Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Questionsname

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight QuestionsName:

1. How is the writing style of this story similar to that of Beowulf?

2. Describe the Green Knight’s appearance.

3. What does the Green Knight not bring to the court (which would be unusual for a knight)?

4. The Green Knight is carrying a huge axe in one hand. What is he carrying in his other hand, and what does it represent?

5. From where do the people at Camelot think the Green Knight came?

6. King Arthur thinks that the Green Knight wants to engage in combat, but he says that isn’t the case. Why not?

7. The Green Knight does, however, want to play a “Christmas game.” What are the rules?

8. For how long does the person who engages in the Christmas game have to fulfill his end of the bargain?

9. What reasons does Sir Gawain give for volunteering to play the Christmas game?

10. Describe what happens when Gawain hits the Green Knight with the axe.

11. Around the next New Year, where can Gawain find the Green Knight?

12. What would be the consequence of Gawain not locating the Green Knight?

13. Why does Sir Gawain stay with Lord Bercilak?

14. Explain the conditions of Lord Bercilak’s game.

15. What is the main challenge standing in Gawain’s way at the castle?

16. What gift from Lady Bercilak does Gawain reject? Why does he not accept it?

17. What gift from Lady Bercilak does Gawain accept? Why does he break his code for this one?

18. Describe the atmosphere at the Green Chapel. What does Gawain…

• See?
• Hear?
• Feel about the place?

19. Why is Sir Gawain so happy to see his blood?

20. What is the truth about the sash?

21. What is the truth about Lord Bercilak’s identity?

22. What does the Green Knight say was Gawain’s reason for being cowardly?

23. What two things does Gawain claim are virtue’s undoing?

24. Why does the Green Knight think Gawain has made amends for his mistakes?

25. Who was Gawain’s “fierce foe,” according to the Green Knight? Why?

In addition to basic plot questions, be able to…

• Explain how Sir Gawain did and did not adhere to the physical and nonphysical ideals for knights.
• Explain how the characteristics of a medieval romance fit this story.
• Explain how it fits the stages of a medieval romance.
• Evaluate whether Sir Gawain passed his test, and if the Green Knight was helping or hurting him.

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