Question

What are the two central incidents in the poem that test Gawain's character as a knight which leads to a critical examination of chivalry?

A. The Green Knight's challenge and Gawain's encounter with Lady Bertilak
B. Gawain's loyalty to King Arthur and his defense of the castle
C. Gawain's quest for the Holy Grail and his fight against the dragon
D. Gawain's interactions with the Green Knight and the Fisher King

Answer 1

The correct option is A. The two central incidents that test Gawain's character as a knight and explore chivalry are the Green Knight's challenge and Gawain's encounter with Lady Bertilak.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two central incidents in the poem that test Gawain's character as a knight and lead to a critical examination of chivalry are A. The Green Knight's challenge and Gawain's encounter with Lady Bertilak. In the first incident, the Green Knight presents Gawain with a challenge: Gawain must strike him with an ax and allow the Green Knight to return the blow in one year. Gawain accepts the challenge and beheads the Green Knight, who picks up his own head and reminds Gawain of their agreement.

In the second incident, Lady Bertilak, the wife of Gawain's host, attempts to seduce Gawain while her husband is away. Gawain resists her advances but accepts a green sash, which she claims will protect him from harm. However, the sash later proves to be a symbol of Gawain's own moral failing.