Gawain and the Green Knight: Key Plot Points and Symbols

What event does the poet trace back to the fall of Troy?

The history of Britain.

When does the main action begin at King Arthur's court?

Christmas.

Where is Arthur's court located?

Camelot.

What does Arthur refuse to begin until he hears about a marvel?

The feast.

What is the name of the mysterious visitor who enters Arthur's hall?

The Green Knight.

What does the Green Knight carry in one hand?

An axe.

What type of game does the Green Knight propose?

A beheading game.

Who is the first person to accept the Green Knight's challenge?

King Arthur.

Who asks to take Arthur's place in the challenge?

Sir Gawain.

What does Gawain cut off when he strikes the Green Knight?

His head.

What does the Green Knight do after Gawain cuts off his head?

Picks up his severed head.

Where must Gawain find the Green Knight a year and a day later?

The Green Chapel.

What does the Green Knight remind Gawain he will be considered if he fails to keep his promise?

A coward.

When does Gawain leave Camelot to find the Green Knight?

Around the feast of All Saints' Day.

What is the name of Gawain's horse?

Gringolet.

What symbol is painted on Gawain's shield?

A five-pointed star (pentangle).

What does the pentangle represent?

Gawain's ideals as a knight.

What challenges does Gawain face during his journey?

Dangerous animals, harsh weather, and difficult terrain.

What does Gawain pray for as Christmas approaches?

A place to attend Mass.

What does Gawain discover in the wilderness?

A magnificent castle.

What does the lord of the castle invite Gawain to do?

Remain through the Christmas festivities.

What do Gawain and the lord agree to exchange at the end of each day?

Whatever each man has won.

What animal does the lord hunt on the first hunting day?

Deer.

Who visits Gawain in his bedroom while the lord is away?

The lord's wife.

What does Gawain allow the lady to give him during her first visit?

A kiss.

What does Gawain give the lord in return for the kiss?

A kiss.

What animal does the lord hunt on the second hunting day?

A wild boar.

What does the lady continue to test during her visits?

Gawain's courtesy and chastity.

What animal does the lord hunt on the third hunting day?

A fox.

What are the three animals hunted in order?

Deer, boar, and fox.

What does the lady first offer Gawain during her final visit?

A gold ring.

What does she offer him next that he accepts?

A green girdle.

Why does Gawain accept the green girdle?

It is said to protect him from death.

What does Gawain promise the lady regarding the girdle?

To keep it secret from her husband.

How many kisses does Gawain receive from the lady by the end of the visits?

Six.

What does Gawain not give the lord in their exchanges?

The green girdle.

Whose agreement does Gawain break by keeping the girdle secret?

The lord of the castle.

What day does Gawain leave the castle to meet the Green Knight?

New Year's Day.

What does Gawain's guide warn him about the Green Knight?

He is extremely ruthless.

Why does Gawain refuse to run from the Green Knight?

It would damage his honor.

What does the Green Chapel look like when Gawain arrives?

A grassy knoll.

What is the Green Knight sharpening before striking Gawain?

His axe.

What does Gawain do on the first attempted blow?

Flinches.

What happens on the first two blows from the Green Knight?

Gawain is unharmed.

What does the third blow from the Green Knight do?

Gives Gawain a small cut.

What do the first two harmless blows correspond to?

Gawain's honesty in exchanging winnings.

What does the wound on the third blow correspond to?

Gawain hiding the green girdle.

Who does the Green Knight reveal himself to be?

The lord of the castle.

What was the purpose of the visits from the Green Knight's wife?

To test Gawain.

How does Gawain feel when he learns the truth about the Green Knight?

Deeply ashamed.

What does Gawain believe his actions showed?

Fear of death.

What does the Green Knight ultimately do instead of killing Gawain?

Forgives him.

Who arranged the adventure at Arthur's court?

Morgana Le Fay.

What does Gawain wear as a reminder of his failure?

The green belt.

What do Arthur's knights and ladies decide to wear in honor of Gawain?

A green belt.

What does the green belt symbolize for Arthur's court?

Honor and fellowship.

What does Gawain's test explore?

The conflict between promises and survival.

What is Gawain's greatest failure?

Hiding the girdle from the lord.

What does the poem ultimately suggest about admirable people?

They can fall short of their ideals.