by Jennie Mc Donald

Created on: February 10, 2009

According to the Oxford English dictionary, a hero is a person of exceptional bravery, who is admired for their superior qualities and achievements. I intend to argue today along with Amanda, that Sir Gawain is without a doubt a true heroin of his time. He possesses qualities such as, courage, honesty, chivalry and integrity.

The first glimpse of Gawain's courage can be seen when the Green knight fails to get a reply to his challenge, he begins to taunt all those who are in the hall, he exclaims, What! Is this Arthur's house, [] about which all the talk runs through so many realms? Where now are your pride and your triumphs, your ferocity and your anger, and your bragging words? Now the revelry and the renown of the Round Table have been overthrown by a single word form one man's mouth, for all of you are cowering with fear without a blow being offered!' This taunting provokes a reaction and causes great offence, not only to the king but to the community as a whole, which is partially why Gawain takes it upon himself to defend their honour. It is at this point that the reader first sees Gawain's true character; he asks King Arthur to allow him to take the challenge, for it is so foolish; it does not befit a king. In doing so he demonstrates a great deal of respect and loyalty towards his king.

Gawain states, I am the weak, I know, and the most deficient in understanding, and my life would be the smallest loss, if the truth be known'. This humble modesty is to be admired as the motivation behind this cannot be for personal gain, as he believes he is to lose his life in doing so. Gawain recognises that the death of King Arthur as head of the state would be devastating to the community; this is why his acceptance of the challenge can be seen as a deed of selflessness, and not one of pride. This in a sense shows Gawain's heroism, as he is the only knight brave and courageous enough to stand forward.

When it comes to the time for Gawain to leave and seek out the Green knight he does so with strength and courage, his true bravery is revealed when he says "what should I shrink from? What can one do but plumb to the depths what fate hold in store, painful and pleasant alike?'" (p. 61). This shows that Gawain is not afraid of facing his destiny; he stands by his commitments, even though this may cost him his life, his honesty and bravery gives him a heroic stance.

Throughout the poem, Gawain is tested and is found to be truthful until he is tested in the gift-giving game.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>