Masculinity In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

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During the middle ages, sexual completions were a huge part of being considered masculine. In order for men to keep their masculinity from being considered fragile, they would demonstrate their toughness with their thoughts and actions- especially sexual actions. The duty of a man was to keep their lady friends satisfied. If a man was unable to do this, he had failed at being a man. With this being said, it is questioned how Sir Gawain, the main character of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, was able to maintain his masculinity. Many may believe Gawain was portrayed as feminine and tender for having retained from sex with Bertilak's lady. In my opinion, Gawain is actually found to be more masculine than feminine. How was Gawain portrayed …show more content…

He tests Gawain's masculinity; to do this, he must prove that he is masculine enough to express judgment in the first place. His manliness is proven when Sir Gawain and the Green Knight says, "Than in at the hall door comes a frightening figure, He must have been taller than anyone in the world." (135-137) With his broad shoulders and well-built body, the Green Knight meets the requirement of him being able to judge Gawain in the first place. After Gawain chops off the Green Knight's head, the story tells us, “But he stepped forth as strong as ever, on unshaken legs," (434-436) which again shows us his …show more content…

He crafts a type of restraint to Gawain in being involved in any sexual roles. It is shown that Arthur is asserting dominance over Gawain by locking him within his armor and giving him a shield to protect him from the bad desires that come his way. Once Arthur is ready for Gawain to leave, he makes sure everyone shows him honor by saying, "Now Gawain was ready and gay; His spear he promptly caught And gave them all good day." (666-668) This shows everyone acknowledges Gawain for facing the challenges as a man. Daring to even face the challenge of the Green Knight is the most courageous and masculine thing in itself. "Scaling many cliffs in country unknown. At every bank or beach where the brave man crossed water, He found a foe in front of him, except by a freak of chance." (715-717) Gawain is able to successfully pass the first trials by keeping his word to Arthur. Other father figures seen here are Christ and Mary; for Christ and Mary are watching him, and they are the ones Gawain asks for help. He is able to stay brave and bold as he travels through hard weather and by fierce animals. The fact that Gawain does not give up no matter what situation comes face to face with him also shows the toughness of

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