Brit Lit. Can anyone help w/ Sir Gawain and green knight?

[darlibby]

Hi guys, I'm studying for my British Lit midterm and I was hoping for some help on Sir Gawain.

How are people not who they seem in the work? How is this like Spenser's Book I of The Faerie Queene?

I know the Green Knight is the host of the castle that Gawain stays at, and he has doesn't know that the host is indeed the Green Knight.

I know that alone won't be a sufficient answer... what am I missing? Thanks.

[Whifflingpin]

I hope this is not for an assignment to be handed in yesterday. I'll have a think - if no-one else answers.

Meantime, try turning the question on its head. How are people not who they seem in Faery Queen? Are there any parallels in Gawain?

[PeterL]

Hi guys, I'm studying for my British Lit midterm and I was hoping for some help on Sir Gawain.

How are people not who they seem in the work? How is this like Spenser's Book I of The Faerie Queene?

I know the Green Knight is the host of the castle that Gawain stays at, and he has doesn't know that the host is indeed the Green Knight.

I know that alone won't be a sufficient answer... what am I missing? Thanks.

"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is an allegory, as is The Faerie Queene. I don't recall what which character represents, but they aren't complicated. I would suggest that you reread the poem slowly and take notes. The beginning is important, and some of the details of Gawain's trip to the castle are important. Pay close attention to what happens at the castle: To whom does Gawain speak; what do they talk about; what does the Green Knight catch during the hunts; etc. It isn't a difficult work.