... . This passage contains three of the main themes in the story - the inner and outer conflicts between Sir Gawain's ethics and desire to live, and the test of religion (Howard, p. 152). When Sir Gawain is offered the girdle, his knightly principles are questioned. The honorable thing would be to reject the offer or ... atonement is in order. He then makes the decision to wear the green girdle from then on as a sign of his eternal sin. This still doesn't make Gawain feel cleansed of his sins. He understands that he will be forced to bear the shame and disgrace of his ... girdle shows his ...

• Word Count: 1371
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... analyze Sir Gawain and The Green Knight in order to show how the author's use of symbolism, chivalric virtues, and religious undertones serve as the ultimate "test" for Gawain, and ultimately humanity. Sir Gawain and The Green Knight begins with Arthur's Christmas feast being interrupted by the emergence of a mysterious horseman. He ... castle for a feast of his own. It is here that he learns that the Lady of the castle plotted from the beginning to lead Gawain to sin. The tales ends with Gawain promising that forever he must wear this girdle as a symbol of his wrongdoing. As one reads t...

• Word Count: 1520
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... three parts. In the first part of the quest a near perfect hero takes a dangerous journey. On his journey away from Camelot, Gawain commits a sin by betraying his host, Lord Bersilak. Gawain travels through wilderness, woods, swamps, and treacherous weather to challenge the Green Knight, enduring loneliness, beasts, and ... searches through his mind and soul to find strength and courage in order to complete his quest. A second part of the quest is a central test or ordeal. Lord Bersilak, his wife the Lady, and Morgana Lafaye challenge Gawains's code of chivalry with a series of trials at ...

• Word Count: 1340
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School