Sir Gawain and the Green Knight the Exploration of a...

Tragic and hero may not be words that easily reveal a relationship, but throughout literature the two have been linked to create an enthralling read. The emergence of the tragic hero seemed to take shape in ancient Greece where such works as Oedipus and Antigone were popular among all classes of people. Aristotle defined a tragedy as the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself. It incorporates incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish the catharsis of such emotions. Though Greece may be credited with the creation of tragic heroes, the theme is seen in literary works across many different cultures, including England. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one such English work†¦show more content†¦In England during the medieval times, knights belonged to the noble class. They were viewed with respect and embodied many of the characteristics commoners held in lofty height such as faith, patience, honor, purity, and s elf sacrifice. In Gawains case he was not only a knight but the nephew of the Great King Arthur. Our story begins at King Arthurs court in Camelot at Christmastime. The lords and ladies of Camelot join Arthur and Guinevere in celebration through an enormous feast. The joyous occasion is interrupted when the imposing Green Knight rides straight into the court on his enormous steed. He challenges the court to play a game in which someone will strike him with his own axe, on the understanding that he gets to return the blow in exactly a year and a day. The court is shocked into silence as the Green Knight begins to goad them, referring to them as nothing more than bearded children. As Arthur prepares to accept the challenge, it is Gawain who rises and begs to be allowed to accept the trial himself. This crucial juncture, secures Gawains responsibility for his own fate. He must face this quest by his lonesome. The outcome is essentially up to him; his choices alone will reveal his futur e. As Gawain embarks on his journey, it may at first seem difficult to find him flawed; after all, he encounters and defeats beasts, as well as the elements itself. It is not till Gawain