Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Literary Analysis Example

In the story about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain proves himself as a great knight through acts of honor and courage. Most knights are known for their fighting skills whereas Sir Gawain demonstrates how many aspects make up a great knight. Although not perfect, Sir Gawain reminds us that chivalry comes in many forms. 

Sir Gawain demonstrates his honor in numerous manners. He strives to be a worthy knight and maintains his honor throughout most of his conduct. In those times when he does fail, he tries to right the wrongs he committed. One such example is when he kisses the lady of the castle, the wife of his hostess, and the lord of the land. The night of this incident, he gifts the kiss to her husband, the lord of the castle. In his way, he was passing the kiss on to whom it belonged. Later, he fails again when he accepts the girdle endowed with magic from her. Shortly thereafter, he goes to the chapel and asks the priest to absolve him of his sins. Furthermore, after this flaw is discovered during his time with the Green Knight, he quickly confesses and offers his life again as a repayment for his dishonesty. It is at this time we learn the truth; the Green Knight is the lord of the castle and had arranged for his wife to tempt him on those many occasions during his three days at the castle. The Green Knight then commends Sir Gawain on how he maintained his honor by negating the attempts made by his wife. Although he proved he was not infallible, he also proved he was an honorable man. 

Courage has always been considered a valued trait of any great knight. Sir Gawain showed his courage in a multitude of ways. First, we see how courageous he is when he volunteers to take the challenge made by the Green Knight in King Arthur's stead. Sir Gawain knew the importance held by King Arthur to his people and land. Realizing how his loss would be lesser than that of King Arthur, he should courage when no one else around him did. The challenge required Sir Gawain to seek out the Green Knight after a year to complete this challenge. Sir Gawain showed his courage again when he kept his end of the bargain and headed out at the year's end to meet with the Green Knight. As mentioned earlier, Sir Gawain stayed in a modest castle and was purposely tempted by the lady of the castle. One could say he also showed courage here as it could have been seen as disrespectful to show disdain to the lady of the house. He concedes this when he acknowledges that he is but a servant to her. Another time we see his courage is while en route to meet the Green Knight. The guide that travels with him to show him the way suggests that he take an alternate route that would lead him away from the meeting place instead of going to his certain death. Sir Gawain thanks the guide for his assistance and still chooses the path set before him, the path to his predestined death at the hands of the Green Knight. Lastly, Sir Gawain shows courage again when he faces the Green Knight. As most would in this situation, he does have a moment of fear and slightly recoils at the thought of being beheaded. When the Green Knight confronts him about moving from the swing of the blade, he resolves to maintain his position and fulfill his part of the bargain. The Green Knight recognizes this courageous act and compliments him later for it. These many acts of courage, though small in appearance to someone battle-worn, helped prove Sir Gawain's chivalry thereby constituting him as a great knight.  

Many attributes comprise a great knight. Sir Gawain accomplished his status as a great knight through his acts of honor and courage. By maintaining these virtues, he won favor with the Green Knight and was rewarded with his life. The Green Knight even compared him to be a pearl among white peas. This could be interpreted as though the Green Knight saw the imperfections in him, yet still considered him valuable. A great knight can be ascertained by the things he does in battle as well as through the virtues he upholds in everyday life.