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

Sir Gawain and the common entitle The poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight tells the tale of one of King Arthurs bravest and noblest knights, Sir Gawain. The author spins this wizard(prenominal) tale of gun for hireism 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 mysterious green knight, he sets Sir Gawains destiny in motion. Change, specially spectral transformation, is a common thread running through the poem. The poet depicts Bertilak as somewhat Godlike, and Bertilak plays a significant role in Sir Gawains apparitional transformation, through which he becomes more like Christ. Bertilak first introduces himself by making an astonishing entrance into King Arthurs court. The poet describes the appearance of the Green Knight thus There hurtles in at the hall-door an unknown rider, / One the superior on ground in growth of his frame / Half a giant on earth I hold him to be (l. 136-140). His lastingness and size are the aspects of him that the poet first describes however, the fact that the huge knight is alone green from head to toe amazes the court more. The author notes that, Great rarity grew in hall / At his hue most strange to see, / For human race and gear and all / Were green as green could be (l. 147-150). The intensity green here may symbolize spiritual growth, although green sometimes suggests evil in literature. The Green Knight was especially fascinating because his somatogenetic appearance, as well as his apparent immortality demonstrated that he had charming qualities, and therefore 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, godly master of the castle, and is s ometimes transformed into the mystical Green Knight. two 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 pilgrimage for truth and complete transformation.Works CitedSir Gawain and the Green Knight. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 8th ed. Ed. Alfred David, mob Simpson. Vol. A. New York W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. 2006. 3 vols. 162-213.