Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Arthurian Legends English Literature Essays

Sir Gawain and the reverse lightning gentleAn anonymous contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer wrote Sir Gawain and the Green cavalry in the 14th century. It was create verbally in a Northern dialect and uses alliteration similar to the Anglo-Saxon form of poetry. Alliteration is characterized by the repetition of consonants and a sharp verse line at the end of each section.The story begins as King Arthurs butterfly celebrates the New Year for fifteen days. The lords and ladies of the court argon having a abundant time dancing and feasting. The story describes the lavishly served feast with all the trimmings. each guest is free to partake in the royal meal. However, King Arthur get out not eat on such a high holiday until someone tells a fascinating or adventurous tale.LINK TO A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THIS SEGMENT Suddenly, a giant man on a horse rides into the hall. Both the imposing man and his horse are entirely green. He is, of course, the Green entitle. Even his clothing is d escribed in detail as entirely green. In one hand he holds a large ax and in the other he holds a holly bob. The Green Knight asks to see the leader of the crowd. King Arthur stands up and speaks to the Green Knight, obviously excited by the thought of the tales that this stranger will tell. The Knight offers a challenge to anyone brave enough to accept it. The Green Knight will allow his opponent to strike his neck with the large ax that he holds. The opponent must travel to the Green Knights castle in one year to accept a similar blow in return. When none of the knights volunteer, Arthur rises to accept the Green Knights challenge. Sir Gawain, the youngest of King Arthurs knights, asks to be allowed to stand in for his king. The Green Knight doesnt move or flinch as he offers his bare neck to Gawain. Gawain grabs the Green Knights ax firmly and chops off his mastermind. The head falls to the ground and rolls past the feet of many of the people i n the court. To the deck of everyone, the Green Knight gets up, grabs the head by the hair, and mounts his horse.