Nobility Vs. Human Nature - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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Despite the fact that in Fitt 1, The Green Knight presents this challenge to Gawain honourably and takes Gawain’s hit, it becomes clear by Fitt 3 that The Green Knight himself plays a game of deception on Gawain too. However, his games of deception serve to expose Gawain as “an unhonest man” (2349). When Gawain fails to return the green girdle to Lord Bertilak as per their arrangement, he is revealed to have “fallen short and lacked fidelity” (2366) when it is revealed that Lord Bertilak is The Green Knight in reality. Gawain himself, after being filled with shame upon learning the truth describes himself as “false and unworthy” (2382) of his once perceived high noble status of knighthood. The Green Knight’s test of honour and nobility exposes Gawain, and by association Arthur and his knights; despite the fact that they hold extremely high virtuous status.Gawain scar eventually acts as a mark that he “must wear as long as [he] live[s]” (2510) in order to be forever reminded of “the cowardice and covetousness that seized [him] there” (2508).

By showcasing Gawain’s weakness and his faulty human traits, The Green Knight is not only able to win against Arthur and his round table but he is also able to showcase a reality about human nature. Human beings are faulty and their fear of death overpowers their commitment to honour and nobility, regardless of how high these virtues are held. The Green Knight’s challenge acts as a reminder to Gawain and humans that their devotion to their virtues and honour is still not as strong as human beings’ devotion to survival, or avoidance of death. The Green Knight symbolises a true challenge for Gawain and Arthur's round table and their commitment to the chivalric honour code as he is unlike slain dragons, trolls, or enemies of the court. The Green Knight is UnDead and unphased by their reputations, or noble status. Regardless of the fact that The Green Knight himself succeeds on his personal mission to expose Arthur and his knights, he actually also succeeds in exposing human nature and human fear of the unknown, and of death ultimately.

Work Cited

Winny, James. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Literary Texts, 1992. Print.