During the three days, Lady Bertilak (the lord’s wife) attempts to seduce Gawain. Each day, Gawain courteously accepts kisses from her but does not give them to the lord in exchange. On the third day, she offers Gawain a green girdle (belt) that supposedly has the power to protect its wearer from death. Gawain accepts the girdle but does not reveal it to the lord, breaking the agreement.
The Green Chapel and Revelation
Finally, Gawain meets the Green Knight at the Green Chapel. The Green Knight reveals that he is actually Lord Bertilak, transformed by magic and testing Gawain’s honor. The first two blows are feints, as Gawain has honestly exchanged kisses with the lord. The third blow slightly nicks Gawain’s neck, punishing him for concealing the green girdle.
Gawain feels shame but the Green Knight forgives him, praising his overall honesty and courage. Gawain returns to Arthur’s court wearing the girdle as a symbol of his human imperfection.
Themes and Significance
Chivalry and Honor
The poem scrutinizes the ideal of chivalry, portraying Gawain as a brave and courteous knight but also highlighting his human vulnerabilities and failings. It raises questions about the nature of honor and truthfulness in a complex moral world.
Nature and the Supernatural
The color green symbolizes nature, fertility, and the otherworldly. The Green Knight represents a challenge from the natural and supernatural realms, testing human strength and integrity.
Testing and Temptation
Gawain’s trials explore the tension between social expectations, personal survival, and moral integrity, reflecting medieval concerns about temptation, loyalty, and the complexities of human behavior. shutdown123