Study Questions
In stanza 1, the
poet talks about Aeneas, Romulus and their offspring. Why does the poet
intentionally bring out the Greek and Roman mythological
background?- How does the poet use humor in
this poem?
- How is King Arthur
characterized in the beginning of the poem?
- How does the poet use color and
nature to describe seasonal changes?
- Do some research into
medieval symbolism (internet, books). What associations do the following have: the color
green, green men, deer, boar, fox.
- Does Gawain's attitude
towards King Arthur remind you of anything in Beowulf? Compare Beowulf and Sir Gawain and
the Green Knight.
- Does the long elaborate
description of Sir Gawain's armor, shield, horse, etc. remind you of anything in Beowulf
and/or the
Iliad?
- Why does the Green knight give
Gawain two feigned blows and one little but real strike?
- What moral lesson is being
taught by the poem
- Why do you think the poet
portrays the court of King Arthur the way he does?
Relevant
Links
alliterative poetry in the style of Beowulf or
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: original poetry by Paul Deane and links to epics,
resources, and essays.
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