Morality Essay -- Character Analysis, Gawain

We as humans often try ourselves and our perceived virtues on the scale of our peers it is hard for us to form an veritable self view without the moral ruler of others. The obvious problem with this public human practice is that our analysis depends greatly on the company we keep. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight the poet explores Sir Gawains moral development throughout his ordeal, often juxtaposing his so-c eithered virtues against those of others, but finally, when he is alone, Gawain gains a sense of his true moral standing.The very moment of Gawains introduction, the proofreader begins to sum up his virtues. From his own mouth Gawain explains why he should accept the Green Knights challenge in place of the abilityI am the weakest, the most wanting in wisdom, I know,And my life, if lost, would be least missed, truly.Only through your being my uncle, am I to be valuedNo bounty but your blood in my form do I know. (Sir Gawain 34) Gawain bases his arguments in comparis on between his traits and those of the other knights. These arguments, although self-depraving, paradoxically increase the readers estimation of him. His humility is striking, and the fact that he agrees to the challenge temporary hookup the others - whom Gawain previously described as No unfearingr knights when battle is joined (Sir Gawain 34) - did not, casts doubt on the validity of him being the supposed worst among them. The author gives the reader no indication that anyone in the court attempts to refute Gawains bleak impudence saying only Then wisely they whispered of it,And after, all utter the sameThat the crowned King should be quit,And Gawain given the game. (Sir Gawain 34)This suggests that the common opi... ...y. When he returns donning the ladys green sash as a reminder of his sin, the poet juxtaposes Gawains shame of this figure The burden he bears for being caught by cowardice and covetousness (Sir Gawain 114) with the courts reactionAnd all the lords an d ladies belonging to the TableLaughed at it loudly, and concluded amiablyThat each brave man of the brotherhood should bear a baldricA band, athwart about him, of bright green,Of the same hue as Sir Gawains and for his sake get in it.So it ranked as renown to the Round Table,And an everlasting purity to him who had it, (Sir Gawain 114-115)This comparison truly shows that Gawain has escaped the moral mediocrity and obsession with double that seems to permeate King Arthurs Court. He no longer measures his virtue on the scale of others and hence, has reached moral fulfillment.