Gawain comes back to Camelot after a battle with the Green Knight. He wears a green belt on his neck like a scarf. The entire court is happy to see him safe and hear his remarkable story. The king and his gentry decide to wear green sashes as a symbol of support and honor.
Detailed answer:
After fighting against the Green Knight, Sir Gawain is on his way back to Camelot. However, he is frustrated as he fears that people may not accept him. Returning to Arthur’s fortress, Gawain is wounded. Yet, he continues to wear the green belt on his right shoulder. The moment he enters the courtyard, he is welcomed with an enthusiastic greeting and told of his meeting with Lady Bertilak.
Gawain confesses that he will keep and wear the green sash as a symbol of his fault and sin. He describes his whole experience. However, Gawain is embarrassed when he relates his definitive disappointment because of the green belt. The kings and the court laugh at the situation and rejoice when they hear Gawain narrating. Arthur and the subjects attempt to comfort Gawain after his arrival. Together, they reason that they will wear green silk girdles as an indication of regard and solidarity.
However, some poets say that Arthur’s court did not actually greet him with friendship and respect. They claim that the actions of those people are a mere mockery. It implies that Gawain gained much experience, whereas the king’s people remained ignorant and illiterate. Gawain has changed, but the people have not. This fact frustrates him. However, he keeps on living there until the rest of his days.
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