Discussion

Learning Goal: I’m working on a literature question and need a sample draft to help me learn.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Introduction (pp. vii-xiii) , Parts I – III (pp. 3-51); and “The Challenge Episode: A Stylistic Interpretation” (pp. 93-104); Green Men, Pentangles, and other Mysteries of the Work.

Post at least three replies for credit: first, to one of the questions below, and then to two other students’ replies or comments. However, you may post as often as you wish.

1. How is Gawain characterized in his first speech (ll. 339-361, Borroff 12)? Why does he speak up and insert himself into the situation?
2. How is the court’s reaction in the aftermath of the “wonder” described in Part I? Also, their feelings about Gawain’s departure, in Part II? What does this add to our picture of Camelot and its values?
3. The two stanzas describing the passing of the year ( ll. 491-535, Borroff 15-16) are justly famed as descriptive poetry; what does the passage contribute to the tone of the poem, and to its themes? To its narrative pacing?