English 1022E Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Misogyny, Insomnia

• School: Western University
• Department: English
• Course: English 1022E
• Professor: Lorraine Dicicco

Document Summary

Gawain struggles with insomnia due to anxiety and psychological turmoil. He is forced to arm himself both physically and psychologically. His dressing is ironic because he is arming for the test, but it has actually already occurred (and he failed it). Is sure to wear the green girdle so that he will be spared death. He is described as a bold knight, yet really he is a coward in the face of death (he trusts solely in the power and superstition of an object. Gawain is provided with a servant to assist him in escorting him to the green chapel. The servant tells gawain that this chapel is the worst place to go and that he would tell no one if gawain fled (save him from embarrassment or shame). Yet he proclaims that he will not be a coward. (but is still trusting in the green girdle).