Sir GawainS Challenges

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The recurring theme of challenges or “games” as it is referred to in Sir Gawain in the Green Knight is very popular. Sir Gawain must face the wilderness, a flirtatious woman, and an immortal Green Knight, while being tested in his knightly ways. One of the first challenges Sir Gawain must face is the quest to find the Green Chapel. He is bound by an oath requiring him to fight the Green Knight in a year and a day. If he does not fulfill his promise he will be disgraced as a Knight. The author discusses Sir Gawain’s struggle in the wilderness with strange creatures and in a harsh climate. The author notes that “the wars were unwelcome, the winter was worse …. [Sir Gawain] rides across the country til Christmas Eve” (II. 726) meaning that he is physically exhausted and yet he continues on. He overcomes this by “[praying] with all his might that Mary may be his guide” (II.738-739).Alas, he sees a castle on the horizon a sigh which reaffirms his faith that through determination one can triumph. Sir Gawain’s faith demonstrates piety, which is one of the virtues that a knight must poses. Another challenge Sir Gawain faces involves the “game” proposed by the Host of the castle, which requires that each must give up their winnings at the end of the day. Sir Gawain is approached by the Host’s wife in a flirtatious manner, causing Sir Gawain’s virtue of chastity to be tested. Cunning as he is, Sir Gawain passes with flying colors and is able to convince her of his respect and admiration: “I shall kiss at your command, as becomes a knight,” (III. 1303). Sir Gawain later states that the Host’s wife is “bound to a better man” (III. 1276), a statement that demonstrates how courteous he is even though he is placed in an awful situation. Sir Gawain also illustrates loyalty to the Host when the two exchange their winnings as he gives the Host the kiss he had received. In this
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