Morality Essay -- Character Analysis, Gawain

We as humans often gauge ourselves and our perceived virtues on the scale of our peers it is hard for us to form an authentic self locating without the virtuous ruler of others. The obvious problem with this universal human give is that our analysis depends greatly on the company we keep. In Sir Gawain and the Green gymnastic horse the poet explores Sir Gawains moral development throughout his ordeal, often juxtaposing his supposed 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 subscriber begins to sum up his virtues. From his own mouth Gawain explains why he should adopt the Green Knights challenge in place of the kingI am the weakest, the most wanting in wisdom, I know,And my life, if lost, would be least missed, very. exactly through your cosmos my uncle, am I to be valuedNo bounty but your blood in my body do I know. (Sir Gawain 34) Gawain bases his arguments in comparison between his traits and those of the other knights. These arguments, although self-depraving, paradoxically increase the readers adhesion of him. His humility is striking, and the fact that he agrees to the challenge while the others - whom Gawain previously depict as No braver knights when battle is joined (Sir Gawain 34) - did not, casts doubt on the rigorousness of him being the supposed worst among them. The author gives the reader no trait that anyone in the court attempts to refute Gawains bleak assertion saying unaccompanied Then wisely they whispered of it,And after, all said the sameThat the crown baron 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 girdle as a reminder of his sin, the poet juxtaposes Gawains shame of this token 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 slackenLaughed at it loudly, and concluded amiablyThat each brave man of the labor union should bear a baldricA band, obliquely about him, of radiant green,Of the same hue as Sir Gawains and for his sake wear it.So it be as renown to the Round Table,And an everlasting honour to him who had it, (Sir Gawain 114-115)This comparison truly shows that Gawain has escaped the moral mediocrity and obsession with image that seems to permeate King Arthurs Court. He no longer measures his virtue on the scale of others and hence, has reached moral fulfillment.