1. In stanza 1, the poet talks about Aeneas, Romulus and their offspring. Why does the poet intentionally bring out the Greek and Roman mythological background?
2. How does the poet use humor in this poem?
3. How is King Arthur characterized in the beginning of the poem?
4. How does the poet use color and nature to describe seasonal changes?
5. Do some research into medieval symbolism (internet, books). What associations do the following have: the color green, green men, deer, boar, fox.
6. Does Gawain's attitude towards King Arthur remind you of anything in Beowulf? Compare Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
7. Does the long elaborate description of Sir Gawain's armor, shield, horse, etc. remind you of anything in Beowulf and/or the Iliad?
8. Why does the Green knight give Gawain two feigned blows and one little but real strike?
9. What moral lesson is being taught by the poem?
10. Why do you think the poet portrays the court of King Arthur the way he does? |
