The Pentangle in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Essay

The Pentangle in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight When writing, never explain your symbols. The author of ``Sir Gawain and the Green Knight dropped this unspoken rule when he picked up his pen. Why? The detailed description and exposition of the pentangle form the key to understanding this poem. By causing the reader to view Gawains quest in terms of the pentangle, the narrator compares the knightly ideals with the reality of Gawains life. The narrator uses the pentangle to promote the knightly ideals, but he also accentuates the primary need for truth in knightly conduct. Finally, the difference between Gawains reaction to his failure and others perception of his faults remind the reader that no one can reach the ideal, and†¦show more content†¦Such a long explanation seems out of place in a poem full of fast-paced action, supernatural beheadings, seductive temptresses, and jolly hunts. The narrator realizes this but plunges into his description after inserting a disclaimer: ``And why the pentangle is proper to that peerle ss prince / I intend now to tell, though detain me it must (30. 623-4). This alerts the reader to pay attention, that the symbolic meaning of the pentangle is important to a proper understanding of thenarrators message. The five pointed star is primarily ``a token of truth; truth is the largest significance of the pentangle (30. 626). Yet this star is no ordinary symbol. Gawains coat of arms links more strongly to its symbolic meaning than most other knightly symbols, which were often taken from nature and mythology. The pentangle is not an ancestral coat of arms, for it applies to Gawain only. Thus Gawain takes it much more seriously than other knights would consider their own symbols. He defines his life by this symbol and attempts, with much success, to exemplify the traits it represents. The five edges stand for characteristics that make Gawain ``foremost of men (30. 655), worthy of the pentangle on his shield. Note that Gawain must live up to his shield; he measures himself by his shield,Show MoreRelatedThe Pentangle Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight1947 Words   |  8 PagesThe pentangle in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight which is displayed on the front side of Gawain’s shield, represents his knighthood and all that Gawain stands for. â€Å"In particular, Gawain s courtesy is associated with his virtue in the symbolic device of the pentangle in his shield (Morgan, p.770).† One of the points of the pentangle represents courtesy, which means a knight has to be courteous to not only women, but also men, in order to be able to be seen as reaching this pillar. Courtesy is anRead MoreExamples Of The Pentangle In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight1233 Words   |  5 PagesIn the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain brings two very different items to face the Green Knight. 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