Different Dimensions Used in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Different Dimensions Used in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by J.R.R. Tolkien

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, J.R.R Tolkien uses many different dimensions to keep the poem interesting. Each dimension that is presented has a contradiction, making the poem somewhat of a fantasy. By using these techniques Tolkien makes the poem more humorous and psychological. As a Christian knight Sir Gawain comes across many obstacles that attempt to lead him astray. He tries to make all the correct actions in his conquest, however sin and temptation force him to decide between good and evil. Although Tolkien presents a tale of a knight's chivalry and honor as well as the aspect of death, some of the situations are presented as comedic. I believe the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is more a light-hearted comedy than a tragedy, due to the implanted commentary on society. Tolkien also adds psychological effects to make the reader decide their own outcome of the poem, which makes the poem more interesting and entertaining.

When Tolkien wrote this poem, he made it multi-dimensional so that individuals who read it could establish a personal view and opinion. The reader is free to observe what they want from each individual

dimension. To some, this poem may seem romantic; to others it may seem chivalric, to me the story seems to be more humorous than anything. The story seems comical throughout the poem, such as when Gawain comes back from the Green Knight's castle and he tells the story of his voyage. To Gawain this is very serious and important, but his fellow knights laugh at him when they hear the story. This part of the poem also has a satirical dimension that some people fail to see. Gawain had to go the Green Kni...

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... to Gawain because he should know his fate and be confident that he will survive without material things for protection.

Throughout this saga, J.R.R Tolkien uses multi-dimensions to keep the reader on their toes. Whoever may read this poem will derive his or her individual version. I believe this poem is a comedy because Tolkien uses so many dimensions. The poem seems humorous to me because of all the satire and fantasy used by Tolkien. By combining many different dimensions to the poem such as satire, religion, psychology, and reality, Tolkien allows the reader to view the poem from any angle. As he presents a dimension, another opposing dimension is also revealed. In using this writing technique, Tolkien unlocks doors to a fantasy world where anything can be imagined and what is imagined becomes reality.

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