Final answer:
Gawain admits to his guilt of cowardice and unchivalric behavior primarily because he feared for his own life. Option (B) 'Because he was afraid of losing his own life', is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When facing the Green Knight's axe, Gawain flinched, revealing his fear of death despite his renowned chivalry. His act of flinching was a manifestation of human instinct rather than deliberate cowardice, yet it clashed with the idealized image of a fearless knight. Additionally, his acceptance of the lady's gift, the green girdle, represented a moral compromise, deviating from the chivalric code of truthfulness and honor.
However, the core of his guilt lies in his fear of mortality, which contradicted the valor and fearlessness expected of a knight. By admitting his failure to maintain unyielding bravery in the face of potential death, Gawain acknowledges his lapse in chivalric conduct, emphasizing his inner struggle between human vulnerability and the heroic expectations placed upon him.
Correct answer: B) Because he was afraid of losing his own life