The Power of Persuasion in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight...

From the power of persuasion to the value of honor and beyond, one can witness many facets of human nature played out among the pages of â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight†. No theme of which can be seen more impeccably than the showcase of virtue verses sin. As Gawain is launched into tests of courtesy it is clear that much more is being examined than just his execution of courteous behavior, it is the nature of those around him that is also being taken into account. It is interesting how an author uses the combination of a negatively imbued foe and a positively inspired hero to highlight the traits most desirable for the mere mortals reading such a tale. In â€Å"Sir Gawain† the author uses some of the seven deadly sins to poetically draw†¦show more content†¦Pride is the chief of the seven deadly sins because it is the hardest sin to overcome. No matter how pious a person’s actions are the knowledge that they’re being holy can contribute to the inflation of their pride in their piety. Such a case is highlighted for us in â€Å"Sir Gawain† after the Green Knight makes his challenge to Arthur’s court. No one in Arthur’s court steps up to take the challenge set before them .The Green Knight takes this as cowardice and berates them asking where their arrogance and pride is now. Arthur, of course, is upset by this taunting and takes to the duty asked. (Lines 309-342) Here the reader is shown how much Arthur values the reputation of his courtesy. It is this pride and arrogance that gets him in a pinch of trouble. Luckily, Gawain beseeches Arthur by asking if he â€Å"Would grant (him) the grace† to come down and take over the fight in his stead. (Lines 343-361) This is an example of Gawain’s famous courtesy. Gawain swoops in and asks to release his boss from the contract of a dual in the most eloquent and almost shy manner imaginable. This relates to pride in that Gawain is the most courteous of the knights and thus is the jewel of his king’s court, but he asks humbly if his Lord and Lady would allow him the privilege of his request. It is Arthur’s pride that gets him into trouble and Gawain’s courtesy that gets him out of it. Though Gawain’s courtesy is an excellent trait it is also aShow MoreRelated Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Essay1602 Words   |  7 PagesSir Gawain and The Green Knight Summary The story begins in King Arthurs court, where he and the Knights of the Round Table are celebrating New Years. While they are enjoying their feast, a gigantic Green Knight rides in on a green horse with an immense axe in his hand to offer them a challenge. His offer is: I shall bide the fist blow, as bare as I sit†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.., but in twelve month and one day he shall have of me the same. 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