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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Read the excerpt in your textbook on pages 229-237. This is Part
IV of the poem. Read the
summaries of Parts 1-3 that I provided for you on the
Introduction Handout so that you
understand the plot leading up to this section.
1. Close Reading for Description
Read the opening lines (1-25) on pages 229-230. In the box
below, draw the scene
that the poet has described. Clearly label at least five of
those images.
2. Imagery
What images make the setting of the confrontation seem demonic?
Do you think there is any symbolism in
the setting?
3. Alliteration
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One common literary device throughout this translation is
alliteration. Remember that alliteration occurs
when a series of words in a row (or close to a row) have the
same first consonant sound. For example, She
sells sea-shells down by the sea-shore or Peter Piper picked a
peck of pickled peppers are alliterations.
Find at least TEN alliterative phrases. Write down the words
that make up the alliteration, as well as the line
numbers on which each can be found.
Alliteration Example Line #(s)
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.
4. Tone
Tone is the writers attitude toward the material and/or readers.
Tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious,
ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc.
Look at the following quotes from the story. Write a paragraph
for each one describing the tone and using key
words from the quote to support your response.
A. For look how you flinch in fear before anythings felt! / I
never heard tell that Sir Gawain was ever acoward! (113-14).
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B. The Green Knight remained where he stood, relaxing on his ax
- / He said merrily, with a mighty voice /Here, dont be such an
ogre on your ground (172, 177, 179).
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5. Characterization
A. Lines 91-99 show something significant about Sir Gawains
character. Find at least two key words or phrases that
reveal the emotions Gawain is at this point in the story. In at
least one complete paragraph, describe Sir Gawains
character at that moment. Be sure to include at least the two
quotes you identified.
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B. Lines 210-228 show something significant about Sir Gawains
character. Find at least two key words or phrases
that reveal the emotions Gawain is experiencing after the Green
Knight tells him he knows of his past with his wife.
In at least one completeparagraph, describe Sir Gawains
character at that moment. Be sure to include at least the
two quotes you identified.
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C. Lines 180-198 show something significant about the Green
Knights character. Find at least three key words or
phrases that reveal the emotions of the Green Knight. What kind
of person is he? Does he uphold the Code of
Chivalry with Sir Gawain? In at least one completeparagraph,
describe the Green Knights character at that moment.
Be sure to include at least the two quotes you identified.
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7. Elements of Romance
In the back of your book on page 1429, the definition of ROMANCE
is presented. Review this definition. Then write a
paragraph describing how this particular excerpt from Sir Gawain
and the Green Knightconstitutes a romance. In
what ways is Gawain a superhuman romance hero? In what ways is
he weak or flawed, just as an ordinary person
might be? Cite details from the poem to support your response.
Consider the quest, the love of someone, loyalty,
courtly love, chivalry, and anything else you deem relevant to
this response.
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8. Comprehension Questions:
1. Who or what is Gringolet?
2. In which type of building does the Green Knight live?
3. What is the Green Knight doing when Gawain arrives?
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4. How many times does the Green Knight prepare to cut off Sir
Gawains head?
5. Who does the Green Knight turn out to be?
6. What happens after the Green Knights brings down the ax on
Gawains neck the first time?
7. What happens after the Green Knights brings down the ax on
Gawains neck the second time?
8.What happens after the Green Knights brings down the ax on
Gawains neck the third time?
