The Intersection of Human Instinct and Chivalrous Code in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" Brenna Von den Benken College

In the anonymously written, late 14th century Middle English Arthurian poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, human instinct intersects with chivalrous codes in Gawain’s conflicting tests of integrity. While the narrative promotes chivalrous customs through Gawain’s attempt to maintain his loyal reputation, it examines the extent to which some customs become contradictory. Specifically, during the “Exchange of Winnings” game between Gawain and his host, Lord Bertilak, knightly codes of chivalry and courtly love conflict with each other, as well as, with Gawain’s natural instincts. Consequently, Gawain’s unyielding allegiance is compromised. Throughout the poem, instinct is explicitly depicted through ironic animal symbolism and further examined through the signification of sexual instinct by Lady Bertilak as well as Gawain’s precarious acceptance of the “green girdle” as a means of survival.

During Lord Bertilak’s hunting escapades, the thematic notion of instinct that pervades the poem is illustrated by the ironic animal symbolism of the slain deer, boar, and fox. In accordance with the “Exchange of Winnings” game, Lord Bertilak vows to gift Gawain with “whatever [he] catches in the wood” in return for “whatever mishap” Gawain...