Essential Question #4

Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?

Gawain has stated that he might be mentally weak as he says, " I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest" (line 354). By saying "of wit feeblest", Gawain is stating that he is susceptible to temptations and has lustful desires because he is not experienced enough to overcome them on his own. As he is saying this, Gawain is signing his fate by taking on the Green Knight's challenge, which may lead him to his death. The nest incident is when he is having a secret affair with the host's wife “as each tends his affairs and those two tend their own" (1018-1019). Knights are to live by a code, but his lust for women has forced him to break a lot of these codes, namely chastity. As soon as this affair is done Gawain has to face a challenge with host and "all you have earned you must offer to me" (1107). If Gawain loses he has to offer everything he has taken and concludes all he has taken is the Hosts wife, which he can never pay back.

The author is trying to tell us to live a good wholesome and chaste life. As long as we follow God and remain pure of heart the more we benefit. Do not fall into your temptations or else you will be punished sooner or later.