In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay, Research Paper
The Symbolism and Parallels of the Hunts
The Arthurian tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an intriguing story of chivalry and moral dilemmas. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight contains many literary devices such as foreshadowing and especially symbolism. The most in-depth form of symbolism is found in the obvious parallels between the two hunts. There are three attempts for each hunt. The lord of the castle hunts three animals: the deer, the boar, and the fox. Likewise, the lady of the castle tempts Sir Gawain three times. The parallels between these scenes exist in the behavior Sir Gawain exhibits. Though the literal animals do not hold any specific meaning, their instinctive behaviors hold the symbolic parallel to Sir Gawain.
The first animal the host hunts is the female deer. The deer is considered a shy and non-confrontational creature. Like many animals the deer takes flight in the occurrence that a confrontation might exist. The behavioral characteristic that Sir Gawain mirrors is the avoidance of a confrontation with the lady of the house. To avoid the confrontation Sir Gawain lay in his bed pretending to be asleep. The line More seemly it were/ To try her intent by talking a little. (1198) indicates that Sir Gawain is leery of awakening and having a confrontation with the lady. He does not want to offend the lady by rejecting her, yet he does not wish to be seduced by the lady either. If Sir Gawain allows the lady of the house to seduce him, he will not only break the chivalrous code but also he could possibly offend the lord of the house. Sir Gawain, acting like the deer, decides that it would be better to pretend to be asleep than to face the uncertain motives of the lady of the house.
The second day of the wager includes a long drawn out hunt by the lord of the house. The boar is the second animal of the hunt, but the boar is not as easy to kill as the deer. The boar, though it did not escape, manages to cause injury to the hounds and the hunters: Often he stands at bay, / Then scatters the pack pell-mell; / He hurts the hounds, and they/ Most dolefully yowl and yell. (1450-1454). These lyrics suggest that unlike the deer, the boar is more likely to turn against the hunter and counter-attack. Sir Gawain depicts this characteristic during the second visit from the lady of the house. When the lady of the house first enters the bedroom, Sir Gawain thought it good to greet her at once, (1477). The lady of the house begins the hunt by provoking Sir Gawain about his courtly conduct. It is at this point that Sir Gawain gains the behavioral characteristics of the boar and counter-attacks the lady of the house: But threats never throve among those of my land, / Nor any gift not freely given, good though it be. (1499-1500). This lashing back at the hunter is the same characteristic portrayed by the boar.
There is another trait of the boar in which Sir Gawain is in correlation with. In the medieval era, the boar would be classified as a beast of venery. During this age the beast of venery class is the highest regarded class of hunted animals. The boar is honorable kill. The parallel in this aspect is apparent. While the lord is hunting an animal of nobility, Sir Gawain is struggling to remain noble during his trials with the lady of the house.
On the final day of the wager, the lady of the house tempts Sir Gawain a third time while the lord of the castle hunts the fox. The fox, true to its cunning nature, is very difficult to track. The fox leads the hunters on a long chase that absorbs much of the afternoon: Often he reverses over rough terrain/ Or loops back to listen in the lee of a hedge, (1707-1708). While the lord is pursuing the fox, the lady of the house is attempting to seduce Sir Gawain. Sir Gawain, like the fox, runs the lady of the house in a conversation of circles. He tries to escape through trickery, which is how the lady captures Sir Gawain in the end. The fox reverses direction, in an attempt to escape, but his change only carries him into the trap of his hunter. The same concept is applied to the third attempt inside the bedroom. By accepting the green girdle, Sir Gawain fell into the trap set by the lord and the lady of the house. In the end, Sir Gawain fails his code of honor by accepting the green girdle and concealing it from the lord of the house. Sir Gawain fails in his test of morality.
Another interesting aspect to the third hunt is the concept of untruthfulness. The hounds, which are chasing the fox, say to him Thief! (1725). One of the behavioral aspects of the fox is that of an untrustworthy character. The comment by the hounds reflects this idea. By accepting the green girdle and concealing its presence from the lord of the house tells the reader that Sir Gawain is as untrustworthy as the fox. This comparison of truth between the two foreshadows the inevitability that Sir Gawain will suffer the same fate of the fox.
To display the obvious parallels between Sir Gawain and the animals of the hunts, the author switches back and forth between the scenes and the persons whom are experiencing the scenes. For example, on the day of the third hunt the author begins with the view of the hunter searching for the fox. The scene then switches to the lady of the house and her view of Sir Gawain. The scene then switches back to the hunt in the woods, and the view is now coming from the fox. Once again the scene switches back to the castle and is seen through Sir Gawain s perception. The connection between temptation and the hunt is apparent. The reader can also see the lord and the lady of the house working as a team through this narration of the hunting scenes. In conclusion, the narration of this story is the tool used by the author to display the symbolic connection between Sir Gawain and the animals of the hunt.
Другие работы по теме:
Gawian Essay Essay Research Paper English 120November
Gawian Essay Essay, Research Paper English 120 November 19, 1996 In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight the three hunts of Bercilak were similar to the three seductions of Gawain. Bercilak and Gawain made a bargain at the castle. Bercilak said ?Whatever I earn in the woods will be yours, whatever you win will be mine in exchange.? (Gawain 81) The Green Knight tells Gawain that he was sent by Morgana Le Fay because she wanted to test Gawain?s pride and ?determine the truth of the Round Table?s fame, and the tales that tell of it.? (Gawain 123)
How Does The Moon Control The Sea
Essay, Research Paper Symbolism is one of the most important techniques in literature; it helps the reader to understand and visualize what the author is trying to convey. In the novel Bless Me Ultima, by Rudolofo Anaya symbolism runs rampant, the sea and the moon represent the conflicting sources pulling apart a young boy approaching the reaching the age of reason.
Ku Klux Klan Essay Research Paper Prejudice
Ku Klux Klan Essay, Research Paper Prejudice comes in many forms. Two such forms of extreme prejudice are the Salem witch-hunts and the Ku Klux Klan. In the colonial time, from 1700 to 1775, the Salem witch-hunts took place. The KKK originated after the civil war and is still going on today. These two groups based their prejudice on religious beliefs.
Symbolism In The GoBetween Essay Research Paper
The Go-Between is full of Allegory and Symbolism. Illustrate its variety, and Discuss the use Hartley makes of it Hartley uses a wide range of symbolism and allegory in the Go-Between to convey a deeper moral understanding of the novel, in many ways it is used explicitly but occasionaly it is so subtle as to hardly be noticed.
Mccarthyism And The Witch Trials Essay Research
Paper History Repeated It is hard to believe how one single person can gain so much power. Enough power to falsely accuse many people of something they are not. Through the fear of a society one person can control everyone and everything. Senator Joseph McCarhty had that power for four years. McCarthy was not well-liked but he learned how to be feared through his accusations of communism against many U.S. government officials.
My Antonia Essay Research Paper 2
My Antonia Essay, Research Paper "My Antonia," by Willa Cather has many symbols through out the novel. Symbolism reflects her own views as a child through her life. Some of these
Critical Analysis Of Steinbeck
’s Of Mice And Men Essay, Research Paper In Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” the characters struggle with loneliness and loss of dreams. These themes are highlighted by the use of parallels that tie the novel together. The relationship between Candy and his dog parallels that which exists between George and Lennie.
Dimmesdale And Puritan Society Essay Research Paper
In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne utilizes imagery to convey that Dimmesdale can represent Puritan Society rather than the round character that can be seen on the surface level. This is seen through the imagery and symbolism of hypocrisy, Dimmesdale as a Christ figure, and the scarlet letter.First of all, Hawthorne parallels the hypocrisy of Dimmesdale to that of Puritan society.
Symbolism In O
’neill’s Long Day+S Journey Into Nig Essay, Research Paper Symbolism in O’Neill’s Long Day+s Journey into Night Symbolism is used throughout O+Neill+s Long Day+s Journey into Night, a portrayal of the author+s life. The three prominent symbols, the fog, the foghorn, and Mary+s glasses, represent the characters+ isolation from reality.
Hazing Essay Research Paper Hazing is defined
Hazing Essay, Research Paper Hazing is defined by the FIPG (Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group) as: “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of
Symbolism The Chrysanthemums Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism- The Chrysanthemums Essay, Research Paper Symbolism- “The Chrysanthemums John Steinbecks’ “The Chrysanthemums” is a story that utilizes symbolism on many levels. Most of all, I believe in the character of Elisa Adams. Elisa and her garden seem to be considered one. Because of all of her hard labor and love the Chrysanthemums flourish.
Glass Menagerie 2
Glass Menagerie – Symbolism Of The Unicorn Essay, Research Paper The symbolism of the unicorn has two very different meanings. One of the symbols is happiness and love. The other one symbols sadness and hatred. You first come into contact with the unicorn when Jim sees it. This is where the first symbolism comes into place.
John Proctor As A Tragic Hero Essay
, Research Paper The Crucible, written in 1953 by Arthur Miller is an accurate portrait of the which hunts and trials in Salem Massachusetts during the 17th century. The story revolves around a man named John Proctor. Over the course of the book, John proctor goes from just being an observer in the which hunts, to having his wife accused, to being accused himself and eventually hung.
Hemmingway 2 Essay Research Paper The themes
Hemmingway 2 Essay, Research Paper The themes of alienation and isolation go hand in hand with the role nature plays in Ernest Hemmingway s short story The Big Two-Hearted River. Nick Adams, whose life and personality parallels that of Hemmingway, constantly retreats to nature to find a quiet place of reflection and self-examination.
WitchHunts Salem And McCarthyism Essay Research
Paper Witch Hunts: Salem and McCarthyism Imagine what it would be like to be labeled a Communist for the mere fact that you happened to sport a goatee? It happened in the 1950?s McCarthyism period! Doesn?t this sound strangely similar to the Salem witch-hunts? Perfectly normal people accused of being witches just because they were seen dancing strangely in the woods.
Hemmingway Essay Research Paper Hemingway Hero
Hemmingway Essay, Research Paper Hemingway Hero’ is the foundation for the main charater in all of Hemingway’s stories. The ‘Hemingway Hero’ is always a man, more so, he is a rough, woodsy type; a real man’s-man. He drinks, he hunts, and he acts first then asks questions later. He goes from one woman to another, and women are good for little more than reproduction. (Shoemaker) He has hopes, dreams, convictions and beliefes which he strictly follows, but he does not talk about them.
Sir Gawain And The Hunt
Para Essay, Research Paper Sir Gawain and the Hunt Parallels Throughout the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , the Pearl Poet uses symbolism to convey to the reader more clearly what is happening, and what will happen in the poem. In part three of this poem, the poet uses the symbolism of the three days of the hunt to visually portray to the reader what is happening to Sir Gawain in his bedchamber.
Au Revior Les Enfants Essay Research Paper
592099243 Au Revior Les Enfants The movie Au Revior Les Enfants ,or Goodbye Children translated, has a lot of symbolism that applies to the film?s theme and subject in its title alone. The theme of childhood, innocence, and adulthood-growing up and the subject of the movie is seen in the title and throughout the entire film.
A Primitive Civilization In A Failed Utopia
Essay, Research Paper Symbolism can be used to represent many aspects of a person place or thing. Throughout the novel the boys lose all symbols that represent there civilization such as there clothes and uniforms. In this novel symbolism is used to show how the boys change their outlook on their primitive society and rules.
All About Style Essay Research Paper Regina
All About Style Essay, Research Paper Regina Kerbs October 20, 1999 M/W 8:30 – 9:50 All About Style Every writer illustrates a certain style in his/her work. Kate Chopin uses the same style in her short stories “The Story of an Hour” and “Ripe Figs.” This style includes her use of diction, imagery, and symbolism.
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Symbolism in Hamlet Though not much has been written on symbolism in Shakespeare?s Hamlet, there is some there. The first symbol is found in the very first scene of the play. The changing of the guards can be a symbol of the new King in Denmark. Just as the guards are changing, so is the royal throne.
Symbolism Joy Luck Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism Joy Luck Essay, Research Paper Symbolism of The Joy Luck Club and The Zoo Story There are numerous conditions in human life that mold people into who they presently are. A person’s identity and way of thinking are influenced greatly due to their surroundings, and relationships they are involved in.
The Great Gatsby Light Symbolism Essay Research
Paper The Great Gatsby Symbolism Essay The Hidden Story in Green and White Color symbolism is really popular in novels written during the 1920’s. One such example is Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. There is much color symbolism in this novel, but there are two main colors that stand out more than the others.
Describing Biblical Parallels In Hawthorne
’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter” Essay, Research Paper Describing Biblical Parallels in Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter” In Hawthorne’s ?Rappaccini’s Daughter,? many biblical parallels can be
The Use Of Symbolism In Their Eyes
Were Watching God Essay, Research Paper How symbolism is used in Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston uses symbolism to enhance characterization in her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and symbolism is portrayed through the heroine of the novel, Janie Crawford. Three uses of symbolism are through Janie s hair, the store porch, and the pear tree.
Use Of Symbolism In The Lord Of
The Flies Essay, Research Paper Lord of the Flies William Golding uses much symbolism in his novel, The Lord of the Flies, to help readers gain a greater understanding of his message. He uses symbolism in three important areas: objects that have symbolic value as references to ideas, characters that symbolize important historical and religious people, and the setting which frames the conflicts on the island in comparison to the whole world.
Hawthorne And Symbolism Essay Research Paper Hawthorne
Hawthorne And Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Hawthorne and Symbolism Symbolism is a key in all or most writings. Symbolism is what the reader needs in order to use his imagination. In “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, through different symbolism, Hawthorne writes about a man who in his coming of age.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper I have
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper : I have never understood the purpose of digging about for symbolism in and author’s work, and comparing the symbolism in 2
Much Symbolism Essay Research Paper Nature
Much Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Nature’s Symbolism Much symbolism is used in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The nature on the island is used as the primary source of symbolism. There are three main uses of nature’s symbolism: a pink conch shell, a pig’s head, and fire. Nature is a symbol that parallels to the real world.
Symbollism In The Scarlett Letter Essay Research
Paper British Literature Matt Gordon 9-22-96 Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter Symbolism in literature is the deepness and hidden meaning in a piece of work. It is often used to represent a moral or religious belief or value. Without symbolism literature is just a bunch of meaningless words on paper. The most symbolic piece of work in American Literature is Nathaniel Hawthorne?s The Scarlet Letter.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper In the novel
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, symbolism is the key literary device. Symbolism is when one thing stands for another. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This is because mockingbirds do not harm anything, they just sing to you. The mockingbird symbolized both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
Symbolism In The Graduate Essay Research Paper
Symbolism exists in all aspects of stories from written literature to motion pictures. Symbolism helps the writer or director to express a deeper meaning by using images that signify something beyond the obvious. The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman, is full of such images. Some of these symbols include Mrs.
A Farewell To Arms Essay Research Paper 2
A Farewell To Arms- Essay, Research Paper A Farewell to Arms- The book A Farewell to Arms, written by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic about the love story of a nurse and a war ridden soldier. The story
The Faith Of Young Goodman Brown Essay
, Research Paper Timothy Wenk Bailey Engl. 1302 16 Feb. 2000 The Faith of Young Goodman Brown Faith, and the struggle to keep it, is the theme of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown.” In this story, Hawthorne gives Goodman Brown’s wife the name of Faith for the obvious symbolism and irony it creates.
Describing Biblical Parallels In
‘Rappacini’s Daughter’ Essay, Research Paper Describing Biblical Parallels In Hawthorne?s ?Rappaccini?s Daughter,? many biblical parallels can be found.