Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Heros Journey1The JourneyA process of separation, transformation and returnAll must be completed successfully to become heroicIndividual growth8 cumulative steps2The CallInvites us into the adventureFace the unknownGain something of physical or spiritual valueWillingly or unwillingly3The ThresholdJumping off pointInterface between known and unknownthreshold guardians try to block the passage, but become mentor/helper in quest once were ready for challenge (i.e. parents)4The ChallengesEarly challenges are easier and build confidenceBecome more difficulttempters try to pull us from our call with fear, doubt or distractionChallenges strike our greatest weakness5Into the AbyssGreatest challengeslay the dragon6TransformationPart of us dies so that a new part can be born (i.e. fear dies to make way for courage)

7RevelationA dramatic change in the way we think or view life8The AtonementBecome at one with ourselvesIncorporated the changes in ourselves spiritually9The ReturnReturn to our lifeMay become richer, stronger, a great leader, spiritual guide or teacher10Where do we see this today?Forrest GumpThe Lion KingFinding NemoYour own life from childhood into adulthood11Sir Gawain and the Green KnightHonors English IVMs. HardisonDECHS 2014

Anticipation GuideMen often act macho to try to impress women.There are many double standards in society regarding men and women.Chivalry is dead.If a married man/woman is unhappy he/she should seek companionship elsewhere.It is worth it to die to save ones honor.

Sir GawainRomantic HeroBraveChildhood initiationFights against evil to promote peacePerforms extraordinary deeds with the help of magicSacrifice

Major Characters

Sir GawainThe storys protagonist. A loyal knight to King Arthur, as well as his nephew. Gawain goes on his quest to meet the Green Knight in order to uphold his knightly values.

The Green Knight Sir Gawains main opposition in the story. He is a richly decorated knight, who has green skin and hair.

King ArthurThe King of Camelot. Uncle of Sir Gawain. It is at his celebration feast that the Green Knight challenges the court to a game.

Bertilak de HautdesertThe Lord of the castle at which Gawain spends his time before meeting the Green Knight. We learn his true identity at the end of the story.

Minor Characters

Bertilaks wife- During the competition between Gawain and her husband, she tests Gawains integrity and honesty

Morgan le Faye (The old lady)- Powerful sorceress trained by Merlin. Assists Lady Bertilak in testing Gawain

Guinevere- King Arthurs wife and Queen. Seated next to Gawain during the courts feast. Settings

CamelotThe Holiday celebrations take place at King Arthurs castle in Camelot. It is here that the Green Knight challenges Gawain to exchange blows with him.

Bertilaks HomeOn his quest to meet the Green Knight, Gawain stays here for a short period of time.

The Green Chapel The supposed home of the Green Knight. Gawain is sent here to keep his end of the bargain which he made with the Green Knight at Arthurs holiday celebration a year prior

Major ConflictGawains struggle to decide between his duties as a knight and the worth of his own life.

Examples of The Code of ChivalryThou shalt defend the Church. Thou shalt repect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them. Live to serve King and Country. Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds dear. Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect and honor. Live for freedom, justice and all that is good. Never attack an unarmed foe. Examples from The Laws of Courtly LoveThou shalt avoid avarice like the deadly pestilence and shalt embrace its opposite. Thou shalt keep thyself chaste for the sake of her whom thou lovest. Boys do not love until they reach the age of maturity. When one lover dies, a widowhood of two years is required of the survivor. No one should be deprived of love without the very best of reasons. No one can love unless he is propelled by the persuasion of love. STOP HERE!!! Lets Act!NarratorKing ArthurSir GawainBertilakLady of the CastleGuideLords and Ladies

QuestionsDid Sir Gawain live up to the Code of Chivalry? The Laws of Courtly Love?What does Gawains faults as the hero tell us about society?If you were King Arthur would you have allowed Sir Gawain to accept the Green Knights challenge? Why?Is it more important to achieve ones goals or learn from ones mistakes?Links to YouTube videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrb9nj3c64A

NarratorLady of the Castle

Sir Gawain

King Arthur

King of the Castle

Green Knight