Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Rules and Order Quotes Page 1
(Line). We used James Winny's 2004 translation.
| Quote #1 There knights fought in tournament again and again, |
The Christmas season traditionally lasted fifteen days, beginning on December 24th and ending with Epiphany, the feast of the three kings, on Jan 6th. Arthur’s court celebrates by jousting, dancing, singing, and playing games.
| Quote #2 [. . . . . . . . . . . . .]"Where is," he demanded, |
Rules of courtly behavior dictate that a guest in someone’s hall must always seek out the highest-ranked person in the place to solicit their hospitality; accordingly, the highest-ranked person must offer it generously, as Arthur does here.
| Quote #3 "I would offer you counsel before your royal court. |
Here Gawain perfectly fulfills the role of a loyal, well-meaning vassal by offering counsel, or advice, to his liege lord. He also criticizes the rest of the knights in the hall for failing in their duty to their king. His point is that the king should not have to defend his own honor, for the rules of chivalry dictate that his knights should do it for him.
