Through all its complicated twists, redefinings and renamings, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" consistently develops the theme of chivalry. ... At the beginning of the story, Gawain is himself part of Camelot and assumedly adheres to the same ideals. ... Sure enough, when faced with the falling axe of the Green Knight, Gawain's "shoulders shrank a little from the sharp iron, " and more importantly, Gawain was willing to lie to accept and keep the girdle that was promised to save his life. ... The Green Knight has no real personal stake in the final judgment on Gawain. If anything, by pr...

• Word Count: 1568
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate