Sir Gawain and The Green Knight (Page 226)

Reading Guide

1. Line 12: “Now a thread of hair, now another thread of gold;” Come back to this question later. What important object later in the story is also interwoven with golden threads?

2. Lines 18-36: Reread these lines. Make two lists: one list of details that make the Green Knight seem larger than life, and one list of details that reveal King Arthur’s Chivalry.

Green Knight Larger than Life King Arthur’s Chivalry

3. Lines 37-58: In what way does the Green Knight’s greeting appeal to King Arthur’s sense of honor?

4. Lines 59-62: What are the insults the Green Knight makes? Why do you think he insults the knights in this way?

5. Background: What is the challenge of the Green Knight? Who accepts this challenge? What are some possible reasons he may have accepted?

6. What do you think the Green Knight’s motive is in suggesting the “game”? Consider what ultimately happens to Gawain before you answer. (You need to wait until you finish the story to answer this question).

7. Lines 116-128: What character traits does Gawain reveal through his words and actions?

8. Lines 129-138: What modest comments does Gawain make about himself? Do you think he really believes he is the “weakest” and “feeblest” of the knights? Explain.

9. Lines 154-167: What characteristics of a medieval romance are reflected in these lines?

10. Lines 186-189: What can you infer about King Arthur’s and Sir Gawain’s feelings about their encounter with the Green Knight?

11. At the castle, what “game” does the host devise? What are the results of the first and second days? What happens the third day?

12. In light of what you later discover about the lady, what is ironic about her claim that the sash will protect whoever wears it? (You will have to come back to this question)

13. Lines 227-236: Describe the internal conflict Sir Gawain experiences when he learns about the sash’s magic powers.

14. What is your opinion of Sir Gawain’s actions at the end of the third day?

15. Lines 263-264: Reread these lines. What important difference is Gawain pointing out between the Green Knight and himself?

16. Lines 265-288: What doesn’t Sir Gawain know about the Green Knight at this point in the story?

17. Lines 310-321: What details reveal the Green Knight’s fondness and respect for Sir Gawain? Why does the Green Knight feel this way?

18. Lines 340-346: Reread these lines. Why is the Green Knight able to forgive Gawain for accepting the sash from his wife?

19. How does the Green Knight’s attitude toward Gawain’s moment of weakness differ from Gawain’s attitude?

20. Notice the use of the number “3” in the piece. Other than axe strokes, what else happened three times?

Look back at your romance notes. Write a FULL paragraph analyzing whether Gawain and the Green Knight qualifies as a medieval romance. You may use the back of this page or a separate sheet of paper.