Symbolism in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. - 1460 Words

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a medieval poem by an unknown author, written in Middle English in the 14th century. This poem is uncanny to most poems about heroism and knightly quests as it doesn’t follow the complete circle seen in other heroism tales. This poem is different to all the rest as it shows human weaknesses as well as strengths which disturbs the myth of the perfect knight, or the faultless hero. The author uses symbolism as a literary device in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to give the plot a deeper and more significant meaning. Symbolism is used to emphasise the difference of this heroism story against others and therefore symbolism is of great importance in this poem. The importance of the following symbols will be†¦show more content†¦Moreover, the pentangles five points create a structure for the poem to follow as ‘its five points fall at significant junctures of the poem† (Derrickson, 11). Therefore, Gawain’s shield fashion s an important symbol in the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as the pentangles five virtues form the journey that Gawain embarks on in the poem. The use of the literary device of symbolism that is seen here, gives the poem its shape and a structure to follow, and assimilates the events in the poem. The colour green in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is another important symbol used in this poem. The colour green is evident in the character of the Green Knight and in the green girdle that Gawain accepted of Lady Bertilak. The connection between the colour of the Green Knight and of the green girdle can be seen as a symbol of the inevitable failure of Gawain. As Gawain accepted the girdle he failed to keep his word to Bertilak and the Green Knight and also failed two of his knightly virtues, chastity and courtesy. The colour green therefore can be seen as a symbol of Gawain’s betrayal in the poem. â€Å"Þis is à ¾e token of vntrawà ¾e à ¾at I am tan inne, And I mot nedez hit were wyle I may last; For mon may hyden his harme, bot vnhap ne may hit† (SGGK, 2509-11). This quote discusses the girdles meaning to Gawain once he arrives back to Arthurs court. It is described as a ‘token’ of dishonesty and Gawain believes he must now wear itShow MoreRelate dSymbolism Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight1150 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism in Sir Gawain The Green Knight â€Å"Sir Gawain The Green Knight† is a classic medieval poem about a chivalrous knight on a journey to the Green Chapel. King Arthur’s nephew, Sir Gawain has been challenged by the Green Knight in a â€Å"beheading game,† where he has agreed to exchange a blow in the head towards the Green Knight, to be returned to him the following New Years in journeying to the Green Chapel. 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