~Sir Gawain and the Green Knight~
Guided Reading
Name: __________________
Hour: ________
TOTAL:
/26
1. Where and when does this story begin?
When: NewYear’s Eve feast
Where: King Arthur’s court in Camelot
2. What aspect of medieval romance is introduced in lines 11-19?
Elements of fantasy as seen by the green hue of the knight and horse.
3. What other elements of medieval romance are mentioned on these pages?
King (Arthur), Ladies, Banquet Hall, Fighting, Knights (Gawain), Contest,
Courtesy, Weapons, Armor, etc.
4. What are the key words or phrases that reveal the Green Knight’s purpose in lines 34-51?
5. What are three main points of the Green Knight’s speech in lines 34-51?
A. Green knight heard glowing reports of Arthur’s knights
B. He comes in peace
C. He would enter into a contest with Arthur
6. What is uncanny (mysterious and weird) about the Knight who enters Arthur’s court?
He is green, huge, and has a green horse
7. The Beheading Game is a traditional plot element in early medieval romances. Where
did this game originate?
Origins: crops (seed pods) ensured strong planting. This dates back to an Irish
story as a supreme test of courage.
8. What is the Green Knight proposing in lines 60-76?
Wants to play a game—one blow with his ax then in one year and a day his
opponent may do the same.
9. What aspect of medieval romances does the Green Knight’s appearance illustrate?
Realistic and supernatural events
10. What challenge does the Green Knight make to Arthur’s court?
TARGETS
CE 1.4.4 / CE 2.3.6-- Reflect personally and also draw interpretive conclusions of Arthur as an
Archetypal Hero in a written response.
CE 3.3.2--Recognize the literary traditions of medieval romance, chivalry, and courtly love.
Consider their significance in their own time period as well as contemporary society.
CE 3.1.1--Recognize and interpret the literary devices of motif and symbolism.
11. Chivalry, the code of knighthood during the Middle Ages, is at the heart of medieval
romance. What aspects of chivalry are reflected in Gawain’s words in lines 128-134?
Reflect humility, respect for king, and courtesy.
12. Summarize the key points and conditions of the challenge, as described in lines 150-184.
13. Summarize the event in lines 188-213. What details in this stanza are realistic and
which ones are supernatural?
Realistic
Supernatural
Green Knight bows
Knight grabs the head and mounts horse
Gawain cuts off head
Head rolls
14. What does Gawain do to the Green Knight?
Cuts off his head
15. What two characteristics of a medieval romance are reflected in lines 214-231?
A. Sir Gawain’s honor put to the test
B. Dramatic language and supernatural actions
16. In lines 236-254, how does Arthur react to the Green Knight?
Arthur is uneasy about the whole event but kept his feelings to himself. He then
urged all to dance and eat.
17. What happens after Gawain chops off the Green Knight’s head?
Knight grabs his head and mounts his horse—reminds Gawain of the pledge to find
him in a year.
18. Why might Arthur behave in such a casual manner after witnessing such a scene?
He is putting on a brave face. He doesn’t want to spoil the festivities or worry
Gawain.
19. How does the setting in lines 262-286 add to the story? Summarize the description of
this setting.
It is wild and rugged. The church is not formal but rather a grassy mound with a
cave-like entrance.
20. What is the Green Knight doing when Gawain arrives at the Green Chapel?
Grinding/sharpening his ax
21. Gawain makes good on his bet; however, the Green Knight takes time to mock him
before chopping off his head. Why?
Adds suspense---the Green Knight is testing to see if Gawain will falter or flinch.
This shows that even heroes have flaws (Gawain broke a few rules).
The stanza that begins at the bottom of page 173 refers to previous events at the castle where
Gawain stayed before coming to the Green Chapel. The lady in the castle, described as
incredibly beautiful, is part of a test that has been set up for Gawain—without Gawain’s
knowledge. The lord of the castle will go hunting for three days, while Gawain remains in the
castle.
The lady tests Gawain’s virtue by acting as if she wishes to seduce him. The lord tests
Gawain’s honor by asking him to exchange whatever gifts they get during the three days
Gawain is a guest. The first two days, Gawain receives a chaste kiss from the lady, and returns
these to the lord in exchange for the animal that the lord had killed on his hunt. The third day,
Gawain gets a green girdle, which he keeps, hoping it will protect him in his coming test with
the Green Knight.
22. The Green Knight swings the axe three times and gives a reason for each one. (It’s not
three strikes and you’re out!)
1st swing: Gawain flinches
2nd swing: Tests Gawain to see if he’ll flinch again
3rd swing: Leaves only a scratch
23. In lines 359-387, Gawain both succeeds and fails his test at the castle. Explain.
Success
Failure
Promises not to flinch
Flinches at first blow
Does not give girdle
24. What theme of medieval romance is suggested in lines 441-443?
Honor
25. In lines 464-477, how does Gawain react when he considers his own actions? What do
you think he has learned?
He is angry with himself and ashamed. Asks forgiveness—more importantly, he
learns from his mistakes.
26. How does the theme of redemption seem to be reflected in this story?
Green Knight grants forgiveness and invites him to return to his castle