In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the setting plays an integral role in the
meaning of the poem. The three settings are all inseparable from the events which take
place there and the manner in which Gawain is affected by the inhabitants. Camelot, Lord
Bertilak’s castle and the Green Chapel and their characters are considerably distinct from
each other, each affecting and appealing to Gawain in a particular way. Because of its
many positive qualities and familiarity, ultimately, the most attractive and appealing setting
is Camelot.
Lord Bertilak’s castle has several positive aspects but is not the most appealing
because most of these elements are deceptive and potentially dangerous. Although the
castle appears magically, it seems realistic because it is “most comely that ever a king
possessed,” (42) and, much like other ornately decorated wealthy mansions, “there were
curtains of costly silk” (45). The citizens and knights are “many worthy men” (45) and
Gawain is given the designation that “most welcome he was of all guests in the / world”
(47). The castle appears to be the ideal place to serve as a knight for the lord is at “his life
at the prime,” (45) and the lady “more lovely than Guinevere” (48). The people enjoy gay
dancing and “so a wondrous wake they held,” (50) that the days in the enchanting castle
are pure bliss. Yet, exhibited by the omission of the Feast of the Holy Innocents, there is
much deception to this seemingly perfect castle. The members of the castle do sit and give
respect according to a certain hierarchy; but, at the high seat next to the Lady and Lord,
sits a pudgy, hideous woman who is directing this mysterious setting. Although Morgan le
Fay makes the castle seem welcoming and ideal, Gawain’s stay there will be marred by a
test. Lady Bertilak’s determined pursuit to win his love is not an invitation to courtly love
but rather a trial of his chastity and chivalry. Her boldness in inviting Gawain to seduce her
is an inappropriate gesture which can only lead to danger. The castle, however lavish and
traditional it seems, is a magical entity which is used as an instrument to test the twenty-
five fold perfection of Gawain. Ultimately, Gawain leaves Lord Bertilak’s castle no longer
able to wear the pentangle which epitomizes the perfection and completion of a genuine
knight, but leaves wearing the girdle. This seemingly helpful and life-preserving cloth is
rather a symbol for the portion of the test he fails. Although Lord Bertilak’s castle appears
to be even more welcoming than classical Camelot, it is far too mystical and is hardly the
most appealing.
Regardless of how appealing the Green Chapel may seem, it represents a
threatening and intimidating place for Gawain. The Green Chapel is a setting of nature’s
beauty and richness. The grass and herbs are lush and the protected chapel is surrounded
by life nurturing water. The wild beauty of the forest and randomness of the surrounding
area is unquestionably pure and innocent. The Green Knight is welcoming and greets
Gawain with “may God keep thee!” (88). Although there is no defined hierarchy, the
Green Knight is straightforward about the beheading game and how it should be played. It
is apparent that although there are clear rules at the Green Chapel, the visitor’s perspective
easily affects the way in which the setting is interpreted. Gawain comes to the Green
Chapel to offer his beloved life as part of a game. Consequently, Gawain sees only the
green which shows “devotions in the Devil’s fashions,” (87) and the hot, bubbling water is
flowing by nothing more than a “cleft in an old crag” (86). The Green Chapel is a place of
mysticism but lacks the deception and obvious magic of Bertilak’s castle. For this reason,
regardless of the Green Knight’s friendliness and fairness, he seems threatening and
overbearing. His build and gaiety are not admired as are Lord Bertilak’s. The form in
which the Green Knight appears as Bertilak is festive and harmless, but in this setting, the
same physique makes Gawain feel vulnerable and pessimistic. It is in the Green Chapel
where Gawain must face the consequences of his actions. Although he is admired by the
forgiving and generous Green Knight, Gawain holds steadfast to the fact that he has failed
the test entirely due to his minor imperfection. Even though the Green Chapel is a lush and
wildly beautiful environment, it can easily be portrayed as threatening and hazardous;
which is why the Green Chapel is not the best setting.
Camelot is the most ideal setting because it is has extravagant richness and fame, a
structured hierarchy and, most of all, is the familiar, welcoming environment which
Gawain ultimately chooses. Arthur’s fame is world renown as it is compared with the
Roman Empire or the great city of Troy for of “all that here abode in Britain as kings /
ever was Arthur most honored” (20). Arthur and his Round Table contribute to
“merriment unmatched,” (20) and during the festivities, the citizens of Camelot enjoyed
themselves with “all the meats and all the mirth that men could devise” (20). Camelot
earns the title “under heaven first in fame,” (21) for such a courteous and virtuous king
with such loyal knights is an honor which should be given due respect. The days are filled
with joyful dancing, gift exchanging, and amusing kissing games and the generous king
and queen sit “ever the highest for the worthiest” (21) with good Gawain at the lady’s side.
King Arthur invites all, including the Green Knight, with generosity and respect. Yet,
when the Green Knight insists on playing the Beheading Game, Gawain is quick to prevent
Arthur from risking his life. This shows that regardless of the carefree and festive
environment, Gawain is never forgetful of his first duty. All the activities at Camelot
follow a strictly defined code. Whether the code be one for loyalty to the lord, for chivalry
or for how to treat a guest, it is clear and easy to recognize. Camelot has an abundance of
positive qualities which combine to form the model setting.
As the model setting, Camelot also lacks many of the unattractive qualities of Lord
Bertilak’s castle and the Green Chapel. First, everything that appears to be true and
innocent in Camelot is, in fact, openly real. Camelot cannot be deceptive like Bertilak’s
castle and everything from the hierarchy to the honest welcomes has no alternate meaning
or motive. Unlike the Green Chapel, visitor’s can only view the castle in a beautiful and
positive manner as “all happiness at the highest in halls,” (20) incapable of distortion or
misconception. The rules are clearly defined just like at the other two settings but unlike
the rules of the Exchange of Winnings, there is no hidden intent. The illogical hierarchy of
Bertilak’s castle is not present and one can easily see that the most noble, virtuous, and
beautiful sit the highest where they belong. No one is intimidated by each other and when
the Green Knight enters he is recognized as “the mightiest on the middle-earth” (23) but
not feared. People’s intentions are not misconstrued as is possible in the Green Chapel and
each respectable man gets his due respect. Gawain leaves Camelot not with the shameful
girdle, but rather with the prestigious pentangle which he deserves. Camelot is the most
favorable because it does not exhibit any of the poor qualities which are evident in the
other two settings and, therefore, is the most appealing environment.
Camelot succeeds in being the most attractive and superior setting of all three
which Gawain visits due to main attributes. The unattractive qualities are absent in
Camelot while providing a most comfortable environment. Only an environment filled with
pure utopian qualities such as those of Camelot, can be considered archetypal and ideal.
34d
Другие работы по теме:
Better School Environment Essay Research Paper In
Better School Environment Essay, Research Paper In order to create a safer school environment through positive peer pressure, you have to have at least two variables. That way, in case one doesn?t work, you can always resort to the second, or even third method if needed. The first way could be to have a popular club dedicated to promote nonviolence, and the other way could be to always discuss having a safer school environment with the students.
Education Of Behaviorist Essay Research Paper The
Education Of Behaviorist Essay, Research Paper The environment around us controls who we are, what we do, and how we act. The individual may have a slight control of what they do but the over looking factor in them is the environment they are put in. We learn what to do and how to change our behavior due to what the environment puts forth.
A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur
’s Court By Mark Twain (1835 – 1910) Essay, Research Paper Mark Twain was fascinated by Sir Thomas Malory’s “Morte d’Arthur.” According to his notebook, Twain dreamed one
LOTF Essay Research Paper Introduction
LOTF Essay, Research Paper Introduction The first main problem the boys have in the novel Lord of the Flies is that they are unprepared for survival on an uninhabited
Sir Lancelot Essay Research Paper Sir Lancelot
Sir Lancelot Essay, Research Paper Sir Lancelot Lancelot was the son of King Ban of Benwick. King Ban became involved in a war with the neighboring kingdom of King Claudus. Claudus defeated Ban and forced the king and queen to flee. As they fled, Elaine, Lancelot’s mother, puts baby Lancelot beside a lake and the Lady of the Lake steals the child away from her.
Archetypes In Waterworld Essay Research Paper The
Archetypes In Waterworld Essay, Research Paper The 1995 hit film Waterworld is a prime example of archetypes appearing in modern motion pictures. The movie displays three main characteristics that give it archetypal meaning. The first of these is the classic hero archetype. Secondly, many archetypal elements of nature are displayed.
Prairie Essay Research Paper PRAIRIE An ecoysystem
Prairie Essay, Research Paper PRAIRIE An ecoysystem is all the biotic and abiotic components of an environment. The prairie is located in North America. The tempaturevaries greatly and the environment doesn’t get enough rainfall to support trees.
Learning Experiences Essay Research Paper Learning is
Learning Experiences Essay, Research Paper Learning is something that takes place everyday. Each student learns in a different way and various speeds. Teachers are an important tool for students learning. Therefore, they must create a comfortable environment for their students.
Camelot Kennedy Lagacy Essay Research Paper At
Camelot Kennedy Lagacy Essay, Research Paper At one point in time, Camelot was known as place where love was true and passionate, and where knights fought for their king with great dedication. The Camelot of that era was very storybook. The name Camelot was then attached to the Kennedy legacy. Was it a true Camelot or was the difference very distinct.
Reflections Of Knights And Their Archetypal Damsels
(King Arthur) Essay, Research Paper 495 words Reflections of Knights and Their Archetypal Damsels In The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights, there are many different relationships between knights and their damsels. The damsels, in some ways, reflect in different ways throughout the knights. Some example of knights and their damsels are Merlin and Nyneve, Ewain and Lyne, and Sir Accolon and Morgan Le Fay.
Article 4966 Essay Research Paper An Epic
Article 4966 Essay, Research Paper An Epic Hero for Modern Times In about 1470, Thomas Malory finished Morte d Arthur , the first if many legends written about King Arthur, even in modern times, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table are favorite subjects in movies, books, and plays. Oftentimes this is so because the medieval period in general, and King Arthur in particular, have an air of mystery, romance, fantasy, and adventure that are popular themes in all times and cultures.
Circe Vs Calypso Essay Research Paper Although
Circe Vs Calypso Essay, Research Paper Although both Circe and Calypso from Homer s The Odyssey fulfill the archetypal theme of the witch who hinders the protagonist s return, they have several differences between them.
Pesticides Essay Research Paper Pesticides include insecticides
Pesticides Essay, Research Paper Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, which kill insects, weeds, and are harmful to humans. They often have direct or indirect effects on other living things. Synthetic pesticides are chemical compounds; some are more toxic than others. Synthetic pesticides can release compounds that are more toxic than the original pesticides when they break down in the environment.
Gold Rush Essay Research Paper The California
Gold Rush Essay, Research Paper The California Gold Rush had many effects on the American people, westward expansion, the environment, economy and Indian relations ultimately affecting the world as a whole. When John Marshall first found gold in January 1848 at Sutter’s Mill in California many people on the east coast did not believe the news.
Archetypal Criticism Essay Research Paper Archetypal Criticism
Archetypal Criticism Essay, Research Paper Archetypal Criticism: Joshua In the many stories of the Bible, one of the most acclaimed heroes is Joshua. To most he is known for his heroic actions at the battle of Jericho. But in reality, Joshua displays many archetypes of a hero like many other in the Bible. Archetype is the idea that recurring patterns in different assemblies exist universally and instinctively in the collective unconscious of man.
Good Earth Essay Essay Research Paper The
Good Earth Essay Essay, Research Paper The Good Earth Essay The Good Earth by Pearl Buck provides an excellent form of archetypal structure. It shows how nature is clean and pure, while the mechanistic world is corrupt and evil. There are many ways that it can be proven, yet only three are really stressed throughout the novel.
Robert Frost Archetypal Analysis Essay Research Paper
Critical Analysis Assignment Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Through critical analysis of this short prose in the archetypal perspective, one can firmly establish the mood and the tone found in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. Examination of key types of archetypal categories, namely, character and situation types, as well as Symbols and associations can lead to a conclusion of the mood and tonal effects of this poem.
No Modern Camelot Essay Research Paper No
No Modern Camelot Essay, Research Paper No Modern Camelot Kennedy was a man obsessed with his image while Arthur was a man obsessed with ideas he had to make his society grow.
Jane Eyre Essay Research Paper Jane Eyre 2
Jane Eyre Essay, Research Paper Jane Eyre of Charlotte Bronte?s Jane Eyre, develops drastically within the first few chapters of the novel. Her environment was a major influential factor in Jane?s development.
Goals And Objectives Essay Research Paper Goals
Goals And Objectives Essay, Research Paper Goals and Objectives The number one goal of Hotshots is to provide a safe and enjoyable means of organized paintball, while incorporating a satisfying atmosphere for all of our customers. We will strive to create a fresh innovative environment to establish a new experience for every paintball fan.
Sexual Harassment Essay Research Paper In Gretchen
Sexual Harassment Essay, Research Paper In Gretchen Morgenson?s essay ?Sexual Harassment Is Overestimated?, Morgenson discusses how 38% of sexual harassment cases have been confirmed according to The New York Times/CBS toll. There are two types of harassment: quid pro quo harassment, in which career or job advancement is guaranteed in return for sexual favors, and environmental and environmental harassment, which unwelcome sexual conduct ?unreasonable interferes with an individual?s working environment or creates an ?intimidating, hostile, offensive working environment.
The Real Arthur Essay Research Paper The
The Real Arthur Essay, Research Paper The Real King Arthur Arthur had been identified as the son of British king Uther Pendragon, who was the son of Constantine. Whatever else Arthur is, he is a composite figure of many different legends and beliefs. Some have even related his adventures to Greek mythology.
An Epic Hero For Modern Times Essay
, Research Paper An Epic Hero for Modern Times In about 1470, Thomas Malory finished Morte d’ Arthur, the first of the many legends written about King Arthur. Even in modern
Classroom Management Essay Research Paper Philosophy Of
Classroom Management Essay, Research Paper Philosophy Of Classroom Management I believe that a good classroom management system is essential for any teacher who wishes to have a productive learning environment in their classroom. It is my goal to have a well managed classroom. I want to establish a productive working environment that allows student involvement and cooperation in all classroom activities.
Environment Essay Research Paper Leading the LeaguePaul
Environment Essay, Research Paper Leading the League Paul Beeston is the CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays. His associates think that, like Tom Hanks in the movie Big, he walks a fine line between crazy kid and a top- notch executive. Beesron, who is a legendary for his commitment to the organization, started as the team??s first full-time accountant and rose through the ranks to become president in 1989.
Buddhist Economics Essay Research Paper Buddhist EconomicsMost
Buddhist Economics Essay, Research Paper Buddhist Economics Most people think that religion and economics don?t mix. So you would think the same in the case with Buddhism and economics. But actually the there is a set of rules that go along with our modern day economics that have their own meanings. Buddhists believe that spiritual health and well being go hand in hand.
Morgana Essay Research Paper Morgana fe lay
Morgana Essay, Research Paper Morgana fe lay ( From the Arthurian cycle )My brother, king Arthur is nothing but a na ve idealist. His dream, or should I say fantasy of Camelot is nothing but an illusion. All dreams must end when one awakens. When Arthur dies and is replaced our son Mordred, the people will awaken from this dream created by him and by his charisma and the magic of Merlin.
Ap Classes Essay Research Paper Your 200
Ap Classes Essay, Research Paper Your 200 word typed essay explaining why you wish to be enrolled in an A.P course(s). I wish to be enrolled in AP courses to better prepared to manage the workload of college. AP courses will prepare me for the type of classes I will take in college. They will give a feel of the college environment.