Hummanism in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
During the fourteenth century the Pearl Poet produced the story, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This century was an important span in English history because the failure of the feudal system allowed the rise of the renaissance. Through his plot and characters the Pearl Poet captured the emerging view of humanism. He presented the story of Sir Gawain, the most gallant of all knights, and his failure to live up to the code of chivalry. Contrary to what one may expect the Pearl Poet did not show scorn towards Gawain, but rather compassion. By examining the tone caught within the story the reader may also observe a major change occurring in society during the time of the Pearl Poet: a leaning view towards humanism.
Gawain is both courageous and noble. His acceptance of the Green Knight's challenge not only shows loyalty to his lord, but also loyalty to the code of chivalry. He later demonstrates his honor by keeping his vowed word by seeking out the Green Chapel. Even when faced with the temptations of a beautiful queen Sir Gawain abides by the code. Not until the story is half through does Gawain first break the code of chivalry, dishonoring an agreement with a lord. This bargain required that both the lord and Gawain exchange the items that they acquired with one another at the conclusion of each of three days. However, Gawain broke this agreement by keeping a girdle that was given to him by the queen on the third day. Although this action was not chivalrous, the Pearl Poet chose to describe it as justifiable. The girdle would make Gawain invincible, so would it not seem rational that he kept it knowing he would have his head chopped off the next day? The reader is brought to the acknowledgment of Gawain's plight, sympathizing with him. Success of a novel with the like emotions would not occur in a society without a slightly humanistic perspective.
Sir Gawain's second plunder is his "retreat from battle." This is more metaphorical than actual for Gawain does not withdraw from any battle, but rather flinches at the swing of an axe. In the mind of Gawain, however, the actions are one in the same. Although he feels he has broken the code of chivalry for a second time the Pearl Poet still grants him pardon. Is it not a natural instinct to flinch at the sight of a blow? It is after three swings of the axe that the Green Knight finally grants Gawain clemency. During Gawain's reiteration of his adventure the Pearl Poet does much to endorse his view of humanism. In the line The King and all the court comforted the knight? (Stone 124), it can clearly be seen that the Pearl Poet does not shun what the Gawain did. In fact, only a few lines later, the Pearl Poet actually seems to approve of Gawain's actions. This may be seen through his description of what the knights then did: ?each man of the brotherhood should bear a baldric, / a band, obliquely about him, of a bright green? (125). If the Pearl Poet did not find Gawain's actions justifiable it is highly unlikely he would have portrayed the round table in such a way. Thus we find the humanism a prominent perspective throughout the story.
Throughout Sir Gawain and the Green Knight an undercurrent of humanism can clearly be seen. The Pearl Poet, through his production of this novel, provides the reader with a glimpse into the changes occurring during the fourteenth century. The ideals of the code of chivalry were not being completely replaced, but rather altered to fit the new humanistic view of the world. The code was finally being acknowledged guide, and not a strict doctrine. The emerging humanist views only gained momentum with time, paving the way for the era known as the renaissance.