Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Imagery Analysis

Knighthood was held as a high honor in feudal society during the middle Ages. Also known as the Dark Ages, this was a time of unruly economic and social conditions, in addition to the lack of a strong central government. Knights served as heroes to a kingdom and were especially honored in such times of turmoil. Among this dark period of history came poetry filled with adventure, drama, and mystery. Written in the 14th century and not discovered until the 1800’s, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight became a poetic masterpiece. Sir Gawain served his king bravely, courageously, and never declined a challenge, demonstrating the components of a true knight. The suit of armor may signify the strength and the status of a knight. A knight’s code of chivalry was proved not only by their words and actions, but also the shield in which they carried. Metals and pins may tell a story of what a hero or a chivalrous person has endured in order to earn it. Sir Gawain is described with a “shield and coat in view, he bore that emblem bright, as to his word most true, and in speech most courteous knight” (line 636-640). As Gawain heads off to the Green Chapel, he is acknowledged and praised as a …show more content…
The use of imagery is able to capture the essence of a poem. Imagery induces any or all of the five senses. From the stanza quoted in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, visual imagery is used. Previous lines tell the meaning of the pentangle. In this particular stanza, the pentangle is illuminated. The first line, “on shield and coat in view”, shows the pentangle in sight. The next line, “he bore that emblem bright,” readers can visualize brilliancy of the intense gold. As the stanza ends, Gawain’s characteristic is mentioned. He is “most true” to his words and is a brave knight. The imagery in this stanza helps create the visual accuracy of a great knight wearing a great