Afternoon of Alterity - Nazareth College

describing his fears of this place and referencing the devil: “Satanhimself / has tricked me in this tryst, intending to destroy me”(the fende, in my five wyttes, / that has stoken me this steven tostrye me here) (2193-2194). Corinne Saunders states that “magic isdemonic, whereas miracles occur through faith” (202). Thus, theGreen Knight’s demonization further associates him with magic. Ifthis is the case, then it is not only his red eyes but also his disturbingenvironment that make the Green Knight demonic. Once again heis connected to the magical, pagan world emphasizing the conceptthat to be demonic means to be pagan. It is this pagan world thatGawain discards after his atonement for his sins.The irruption of the textual reality begins at King Arthur’s court“as a fearful form appeared, framed in the door” (“Ther hales inat the halle dor an aghlich mayster”) indicating the Green Knight’sarrival (136). Bringing with him the pagan association, he disruptsthe “lovely illusory bubble,” or what they see as their perfect reality(Weiss 4). In truth, this disruption brings to light that their reality hassome flaws since a pagan element has appeared. After experiencinghis own faults of accepting paganism, Gawain eventually establishesthat a Christian reality should eliminate these pagan imperfections.Gawain recites what seems like heartfelt prayers: “let God be myguide” (“as God wyl me wysse”) (549) and “Let the Lord decide”(“Let God worche!”) (2208). However, as soon as he is tested, heresorts to pagan methods of magic to save him: for instance, thegreen girdle. Sweeney explains how Gawain “compromised his faithby choosing magic over reliance on God” when he took the girdlefor immortal protection (147). He simply could not resist when hediscoverd “the power knitted” within the belt, which will save himfrom any blow (“the costes that knit ar therinne”) (1849).As Gawain tucks the girdle away, he ironically rides to the chapelof worship. Not only does he speak empty words as he confesseshis sins, but he asks the priest to clear his mind. The priest then34 afternoons of alterity