His generosity was exhibited when he played the "winning game" with Sir Bercilak and always gave the Lord his fair winnings. He was also prided on his appearance and always made sure he was dressed in the finest ensembles.
II. Gawain strived for perfection in his knighthood, but fell to disloyalty.
- Gawain is disloyal in the fact that he did not give Sir Bercilak the green girdle that was given to him by his wife (384).
His disloyalty to Sir Bercilak shows that he is not a "perfect knight." Although he may represent "the Pentangle Knight" it is very hard to stay true to every aspect. "In accepting the girdle, Gawain lacks a little as servant of God, lacks a little as knight, and lacks a little as Christlike man" is how critic John Gardner interprets Sir Gawain (235).
- Gawain admitted, "I have shown myself false, I that ever was afraid of any treachery or untruth, and hated them. I make my confession to you, sir knight, between the two of us" (385).
Sir Gawain is now aware that he is not perfect and that being perfect is impossible. .
III. Through Gawain's trials and tribulations he stumbled upon the fact that every human has flaws. .
- Gawain returned to Camelot and told his stories of adventure and "when he came to the telling of this part he was tormented, and groaned for grief and sorrow, and the blood rushed to his cheeks with the shame of what he had to confess" (388).
Critic, John Gardner, states "No man of flesh and blood since Christ can be perfectly chivalrous"(235). Gawain knows he has flaws, but feels remorse for not being perfect. Perfection is a very important goal in the medieval times especially for knights. Literary critic, John Gardner, says that "for Gawain, who in his own view has sinned through lack of faith, is from the court's point of view a great hero" (235). Even though Gawain does not attain perfection, he is still highly praised for even attempting the task.
