The image of the Virgin Mary was engraved on the inside of his shield, but she wasn't called by her name; rather, she was referred to as "the high Queen " (647). ... "Then they showed forth the shield, that shone red With the pentangle portrayed in purest gold " (619-620). The pentangle was a five-pointed star of biblical significance. ...
Ever pious, Gawain continuously finds guidance in God: from the image of the Virgin Mary on the inside of his shield to his prayers while journeying alone, to his narrow escape from the adulterous temptations of Lady Bertilak. ... We see this type of spiritual guidance throughout the tale and most concretely in the pentangle painted onto Gawain's shield, which depicts the face of Mary in its center. ... This pentangle represents the five virtues in which Gawain aspires: perfection of his five senses, strength in his five fingers, devotion to the five wounds of Christ on the cross, reflect...
As Gardner said, " he is the nephew of Authur himself and Mary's own" (Gardner 163). ... One is the Virgin Mary. Gawain is completely devoted to her; he is known by the translator, Gardner, as "Mary's Knight" (Galenet). ... Also in Gawain's favor, he possesses the pentangle on his shield. ...
THE LITERATURE OF ENGLAND OUTLINE I. Characteristics of the Middle Ages A. Christian Beliefs B. Pagan Beliefs C. Adventure II. Characteristics of the Renaissance A. Teachings of Moral and Virtue B. Good vs. Evil III. Characteristics of the Resto...
