The basic story: The poet
links Arthur’s kingdom to ancient Troy
Answer TWO of the
following questions for Monday. To get full credit for this assignment, be sure
to do the following: (a) answer each question in a few sentences, (b) be
specific—don’t just give a generic answer, and (c) if possible, quote part of
the book to support your ideas.
Q1: How is the court of
Camelot described/characterized by the poet? What kind of place is it? Is it an
idealized place of wonder and beauty, or is it a realistic kingdom of
debauchery and disorder?
Q2: Discuss some detail of
the poem’s description of the Green Knight. What stands out the most about him?
Why does the poet spend so much time—almost two entire pages—just describing
him? What might he want us to see/understand about his appearance in the hall?
Q3: According to the poem,
why does the Green Knight come to challenge Arthur and his court? By barging in
like this (and on a horse, no less), he’s breaking the laws of chivalry and
being quite disrespectful. What would make him act so flagrantly toward the
greatest king in the land?
Q4: Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight employs a poetic structure known as the “bob and wheel,” which
ends each of the stanzas. As the translator explains, “[it is] a short phrase
of two words containing one stress, the bob, followed by a four-line rhyming
quatrain made up of three-stressed lines” (xxiv). The translator doesn’t always preserve this
perfectly, but you can see it here from page 3:
to his great content
(the bob)
War, reprisal, exploit
have happened here at
times.
Joy and disaster
have often taken turns
(the four-line wheel).
Discuss how at least one
of these bob and wheels function in the poem. Why are they here? Do they break
up the story? Change the meaning? Offer a different perspective? How does it
read/sound compared to the lines that precede it?
Test Comment...
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ReplyDeleteQ1: The court of Camelot is described to be a place of great pleasure and beauty. The first mention of the court is in lines that describe a glorious feast, during which the court celebrates with "not a care in the world" (4). Guinevere sits "elegantly dressed" beneath Tharsian drapes that are "embroidered and studded with the finest gems" (5). I picture Camelot as a wondrous place to behold - a place full of wealth and plenty, beauty and strength.
ReplyDeleteQ3: I believe the Green Knight came to test the famed nobility and bravery of Arthur and his court. The Green Knight states in lines 257-273 that because Arthur's praises are so loudly sung and his knights boast a grand reputation, he believes they will grant him the challenge he wishes. Perhaps he believes Arthur's court isn't as brave as everyone believes it to be.
Great responses--this is pretty much what I'm looking for in a brief, yet concise response. Consider, too, that for all the opulence and wealth of Camelot, there seems to be little else on display. This is supposed to be the greatest kingdom in Christendom...yet they spend all their time carousing, drinking, playing games, etc. When a true challenge comes calling, their valor seems sadly lacking. Is this a commentary on Camelot...or perhaps a satirical dig at the knights of the poet's own time? Hmm...
ReplyDeleteQ1: According to the text, Camelot is described as a place of wonder and beauty. Although Britain is described as a land of "war, reprisal, exploit;" (line 16) exchanging "joy and disaster," (line 18) Arthur, among his knights, makes Camelot the noblest and most courteous, greater than those before him. It is through the poet’s description of the inhabitants of the kingdom, which makes Camelot seem so noble of a place. "With his leading lords and his best soldiers, / the famous company of the Round Table" (lines 38-39) Like so, for Guinevere: "too beautiful to describe / her grey eyes shone / no one could ever say / they has seen a greater beauty." (lines 81-84) I agree that Camelot was a beautiful and wondrous place to behold, as described being above all other places on earth.
ReplyDeleteQ2: He is described, at first, as a very noble man, as others could be described. Being half-giant and in perfect physique seems more commonplace for a hero than other details. However, most of the description is in his green hue, "as green as grown as the grass, / and greener it seemed; / shining brighter than green enamel on gold." I believe the poet conveyed it in such way as to convince the audience how magical this green knight was. The other characters are thought of to the highest point, yet this green knight is above those. Although the audience knows little of his background, origin, or relevance, the description in features are grander than those of others. His green hue grander than gold, and his honor more notable than Camelot. I feel the author is conveying a moral that is above our humanly experience within ourselves, regardless of how rich and noble we seem. No amount of human force can destroy the green knight; a representative of what cannot be forcibly changed by man.
Good responses--but don't forget to include your name somewhere with the questions. When you sign in as "Anonymous" I don't know who you are! :)
DeleteQuestion 1:
ReplyDeleteThe narrator describes the castle as being a festive place. The speaker comments on the gaiety in saying, “Right glorious was the glee that rang in riotous wise./ Glad clamour the day, dancing throughout the night;” (Stanza 3, lines 10-11). The participants weren’t just having a good time, they were also having good food: “Such plenty of fresh food, so many dishes bear/…Good beer, and red wine both” (Stanza 6, lines 16, 23). It’s hard to say if this court is one of debauchery or wonder simply for the fact that the story takes place during Christmas- a happy time; of course people would be celebrating with lavish parties. The question is how do these scenes created by the narrator compare to the scenes unseen by the audience: those of the peasants. If they are suffering and in need of food, better shelter, and warmth, as it can be assumed since its winter in Europe, then the festivities may be crossing over the thin line separating wonder and debauchery.
Question 3:
The green knight comes to Arthur’s court because “The praise of this thy folk throughout the world is told” (Stanza 12, Line 9). He’s heard that Arthur’s knights are the best in the world and he wants to challenge them to a “Christmas jest” (stanza 13, line 5). The knight carries himself so haughtily because he is big and strong; he’s not concerned about the consequences of his actions, “For lack of strength no man might match [him] in this hall” (Stanza 13, line 4). You don’t have to be chivalrous when you’re a giant.
Great responses here, especially your idea of the implied audience. While peasants probably wouldn't be reading this, or maybe even listening to it (since it is pretty sophisticated), it does show a certain concern/contempt for the upper classes. It's not entirely clear whether the poet approves of all the revelry, but clearly the Green Knight doesn't. He thinks they're a bunch of pampered fops, which might suggest that the poet is condemning them as well...or is he condemning the knights of his time through these historical/legendary figures?
DeleteQ1: How is the court of Camelot described/characterized by the poet? What kind of place is it? Is it an idealized place of wonder and beauty, or is it a realistic kingdom of debauchery and disorder?
ReplyDeleteThe author describes the court was an idealized place of wonder and beauty. It is characterized as joyous and celebratory. "Celebrations continued the whole of a fortnight with all the feasting and pleasure that people could think of (Lines 44 - 46)." "Glorious commotion" and "lively uproar" filled the room and gives audible support to the glee the court is filled with on this Christmas Day. Presents were brought out, greetings were exchanged, and all parties basked in the merriment of the season and holiday. The character of the court is altogether jovial and uplifting. I really feel like joining them in their merriment and just soak in the atmosphere. The grandeur and nobility of the court is explained in lines 107 through 115 when the poet goes into detail where each group was sitting. "…the powerful king before the high table, making graceful small talk. Noble Sir Gawain sat next to the queen and Agravain the Hardhand on her other side… Set at the top, these were served with honour, and then all the knights along the side tables." The descriptions are clear that the kingdom is in a time of great prosperity and peace. The kingdom is under a tremendous leader that is respected by all.
Q3: According to the poem, why does the Green Knight come to challenge Arthur and his court? By barging in like this (and on a horse, no less), he's breaking the laws of chivalry and being quite disrespectful. What would make him act so flagrantly toward the greatest king in the land?
"All I ask is in this court is one Christmas game, at this New Year holiday with young people all round." (Line 284) With this line, the Green Knight wants to compete with someone in Arthur's court. He wishes to challenge the knights against the tales sung throughout the kingdom. The stillness of the court's response heightens the contender's ill mannerisms and he speaks out against the court. Line 311 and 312: "Where is your pride now? Where are your conquests, your battles and fierceness and your big words?" According to the description of the scene after the Green Knight's head was removed (lines 430 - 459), the Green Knight was anything but mortal. The fact that he was indeed supernatural allowed for a "bending" of the code. Immortals/Supernaturals often forwent the code when it went against their own ambitions. The Green Knight calling out the knights and king to a duel in the king's own court shows a blatant disrespect for the magistrate. I find it ironic that with breaking the code of chivalry by barging in the Green Knight exclaims that is the reason why he is there. Line 263 and 264 states, "Here is shown chivalry, or so I'm told, and it is simply that which brings me here now." He states chivalry called him. So why break the code? Was he in fact forcing the chivalric hand of the knights in order to save their king and place their words to action?
Great responses and questions here: why indeed break the code of chivalry by so unceremoniously riding in bare foot on a horse? You're supposed to leave your horse outside and I don't think strangers would carry their weapons into a dining hall (they would be left outside, most likely). I think he means to challenge everything that Camelot supposedly stands for, and wants to see if an ideal has any reality. That's one of the themes of the entire story: can a kingdom, or a knight, be "perfect"? Are they still human beneath it all? And is this acceptable? Right now, the knights have all failed except for Gawain and Arthur...so what might this suggest about the poet's view of Camelot (or the knights of his own time)?
DeleteHey it's Daniel!
ReplyDeleteQ2.)
In this poem, the Green Knight is described as “Huge” “Broad” “Half an Ogre” “Half a Giant” and most importantly “green” (L. 136-152). I think that there was so much put into describing the Knight so that the reader would know how much of an oddity this Knight had to have been. I think the Author wanted to create a character that embodies jealousy and have it defeated by a character that embodies “good”, or someone who is trying to advance positively.
Q3.)
The Green Knight states that Arthur's hospitality and festivities were fabled through out the land and that he has come to the castle to “see If these claims were true” (L.264) I think that by barging in and forcing a response from the Knights that the Green Knight just further cements his place as the embodiment of jealousy in this poem. He bursts in and demands attention right off the bat, then after much deliberation is defeated, only to pick up his head a ride away as if nothing had happened. I think this is a metaphor for how hard it is to cull jealousy once we give it attention and how once we give in to our jealousy and give it what we want, it dies down for a time, but the comes back later to bite us in the ass.
Yes, this story is setting up a traditional dynamic: the "evil" jealous knight confronting the "good" generous knight. So far, that's what we get...and yet there are a few moments that make us pause. Camelot hardly seems like a bastion for piety (women and men playing around with each other at night???). Also, none of the knights undertake his challenge, content to let their king face him--and possibly die. Gawain is good and is willing (eventually) to rise up to the challenge, but was his pause too long for comfort? Also, why might the Knight be jealous? Or is he merely intolerant of hypocrisy?
DeleteQ1. What we know from parties like described in this scene is that with as many guests as it had, and as much drinking and celebration was taking place, it surely wasn't a pleasant place. However, the location was described as "glorious to listen to" [47] and accompanied by the "loveliest ladies in the world" [52]. So I would imagine, in addition to the great hall already being a beautiful one adorned with fringed silk, velvet carpets, and embroidered rugs [76-78], it was a drunk fest.
ReplyDeleteQ2. The author spends so much time describing the Green Knight, and I think he reason for that is to have us associate him with all things bad. We are supposed to, when we encounter him later in the story, find him synonymous with all things bad, hairy, green, and giant. We have two different scenes: one of beauty and celebration going on in the hall and the other is the contrast of the nastiness and lack of chivalry portrayed from the massive guest.
Yes, it was a drunk fest, and should we find this odd? After all, this is Camelot, the most celebrated kingdom of all, a utopia of civilization--and Christian civilization, at that. The Green Knight is clearly out to challenge this, but read his description carefully: is he really portrayed as "bad and hairy"? Though he is uncanny and strange, he is still impeccably dressed and rather beautiful. Nothing about him says "evil," only his aggressive attitude--which, it seems, might be justified by what we see of Camelot. We'll have to see what happens in the rest of the poem...
Delete2. I think the emphasis on the fact that he was green and everything about him was green is very important. Also, the detail both about him and the horse are very important because I believe it shows his status and how honorable of a knight he truly is. The author says, “It would be too much to list half the adornments/stiched on his clothes, the birds and insects,/ all splashes of bright green set against gold” showing he his armor and horse were very intricate and almost “King like”. I think the author spends so much time on this because it is foreshadowing for when Sir Gawain has to meet the knight again. I think he really wants us to see the status of this knight.
ReplyDelete3. The Green Knight comes to Arthur’s Court to challenge his knights because they are thought to be the bravest and proudest knights in the land. When he extends the offer and does not hear a single reply he goes on a little rant and says, “ Where is your pride now? Where are your conquests,/ your battles and fierceness and your big words?” I think this is important because this really shows what some people think of Arthur’s court. I believe jealousy could cause him to act so flagrantly toward the “greatest king” and annoyance because people believe that Arthur’s court is the cream of the crop when they’re not any better than the rest of the knights that risk their lives.
I did not ever even think about jealousy! Also, the fact that The Green Knight could be acting not only out of his own thoughts of the King's Court but also those of the general public is a good point!
DeleteGreat responses here...and I like that you hit on the idea of jealousy, since green is a significant color: Shakespeare (through Iago in Othello) called it "the green eyed monster." If so, why would the Knight be jealous? What else might green symbolize at this time--or at any time? Consider your comments about the birds and insects he's adorned with. How might this contrast with the 'artificial' air of the court?
DeleteQ2:
ReplyDeleteWhat seemed so interesting to me was how beautiful and wonderful The Green Knight was described and how that contrasted with his addresses. He is described as the “the fairest, the gayest for his size” and is said to ride in “peacefully”. Yet, his request is not one of peace, and as soon as he opens his mouth he is not one ounce “peaceful”. It is also interesting that the author chooses to go into such great detail of the Knights physical appearance and demeanor while never doing the same justice for King Arthur or his Knights. The only aspects given of these characters are that they were well renowned in “tales” and were having a long (fifteen days) merry feast. One reason The Green Knight is given so much more detail may be that he is a representation of a more, realistic round character or idea.
His appearance in the hall halted the fairy tale like atmosphere that had been created before this, where the kind stood speaking of “elegant trifles” surrounded by his royal family and knights in “high luxury”. The appearance of the Green Knight in the hall is meant to be seen as a huge contrast to the knights getting ready to dine in luxury. The real-deal walks into the room and it is only natural that he would get much more description, than the other more flat characters.
Q3:
The Green Knight comes in to “see if the tales were true” of King Arthur and his royal court. It is obvious that he does not believe that the tales were true, and he in fact came in to disprove them. He if acting in this way because he does not believe this king to be worthy of any better treatment and seems to be in the business of teaching these people a lesson.
Excellent responses...yes, clearly the Court is seen as somewhat generic and faceless, and idea rather than a body of people. Only Arthur, Gawain, and the Green Knight emerge from this tapestry. In Part 2, we'll get a lengthy description of Gawain's armor much like the Green Knight's...clearly how they present themselves is important to the poet, who is part of an old English allegorical tradition, where small details matter. Also, it would be comic to see a bare-foot green giant stride into the room on a horse, where his alien nature and uncouth behavior would contrast sharply with the decorum and civility of the "French" Englishmen at the tables.
DeleteThis is Kendall!
ReplyDeleteQ2. While reading about The Green Knight, I noticed that this character is extremely confident in himself. The poet describes this man as large, green, and almost "giant-like", which to me hints a bit toward the fact that the poet is trying to make the knight seem even more "full of himself", so to speak. The poet goes on to elaborate greatly on the knight's ornate wardrobe and how the horse mimics the knight in stature. This also seems to me that this mysterious knight thinks very highly of himself and holds his status to great standards. I believe the poet is trying to get us to understand how large of a role/character The Green Knight is/will be. We know little about him except for the fact that he is quite large and very arrogant. However, as the story goes on I'm sure the poet will reveal other interesting details about this odd knight.
Q3. The Green Knight seems like he would be that one kid in class who loves to show off. He's quick to make an abrupt appearance at the celebration. He also makes it apparent to us that he means no harm, however the game he requests to play could fall under that very same term. He comes to Arthur's kingdom because of its reputation. As told by the poet, Arthur and his knights are highly spoke of and rarely lose at battle. So of course The Green Knight is going to barge in and expect his soldiers to be fearless, honorable, courageous, etc. Although, a part of me believes that he knew that no one would want to take him up on his offer. However, no one knew at this time that living after your head had been chopped off was even possible. So why didn't any of the knight's at least try? Surely they thought that they could easily strike a blow strong enough to kill this man. (They shouldn't have been hesitant, because who can ride off on their horse after being decapitated, right?)
Q. 2). "So square and powerful from neck to waist, his thighs and his forearms so muscly and long you'd think that he was some kind of half-giant. But I think what he was was the hugest of men, the most pleased with his size of anyone living. For, though his back and his chest were incredibly big, his stomach and waist were fashionably trim, and all his features in proportion, given his size, exactly right." (pg.7) I personally think this description was very important because it is describing his perfect physique. His build is intimidating. The knights are in awe and are automatically intimidated by him. He has the body any of them would kill to have as knights. He is the ideal "knight". I think the poet wants us to understand what makes this mysterious knight so intimidating.
ReplyDeleteQ. 1- The kingdom is full of life. There is laughter and a feast. They are all gathered together as a whole. "It was Christmas at Camelot, and there was the king with his leading lords and all his best soldiers, the famous company of the whole round table-celebrating in style: not a care in the world. Again and again strong men tussled, and the noble knights jousted with vigour till they rode on the court to start on the dancing." (pg.4) From what the poet is describing, Camelot sounds like a wonderful place. it seems like a bunch of guys hanging out and having a careless, good time with each other.
1. King Arthur's court is described as a place of rivalry and abundance. With the heavy mention of Christmas time it is easy to see a metaphorical statement of Christianity as opposed to the Green Knight (coming soon!), who could be stated to represent the Green Man of Celtic mythology(more on that later). It is here that food is in abundance, as well as women and entertainment alongside the Knights of the Round Table. The pinnacle of honor and knighthood of the civilized world.
ReplyDeleteAnd 2. The Green Knight is most noticed for being green (and also crashing a party on a horse like nothing's wrong, which is only okay in select bars in Vegas or the wild west) to challenge the most noble person there (King Arthur) to try and cut off his head with his own ax if he can return the favor(IE, also try and cut off the contenders head). Green is a color wrought with symbology of rebirth, sickness, health, and the Green Man, a Celtic deity of the forest, among many things. This can be seen to represent the rather rocky relationship between the pagan religions and Christianity. It is seen as an affront, likely due to the oddity of his challenge, but also because of how the challenge is made. For one, he rides in on a horse in the middle of a party. Indoors. Then he asks to be beheaded by whoever is brave enough. Then proceeds to mock the court when they, naturally, pause at his odd request. I'm pretty sure Gwain wasn't the only shocked individual when he just rode away with a decapitated head and a "next time on WTF". Perhaps a sly mention to the failed attempts to wipe out pagan practices? Stay tuned to Arthurian Tales, next week on WTF.
Kenia Starry
Yes, great responses--the connection to the Celtic idea of the Green Man is important, since everything about him points to a pagan origin. Some have suggested that the entire poem is a throwback to a pagan legend, where the old king (Winter) is ritually decapitated by the new king (Spring). Gawain is indeed in the "flower of his youth" and the Green Knight represents something much older, more primal. Perhaps the poet took an old Celtic poem (now lost) and re-clothed it in Christian/Chivalric garb?
Delete1. I picture the court of Camelot to be both a most beautiful place and that with parties and debauchery and disorder. There is a mixer before the meal where libation is being had by all. Knights are mingling and the King is happy to have his people so joyful and happy during this time. The 70th stanza talks about the beauties and wonder and also about the decauchery and disorder. Everyone knows that all is game until the tolls sound signifying that the meal is ready. Once this happens, the people of Camelot put on their finest attire and take part in the meal. No more laughing and cavorting.
ReplyDelete2. The poet goes into such detail about the Green Knight that you can see this person off of the description. I can see this knight as big and built as Conan the Barbarian, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has mucles and and his stature is so prominent that everyone takes notice.
My question though - is there so much green because this knight has envy? Is everything about him green because he was not part of Camelot and he busted in the party to make a name for himself so that he too would be part of the court? Is this why he said he would see them in exactly one year as he rode off carrying his own head?
Rook Rawls
1. The court of Camelot is described in great detail. The author makes Camelot seem like a place of peace, celebration, and happiness. It is Christmas time and the court is celebrating in “style.” The author also mentions that the most famous knights and prettiest women resided in Camelot, which would make it desirable. The queen is described as being too beautiful for words, and basically there was no woman more beautiful than her. Camelot almost seems to perfect, and it is interesting that when the Green Knight arrives even the most famous knights do not dare to challenge him.
ReplyDelete2. The thing that stands out most about the Green Knight, is that he is literally green. He is greener than grass, and the people thought that maybe it had to do with magic or witchcraft. The author describes his clothing, and even his braided hair. The author wants the reader to actually visualize this character, and that every detail is important about him, because there is nobody like him.
Brooke McVeigh
Great responses: and consider how 'natural' the Green Knight is--he is green like the woods and fields, has a beard and hair like a bush, and insects and birds are embroidered on his clothing. He is almost a personification of the natural world that invades the artificial kingdom of Camelot.
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