir Gawain actively sought to fulfill his side of the covenant with the Green Knight and ventured forth in search of the knight.  Gawain ventured through the wilderness, defeating dragons, wolves, boars, and other dangerous threats with absolute courage on his trek north.  While Sir Gawain was physically motivated to complete his task and determined to prevent all distractions from obstructing his path, he had some doubts in his mind and feared the outcome of the quest.  Despite his passive nature in accepting his fate, Gawain continued onward, relying on the graces of god and his sheer strength to determine his fate.  These actions exemplified the ideal behavior of the relentless knight, although his internal doubts were out of character.  Upon reaching the mysterious Hautdesert castle, Gawain met Lord Bertilak, the King and host to Gawain for his stay at the castle.  The knight’s exemplary behavior and well-mannered temperance were appealing to the Lord who offered Gawain an extended stay.  Lord Bertilak was “Of mighty stature he was, and of high age; broad and flowing was his beard, and of a bright hue. He was stalwart of limb, and strong in his stride, his face fiery red, and his speech free: in sooth he seemed one well fitted to be a leader of valiant men” (Weston).  This generous lord was overtly friendly to Sir Gawain, a stranger in his court, and not only offered him “All that is here is your own to have at your will and disposal” (Weston), but formed a very close bond with Sir Gawain.  It was coincidental that the lord was also the Green Knight, but when Sir Gawain interacted with him, he had no knowledge of this fact.  Although, if one assesses the situation, they will find Bertilak to possess very similar attributes to the Green Knight, such as his energy and vitality, physical might, bushy beard, and love of games.  This connection between the Green Knight’s hyper masculine characteristics and Sir Bertilak’s behaviors are representations of a knight’s behavior.  However, Bertilak seems to utilize a more advanced social aptitude than the Green Knight, maintaining idealistic behaviors exhibited by King Arthur and viewed as a purely masculine societal fabrication.  This characterization of Bertilak as hyper masculine deepens the break with societal normality that is later displayed by Sir Gawain’s interaction with the lord and his lady.

            The lady presents a great foil to Sir Gawain in order to contrast his character to the masculine norm, a norm that she attempts to draw him to.  Lord Bertilak’s lady was said to be more beautiful than Guinevere, and equally charming and persuasive.  She presented a great challenge to Sir Gawain through her persistence and aggressive nature.  When Bertilak made his covenant with Sir Gawain, he stated that “whatever I get in the hunt I will give to you, and you must repay me with whatever you receive that day at the castle.”  This complicated the situation for Gawain, as he was being courted by the lady and was expected to perform.  Although generous acts, the actions of the lord and lady were clearly challenges to the traditional masculine gender role expected of Sir Gawain.  Males at the time were expected to act as the providers, so when Bertilak offered to hunt for Sir Gawain, he is exposing Gawain, by putting him in a position of vulnerability.  Gawain essentially becomes dependent on another man.  This role reversal also creates uncertainty over sexual disposition and necessary counteractions.  In Gawain’s position of vulnerability and uncertainty, he chose a careful course of actions to respond to the lord and lady’s advances.  These necessary countermeasures were key to Gawain maintaining his honesty and respect for his hosts.  Bertilak’s covenant suggests his homosexual disposition as reflected by Bertilak’s interest in both providing for and receiving sexual advances from Gawain.  However it also weakens Sir Gawain’s role as the aggressive knight.  Due to the nature of the covenant, any expected courtly love that Sir Gawain could’ve instigated was expunged.  He essentially lost his ability to act as the archetypal chivalrous knight and was forced into a passive role, while the lady tested his knighthood and honesty by positioning herself in a dominant role.  Both Lord Bertilak and the lady’s actions are a construct designed by a third party, in particular Morgan La Fay, to test Sir Gawain’s loyalty, honesty, knighthood, and gallantry.  One implication that these roles had on Gawain was that it elevated him to a higher standard of the knightly identity.  This challenged his essential core beliefs and attitudes and forced him to fight his inherent impulses.

            Throughout the exchange, the lady was only able to evoke a trivial amount of chivalry from Gawain, only delivering two kisses.  This placed Sir Gawain’s masculinity in question even further as he skillfully evaded her advances, despite her questioning his reputation and knighthood.  Although she was never able to achieve his love, she did break his honesty by offering him a green belt as protection against the Green Knight.  However, the lady and Bertilak were constantly in communication, and the test showed that Gawain wasn’t the perfect knight he had aspired to be.  Sir Gawain’s hesitancy in receiving the green belt demonstrate that he was making an effort to maintain the moral high ground and remain free of error.  Gawain’s encounter with the Green Knight revealed the deceptiveness of the tests he had undertaken.  The hyper masculine nature of Lord Bertilak/the Green Knight and the aggressive nature of the lady were all constructs of Morgan la Fay’s jealousy.  Morgan wished to debunk King Arthur and his knights while perturbing his wife Guinevere.  However, in testing Sir Gawain, she found him to be an admirable knight of considerable gallantry.  His only real flaw was his reaction to the Green Knight’s ax, when he flinched expecting to be beheaded.  This show of fear doesn’t undermine Gawain’s courage or gallantry however, although it does diminish it in his own mind.  The basic fact that Gawain presented himself to the Green Knight with the knowledge of his impending death reveal his overarching courage and integrity.

            While Sir Gawain’s character can be criticized as been too passive or uncharacteristic of the archetypal knight, he demonstrates substantial characteristics fitting the standard of knightly values.   His tremendous growth of character was attributed to his moral and spiritual advancement as a knight throughout his quest, and the responsibility he assumed above and beyond what was expected of a knight.  While the main characters were a foil to Sir Gawain and were employed to reveal his unconventional gender-based irregularity, these flaws were only partial errors of judgment or clever strategies to maintain moral legitimacy.  It was evident based on Sir Gawain’s own words, that he was hyper critical of his own actions, holding himself to a higher level of judgment than others around him.  While he continued to wear the belt as a symbol of his guilt and mistakes, the level of perfection he was ultimately aiming to attain was perhaps unrealistic.  Even so, Sir Gawain drifted from his traditional gender roles only when performing a task that tested his moral capacity, a relatively significant attribute of an honorable knight.

Tapestry of the Green Knight barging in on Arthur's festivities

Above:Green Knight Storms Arthur's Court

Bibliography
Weston, Jessie L. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” University of Rochester The Camelot Project. 19 Feb. 2008
<http:// www.lib.rochester.edu/CAMELOT/sggk.htm>

Ford, David Nash. “Early British Kingdoms.” Nash Ford Publishing 2001.
< http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/arthur/rtable.html>

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