Final answer:
The excerpt does not describe Sir Gawain's actions toward the Green Knight but features another chivalric character, Sir Lancelot. A "red-cross knight" symbolizes a knight dedicated to a Christian cause or representing England, notably tied to Saint George. The poem intertwines romantic and gothic themes through a context of chivalry and mysterious adventures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem presents an intense moment involving Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which is a core part of the tale from Arthurian legends. However, the provided excerpt does not specifically detail the encounter between Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Instead, it focuses on another knight of Arthur's round table, Sir Lancelot, and his own adventure. The typical clash between Sir Gawain and the Green Knight involves Sir Gawain striking the Green Knight with his weapon, which is then followed by various tests of virtue, courage, and honor that Sir Gawain must endure. Tracings of romantic and gothic themes are evident throughout Arthurian literature, often including elements such as chivalry, love, and adventures within a dark and mysterious setting.
The term "red-cross knight" refers to a knight who bears the symbol of the red cross, often symbolizing service to a Christian cause or representing England, famously associated with Saint George. In a broader literary context, it may also refer to a character from Edmund Spenser's epic poem, 'The Faerie Queene', which is an allegory and a vehicle for moral and spiritual reflection rooted in the age of chivalry.