Gawain: A Hero or a Coward?

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", Gawain seems to struggle with consistent actions. It argues that Gawain's heroic feats are overshadowed by his cowardly behavior and attempts to show that there are four main actions that illustrate Gawain as a coward, rather than a hero.

From the Paper:

"In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain seems to struggle with consistent actions. His moments of bravery are often proceeded by cowardly or weak choices. His cowardly nature is immediately illustrated through his hesitation in defending his court and his king. Also, Gawain's desire to protect his own life and reputation causes him to be deceitful and dishonest. His failure to believe in the situation reveals his inner uncertainty. Finally, near the end Gawain searches desperately for a scapegoat; he initially refuses to be accountable for his actions. His hesitations and own self-interest illustrate his flawed character; Gawain is not the invincible man he wishes to portray, but rather a knight with consistent cowardly tendencies."

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