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The Green Belt in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

This fourteenth century poem, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” represents medieval life during the time of King Arthur and his court. Sir Gawainwas a praised knight whose strength, courage, and charm resulted in his being remembered as one of the most important figures in medieval history. In the story of “Sir Gawain in the Green Knight”,Gawain has to go beyond what is considered the code of chivalry to show that he is naturally human; alike anyone else living in his time period. Gawain’s main challenge is to avoid temptation as well askill the Green Knight with his own axe. As Gawain travels to seek the Green knight, he is seduced by the King’s wife. She continues to bribe him by asking for gifts and kisses, which does not seem tomake an impact on Sir Gawain because he turns down her offerings. What does make an impact is how Sir Gawain is not viewed as one who portrays such bravery and strength, like other high honoredknight should have. This impact is symbolized by Gawain receiving the magic girdle in order to escape death. Was Sir Gawain justified in keeping the girdle in order to save his life? This answer is onlyfound in the aspect of human nature.                                                            
Gawain represents the highest honor of a knight and it goes against all codes of chivalry to find a wayout of death. Like any contract you make with a nation, it is a duty and honor to serve a country whether that means living or dying for it. Gawain goes against this code of chivalry by taking theopportunity to save himself from death. This green silk girdle the woman had was not any typical piece of cloth. The cloth that Gawain receives protects him from death. Human nature is clear in thissituation because just like any human, Gawain accepted the lifeline. By Sir Gawain being a Knight of honor, it is his right and duty, in a sense, to go against human nature for the well being of the...