“On Gawain the girdle was green and looked good!
It was the right thing to do. The cloth looked beautiful and rich.”
Sir Gawain’s Green Knight
Lines 2036-2037
Gawain accepts the green belt in Sir Gawain with the Green Knight to reveal his inner character of self-absorption. The green girdle represents Gawain, not his pentangle. Gawain’s animalistic instincts to survive override his Christian and chivalric standards of courage, honesty and faith.
Gawain acted on his animalistic tendencies when he accepted the green girdle, which was presented to him by his seducer. However, in reality he was only interested in the special powers of the girdle and how it might save his live. Gawain’s initial reaction to the lady girdle is one of outright refusal. Gawain does not accept the gift until the lady explains it’s a “prize”, which is “praiseworthy” and “precious.” (1850). Gawain dwells constantly on his fate. Gawain reveals his subconscious and true innermost thoughts in a dream. Gawain doesn’t accept the gift from his seducer because of love, but rather out of concern to survive. He does not show courage by accepting the girdle as a means to protect himself. Gawain’s survival needs override the courage and piety he displays when he realizes that a decapitation is imminent. In order to avoid his death, Gawain accepts the girdle. He also violates the Exchange of Winnings Agreement with his Lord by trading all of his “wins”. Gawain s total disregard of his agreement breaks the code on chivalry by not honoring it.
Gawain’s survival is more important than his chivalric ideals. He states, “He feared most his fate should he sin, / Not his chivalry failing.” (1773-1774). The pentangle emblem on Gawain’s helm represents his high moral standards and ideals. Gawain is a coward who, instead of relying on his inner strength and commitment to honor and duty to guide him, places his trust in an inanimate item’s magic to save himself. Gawain should be a shining example of the finest qualities of chivalry. They include honesty and courage. Gawain’s cowardice is evident when he accepts the girdle. Gawain must make a choice: either he will give in to the temptation and commit a crime, or he will refuse her and violate his code of chivalry. He decides to break the code of chivalry, putting his own life above all else.
Gawain’s true character can be seen in the actual placement and pentangle on his shield. Gawain has placed the green belt on his waist. The girdle, however, is more difficult to notice. Gawain places the girdle on his hips, not his chest. The King and other members of court wear a girdle like Gawain, but they don’t wear it around their waists. Instead, they wear it as a sash. Oxford English defines a “baldric”, as a band worn under one arm, across the breast from one shoulder. Gawain wore his girdle less conspicuously than those in King Arthur’s court. Gawain’s shield represents his virtuous, chivalric character, but the girdle is more subtle and less obvious. Both objects have a striking contrast of colors. While the girdle’s color is green, the pentangle in gold. The color green represents evil and sinister, while gold suggests something precious and holy. The quotation contrasts symbolism of the pentangle with that of the girdle. The pentangle represents Gawain’s chivalrous virtues, while the girdle symbolizes his weak character.
Gawain is able to display his chivalry in a public way by wearing a pentangle, but he is unable to do the same when faced with death. Gawain is a coward and lacks chivalry, even though he wins his battles and meets the Green Knight as promised. The way someone presents themselves to others may give the impression of courage, honesty and integrity, but what really defines a person is his behavior and actions when faced with adversity or temptation.
