Journal of Taibah University the first issue

Medieval and Renaissance Values in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
and Spenser’s Epithalamion
9
we will see, gives such social context much more emphasis than the
medieval, Gawain-poet. As a poem representing the medieval moral
world, Sir Gawain focuses on Christian notions and ideals. The hero
is traditionally depicted as wholly dedicated to Christian ideals; a
brave knight who serves God. Gawain, consequently, stands for both,
knightly and human, Christian perfection. The poet gradually
develops this image of perfection, as the plot progresses. The
adventure of Gawain has a moral significance that is deeply allied
with Christian, spiritual values. Gawain is a representative of the
King’s court, and his true humility is frequently evident. He shows
humility even when the readers would anticipate a totally different
attitude, like boasting of his remarkable bravery. Loyal to King
Arthur, he decides to take over the formidable challenge against the
Green Knight. He addresses his King:
I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest;
And the loss of my life would be least of any;
That I have you for uncle is my only praise (354-6).
In addition to his humility, Gawain’s words suggest remarkable
allegiance towards King Arthur. In his view of himself, Gawain is, in
fact, a unique hero of medieval romance, according to W. A.
Davenport. Although he is presented in traditional heroic situations to
symbolize exemplary noble behavior, Gawain is not quite similar to
other medieval heroes. For example, Gawain’s perception of himself,
cited above, frequently displays “modest, conventional selfdepreciation.”
12 True humility, therefore, becomes a distinct quality of
Gawain, especially as he encounters his first crucial moral test. The
most obvious example of such humility appears in his gentle
responses to the initial seduction of the “little din at his door” (1183),
that “I am one all unworthy” (1244) and that “the praise you report
pertains not to me,/ But comes of your courtesy and kindness of heart”
(1266-7). When the first part of the contest is terminated with the
beheading of the Green Knight, Gawain immediately prepares to seek
the Green Knight’s chapel in order to receive his due blow. His
departure is unequivocally portrayed in Christian terms: “So armored
as he was, he heard a mass,/ Honored God humbly at the high altar”
(592-3), and his fellow knights were “commending him to Christ”
(596). Gawain indeed launches in a sacred mission, for as a Christian
knight, he is aware of his religious duties, such as attending masses.
The portrayal of Gawain’s departure gives the impression of a
Christian warrior preparing to take part in a crusading mission. In
fact, as Gawain draws the image of Christ on the cross, the poet’s
association between the hero and Christ cannot be missed. He