The entirety of the plot of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight seemingly revolves around the proposition of a game. The Green Knight offers himself up for a challenge, to which the young and naïve Sir Gawain accepts. Sir Gawain is then tasked with once striking the Green Knight, on the condition that the Green Knight may return the blow to Gawain after one year. Initially set up as purely entertainment for the king, the Gawain poet utilizes the game in order to serve as more than mere amusement, and instead the game becomes recognized as useful in its moral impact upon the kingdom, showing the societal significance which game play had during the medieval period.
At his entry, the Green Knight, who had already caused a ruckus with his outlandish appearance, speaks to the court, “I lay down a challenge…strike me one stroke and be stuck in return” (284-287). Such a challenge sparks the interest of everybody in the king’s attendance, which implies that there was a certain communal attention given to the request; in other words, just by witnessing the event, everybody becomes involved in the fun of the occasion. In doing so, the Gawain poet creates a sense of mutual attachment to the cause. Where the Green Knight and Sir Gawain are directly participating in the duel, even more people are brought together by sharing the experience of spectator.
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After completing the first part of play, the Green Knight leaves with “Sir Gawain, be wise enough to keep your word/ and faithfully follow me until you find me,/ as you vowed in this hall” (448-450). Noticeably in these lines is the alliterative verse characteristic of Middle Age literature, conceivably suggesting the game of word play which medievalists of the time were quite fond of, “The early associations of gamen were not with physical activities or contests as recreation, but with witty entertainment involving language as plaything, such as jesting or amusing talk” (Kendrick 51). With this proposal, the Gawain poet also supposes the contract of respect associated with game play. By following such parameters, the contestants signify an example of social order which game play supplies by two parties agreeing to stick to a pact; partaking in the game necessitates cooperation. So, Sir Gawain goes on his quest to return the Green Knight’s favor.
In keeping his end of the deal, Sir Gawain sets off for the Green Chapel, whilst he attests his loyalty to defend the reputation of King Arthur’s court, as well as his duty to the game. Along his travels, Sir Gawain is tempted with magical protection in the form of a girdle, which he accepts in fear of his death from the Green Knight’s punch. When faced with receiving the Green Knight’s knock, Gawain is injured and the game ends. However, it is revealed that the whole mission was premeditated by Morgan le Fay, who intended to test the nobility of King Arthur’s knights. Ashamed of his cowardice and deceit, Sir Gawain returns home, where it is decided that a green sash will be worn by all the knights of the court as a reminder to stay honest.
Conclusively, Sir Gawain’s game becomes a demonstration containing a moral lesson: always play truthfully. Gawain even says of himself, “For man’s crimes can be covered but never made clean;/ once sin is entwined it is attached for all time” (2511-2512). In this way, perhaps the Gawain poet highlights a virtuous character development associated with playing games; participation cannot only be fun, but requires just dignity too. Furthermore, it is these feelings which have a more reputable impact than the result of the game does upon the individual. Gawain did not win the game, but he demonstrated an attitude which was regarded with admiration by the Knights of the Round Table. Likewise, the Gawain poet asserts that there is a community involvement relating to the exhibition of games. The performative aspect of game playing provides wholesome social enjoyment which derives from the inclusion of others in the fun. As the Gawain poet showcases, “The activity of playing looked at specifically in itself…serves as recreation and rest for the soul, and accordingly when this be well-tempered, application to play is lawful” (Kendrick 57).
Works Cited
Aertsen, H. “Games and Sports in Medieval Literature: A Textual and Pictorial Survey.” 28th Symposium on Medieval Studies, 2008.
“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Tenth ed., A, W.W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 204–256.