Sir Gawain - The Changing Nature of the Quest

             Sir Gawain and The Green Knight is a description of a seeking that was taken by Sir Gawain, one of the knights of the Round Table. The quest itself has a few major parts, where the hero is being called, tested along the way, and at the end, he returns. Indeed, Sir Gawain, the hero, is on the journey of adventure with the explicit purpose – to uphold the code of chivalry. The violation of the code would mean a loss of honor. Still, while following the hero on his odyssey from Camelot to the Green Chapel, the real nature of the quest and some other implicit purposes, nonetheless important, are becoming visible. Apart from heroism and with evident human concerns, Sir Gawain is a hero, but also a human in strives for perfection. The standards of perfection are set by the Church and the King and, apparently, the highest one is set by Gawain himself. Under these influences, the quest is being shaped and turned from heroic towards the spiritual type, with the clear purpose – to maintain the ideals.
             Surely, the main purpose of Sir Gawain's journey is presented at the very same beginning, whereas he of all "beardless children" (240), accepts the challenge to exchange blows with the unexpected green guest in a year and the day's time. Gawain modestly points out that "My body, but for your blood, is barren of worth; -and for that, this folly befits not a king, - And 'tis I that have asked it, it ought to be mine" (241). Therefore, in order to obtain the code of chivalry exercising courage and loyalty towards King, Gawain is set on the quest. But it is also important for Gawain to fulfill his oath for if he avoids it he shall "be counted a recreant knight" (243). At this point, the quest is heroic for Gawain's return is highly questionable. "There was much sorrow suffered that day...To bear a bitter blow, and his bright sword lay by." (246)
             Inevitably, numerous challenges and tests will take place along the way to fulfill the oath give...

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