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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper discusses the symbols and imagery in Gawain and the Green Knight. Special emphasis is given to the symbolism of knots throughout the work. Bibliography lists 1 source.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MBgrknot.rtf
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in the form of Gawains shield, the green girdle and the knot which appears on the Baldric that the kngits wear. These knots would seem to be making a certain
statement about life and in particular the society in which Gawain lives. The tale itself is a type of knot as well, tying and untying itself constantly. During the
time in which these stories were written there was a clash between Pagan and Christian belief systems. One can see this clearly represented in many of the imagery evident in
the story. For example, the knight is thought to be a agents of the Lord, however on Gawains shield there is a Pentagram, a pagan symbol for Spirit. In
addition, the setting of the story is during Christmastime, which was also a Pagan holiday. During this time the Winter is left behind and the emergence of spring is expected.
Pagans generally believe that the green man would return to usher in the spring. Thus, the emergence of the green knight on New Years Day has significance. The Green Knight,
when he appears, carries in his hands a branch of holly and a axe. This is one of the first knots, it should be said. This knot is the one
of balance. The Knight carries the potential for both peace and war. They are intimately bound to one another, it should be said, just as mankind is a curious blend,
a knot, of both good and evil. This knot is also representative of the intertwining link between the natural world (represnted by the holly) and the world of man
(the manmade axe). The Pentagle which appears on Gawains shield is also commonly called the never ending knot(Ross, 1987). This may symbolize the never ending faith of the
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