It is often associated with spring, and .
hunters wear green as camouflage. (1).
According to Twomey's explanation of the Pearl Poet's use of the color green, one may interpret the symbolism of the color as a foreshadowing of upcoming events in the story.
For example, green, as a symbol of jealously and inconstancy in love, prophesizes the adulterous advances towards Sir Gawain by Bercilak's wife. It is unknown at the beginning of the story that the Green Knight is, in fact, Bercilak. A close look at the mysterious knight's color, and what that color may represent, gives the reader a clue.
It is also interesting to note that hunters often wear green as camouflage. The word camouflage is synonymous with the word disguise. Bercilak disguised himself as the Green Knight in an effort to test Sir Gawain's virtue.
The most important symbol in the second part of the poem, and perhaps the most important symbol in the entire story, is Sir Gawain's shield. In, The Norton Anthology, World Masterpieces, we read:.
Then they showed forth the shield, that shone all red, with the pentangle portrayed .
in purest gold. About his broad neck by the baldric he casts it that was meet for .
the man, and matched him well. And why the pentangle, is proper to that peerless .
prince I intend now to tell, though detain me it must. On the inner part of his shield .
[the Virgin Mary] portrayed, that when his look on it lighted, he never lost heart .
(1472-1743).
According to the article, "ClassicNote on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:".
The Pentangle on the outside can be seen as a symbol of chivalric values; indeed .
the five virtues of Franchise, Fellowship, Cleanness, Courtesy, and Charity quickly .
summarize the chivalric code. The image of the Virgin Mary on the other hand, .
obviously symbolizes Christian faith.