Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Discussion and Essay Options

1. There are three different reactions to Sir Gawain’s sin at the end of the poem. Examine each, and explain why they are so different.

2. At the end of the poem, the green knight declares that Gawain is the best of all Arthurian knights. This opinion is shared by the Arthurian court but not by Gawain. Why does Gawain disagree? Explain.

3. Examine the significance of the green girdle. Does its significance change as the poem progresses? Explain.

4. Examine the women in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Do they have similar/different roles? What is the function of each. What can you conclude about the depiction of women in the poem?

5. In Part 4, Gawain says, with regard to men, “Women ruined them; how wonderful if men/ Could love them well, but never believe them!” How should the reader take this “woman blaming” comment? Explain.