Can a story be both entertaining and contain a moral value, or only one or the other? To some the fable "Little Red Riding Hood- serves as merely a moral lesson not to talk to strangers, however to others it is just another bed time story. In the story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are strong traces of both a moral and entertaining quality. This is why people still continue to read it today.
Sir Gawain is the most faithful and prestigious knights of King Arthur's round table. He is the nephew of the King and next in line to the throne. Gawain represents the good of all good. As the green knight comes to challenge someone to a battle, Gawain takes Arthur's place and sacrifices his life. The deal with the green knight is Gawain can take one chop at the green knight's neck with an axe if one year later the deed may be returned. Although terrified Gawain accepts because that is what a proper knight would do.
For the purpose of a moral Gawain is represented as holy and perfect. But later we fine out that he is not as perfect as he thinks. However, this part of the story is more entertaining than moralistic. By showing the knight participating in a sort of deadly and dangerous game.
Towards the end of the story Gawain sets of to see the green knight. He encounters many obstacles which he easily surpasses, however one will prove the faults he did not believe he had. On his journey he staysat a castle with Bertilak of Hautdersert and his wife. During his stay Bertilak offers him a deal, which is:.
And Gawain, said the good host, agree now to this: Whatever I win in the woods I will give you at eve, And all you have earned you must offer to me; Sweat now, sweet now, to swap as I say, Whether hands, in the end, be empty or better (SGGK, ll1105).
Gawain gladly accepts this offers and heads off to bed.
On the first day as he awakens Birtilak's wife enters his room and he pretends to sleep.
