This is a paper I wrote for my British Liturature class. Its an analysis of J. R. R. Tokliens' translation of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". In my conclusion, I hinted at video and stratagey games (I had final fantasy and yu-gi-oh in mind at the time) being the new reincarnation of honer and chivalry, which is why I thought you might like it. If you want to skip straight to the end and read the good stuff, go ahead. And also, I got a B+ on this paper, so if any of you English people have tips on how to get an A on my next one, I'm all ears (or eyes, hehe.)
In “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, the main story revolves around a “game” played between Sir Gawain, King Arthurs’ knight who accepts the challenge, and the Green Knight, who extends it (Stanzas 13-15). This game, as well as others in the text, affects not only the standing of Arthur, Gawain, and the court, but also their levels of pride, respect, and loyalty they give each other. From the beginning of the story, where Arthur wants a story of “noble men, knighthood or new adventures, suggesting that low-birthed or untried men are unfit to be spoken of, (stanza 5) to the end of it where the riding men “for love of that knight as a livery should wear” a green belt, (stanza 101) the men of the court judge each other on their competence, which seems to be shown through their competitiveness and gaming then anything else, as is shown in their reaction to Gawains’ adventure.
In fact, games are constantly mentioned throughout the story, and all seem to be taken with extreme seriousness by the characters. In the beginning of the story, Arthurs’ court is having Christmas games and it “pleased the king not to eat… ere he was first appraised of some strange story or stirring adventure” (stanza 5). Almost immediately, the Green Knight enters and proposes a “game” of life and death. The members of court seem to leap at the chance (stanza 15). There is even some dispute, and the king has to be discouraged from taking part in the dangerous game (stanza 15). Later, on his quest to find his adversary and finish the game, Gawain is challenged to a hunting game, and again he eagerly accepts, spending several days taking turn hunting with his host king (stanza 45).
In all instances, games are shown in a very serious light. Accepting and winning them seems to be a matter of honor and pride, as well as pleasure. Although these games are described as revelry, never does a depiction of someone turning down the chance at a game appear.
Many scenes are displayed with characters acting very child-like and playful, even in serious circumstances. When the Knights Lady comes first to tempt Gawain, he hides, and even after he pretends to wake, the language between them is playful and game-like such as she says she shall bind him, catch him, and submit to him, all flirtatious language with little depth to it. (stanza 48). Later, Arthur, after hearing the details of the quest, decrees that all his men shall wear green sashes similar to Gawains’ making a light jest out of his knights’ shame (stanza 101).
Despite the fact that these “games” may all seem to be unrelated, and simply the result of the youthful spirit of the era, or perhaps the author of the story, every game played out seems to have some sort of societal purpose. Just as society seems to construct our play, play can also construct our society. Even Arthur himself, in his brash youthfulness and playful innocence, seems to fuel the chivalrous nature of his court. It is said “His youth made him so merry with the moods of a boy; he liked lighthearted life (stanza 5)”. His boyishness and whimsical nature are further shown in his instant outrage at the Green Knights taunts and his defense of his court as he says, “tis madness thou askest, and since folly thou hast sought, thou deserves to find it I know no lord that is alarmed by thy loud words here.”. He is almost brash in his eagerness to prove his worth and might to the knight, and perhaps also to his men. He puts his own sentiments onto as men when he claims that “no lord” fears the green intruder. When the knight first proposes his deadly game (stanza 13) King Arthur reacts violently to the challenge, and speaks defensively. He says “if battle though seek thus bare, thou’lt fail not here to fight” It seems clear that, in challenging his willingness to participate, the Knight has challenged Arthur’s authority and power.
Arthur attempts to redeem himself by accepting the challenge. But his rank is more fortified when one of his followers, Gawain, accepts the quest in his place, showing the loyalty of Arthurs men. (stanza 16). Oddly enough, this seems to show Gawain as an embodiment of the court, rather then Arthur.
The games are taken to a new level of honor when Gawain is challenged to the hunting games with the king of the hall near the green chapel. He seems joyful at the chance, saying “I agree to it all”, which seems to match Arthurs playful, adolescent spirit. He sees no reason to refuse a game. The men seek every chance to prove their worth to each other.
The first, and most obvious, is to give the king the chance to leave while his wife seduces Gawain. (Stanzas 49, 59, and 71)) The seduction might be considered a game in and of itself. The Lady toys with Gawain, playing first innocent, then gracious, in order to score his intimate attentions, and win his trust. During the first bedroom scene it is said that “with laughter the lady thus lightly jested” (stanza 49). During the second one, both the lady and Gawain “laughed and long they played” (Stanza 61). Yet, in the last one, she “in love making had n liking to sleep.” This is clearly a progression which closely mirrors the challenge which brought Gawain to begin with, beginning as play, and then slowly taking on a very serious form, as he learns to fear for his life and regret his actions.
She then presses upon him love tokens, she “proffered and pressured him” ( stanza73) . The tokens then in turn show him faithless and hurt his cause in winning his “game” against the knight.
The hunting scenes, themselves also show a similar progression. Bertilak begins by felling a herd of prey-like deer (stanza 47), and then brings back a huge boar (stanza 57), and finally he spends a long chase bringing down a sly fox (stanza 68). This again shows how a game can go from being simply a test of skill, like bringing back the large amounts of meat in the first to, to a simple show of force and betterment, as with the fox.
Not only does playing a game “by the rules” show respect for your opponent, but to play well, and chivalrously, brings honor to one-self in the era. Cheating is not only considered “wrong” but it is considered unbefitting to one of high rank. One, who can play strongly, by the rules, wins not only the prize associated with the game, but also the respect, loyalty, and honor of his fellows.
Near the end of the text, when the deception of Gawain, and the true identity of the Green Knight come out (stanza 95), Gawain learns a lesson in humility, and seems to comprehend that what has taken place is much more then just recreation. Life, death, love, sex, status, honor, chivalry, and many other heavy matters have all played out, seemingly as a result of the knights’ challenge to a “game.” The Texts says it was “torment to tell the truth” (stanza100). Yet, in the End, Arthur acts as if it where trivial, merely a “game” and all is made sport of by the court (Stanza 101).
Simulated tests of strength, wit, and social structure are not unknown to us. Their form has changed in some degree. In years past, hunts and rough sports were common, where now, while we still practice these, we also use cards, and even video games to enhance our knowledge and push our limits in strategy, critical thinking, and resourcefulness. While it may no longer affect our social standing, games are, ironically, not all fun and games. They are an essential part of ours, and any society.
