Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay -- Sir Gawain Green Knight Essay

Sir Gawain and the gullible horse cavalry The poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight tells the rumor of one of King Arthurs bravest and noblest knights, Sir Gawain. The author spins this magical tale of heroism and adventure over the course of one year. During this year, the hero Sir Gawain undergoes a serious alteration of character. When Bertilak enters King Arthurs court as the incomprehensible parking atomic number 18a knight, he sets Sir Gawains destiny in motion. Change, especially ghostlike transformation, is a common thread running finished the poem. The poet depicts Bertilak as around Godlike, and Bertilak plays a significant role in Sir Gawains spiritual transformation, through which he becomes more like Christ. Bertilak first introduces himself by making an stupefying entrance into King Arthurs court. The poet describes the appearance of the Green Knight frankincense There hurtles in at the hall-door an unknown rider, / One the greatest on ground in gro wth of his frame / Half a freak on earth I hold him to be (l. 136-140). His forcefulness and surface are the aspects of him that the poet first describes however, the fact that the huge knight is entirely unripened from head to toe amazes the court more. The author notes that, Great wonder grew in hall / At his hue most strange to see, / For man and paraphernalia and all / Were green as green could be (l. 147-150). The color green here may symbolize spiritual growth, although green sometimes suggests iniquity in literature. The Green Knight was especially fascinating because his physical appearance, as well as his apparent immortality demonstrated that he had supernatural qualities, and thence was not entirely of this world. Throughout Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the poet port... ... depicted Bertilak, sometimes the Green Knight, with Godlike characteristics and supernatural qualities. At different times in the poem, Bertilak represents the wise, just, godl ike master of the castle, and is sometimes transformed into the mystical Green Knight. Both characters are essential for Sir Gawains transformation, which Bertilak manipulates freely. In a Christ-like sacrifice, Sir Gawain learns of his weaknesses, and experiences the process of spiritual absolution. In this poem, Bertilak, whom the author has granted supernatural characteristics, facilitates Sir Gawains spiritual journey for integrity and complete transformation.Works CitedSir Gawain and the Green Knight. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 8th ed. Ed. Alfred David, James Simpson. Vol. A. invigorated York W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 2006. 3 vols. 162-213.