Gawain, Arthur, and Everyman
The medieval period was a time of great change for England. People began to abandon their old barbaric ways and adopt a knightly code of behavior known as chivalry. The most important aspects of life became truth, honor, courtesy, and valor. The literature of the time often stressed this standard of living by incorporating a spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation of one of the major characters. Everyman, Morte D'Arthur, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are three works of this period in which this is evident. "Full unready am I such reckoning to give. " This statement establishes early on in the work the plot of Everyman. When confronted by Death and warned of his final judgement, Everyman begs for time to make up his book of accounts and gather friends to accompany him on his final journey. He first goes to Fellowship, who abandons him as soon as he learns the nature of Everyman's request. Kindred and Cousin do likewise. Everyman next approaches Goods, only to receive yet another refusal. In a desperate attempt to find a companion, Everyman searches for Good Deeds, but she is too weak to go with him. She does, however, call her sister Knowledge to help. Knowledge leads Everyman to Confession and penance. Good Deed
Arthur, then knowing of his actions, told him to dispose of the sword properly. "I saw nothing," was Bedivere's reply. Upon his return, Arthur asks him what he saw. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**. s, then healed, joins Everyman along with Discretion, Strength, Beauty, and Five Wits. In Morte D'Arthur, Sir Bedivere faces a moral crisis. Sir Bedivere then does as he is told. Seeing how it could benefit him in his encounter with the Green Knight, Gawain keeps the girdle. Nearly a year later, as Gawain approaches the end of his journey, he comes across a castle. The Green Knight gladly offers forgiveness and says that the challenge has been fulfilled. The Green Knight then says that he knows of the girdle and of Gawain's broken promise at the castle, for the girdle was his and the lady of the castle his wife. Arthur, enraged, chides him, calling him a traitor. Gawain, shamed by his actions, asks for forgiveness and a chance to redeem himself. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight also deals with a moral wrongdoing and the correction of it. Again Sir Bedivere hides the sword and lies.
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Acceptance Essays
