Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

1
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Romance was a medieval tale based on
• Legend
• Adventure
• Supernatural
• Chivalric love

2
ROMANCE

• Named for the French poets who wrote of the
  gallant tales of knights in Roman dialects.
• The word novel means new, fresh, original
• The word for novel in French is roman

3
Chivalric or Courtly Love

• Pure and idealized
• Remains unconsummated
• Knight dedicates his deed to a lady
• LOVE FROM A FAR

4
Three Medieval Romance Elements

• Beheading Game Vegetation myth with a ritual
  death to ensure Spring and Crops
• Exchange of winnings kisses, green girdle
• Temptation Story knights wife

5
Characteristics of Medieval Romances

• Embodies the ideals of chivalry
• Set in a remote time or place
• Emphasizes rank and social order
• Conveys a sense of the supernatural

6
Characteristics of Medieval Romances

• Presents a hero in a true adventure
• Loose structure, lacking unity
• Love is a major plot element
• Features spontaneous, unmotivated fighting