Blog Post 10/27 Sir Gawain

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was an interesting read. There were many moving parts in a story that at first glance seems pretty simple. The notion that "worth" is a relative term is called into question in this book. Gawain believes that he is worthless in the eyes of King Arthur and his court. That is why he volunteers to challenge the Green Knight. His lack of self-worth in this case actually makes Sir Gawain worthy. A worthy volunteer who has value in the eyes of the rest of the court.
Gawain's humility has an important place in the Court and although King Arthur is seen as having more value in terms of status due to his wealth and heroics in a more traditional and masculine sense, Sir Gawain is celebrated as a hero in his own right. His self-worth makes it difficult for him to see himself that way. Gawain is ultimately judged as worthy by his peers when he stands up to the Green Knight (the ultimate symbol of strength and confidence) as his true bravery.

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