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What are the Five Virtues in Sir Gawain?

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The author of a poem pays particular attention to the Pentangle or “the endless knot.” The Pentangle has several meanings in the verse. It provides the main character with physical and mortal protection. In one way, the star represents five different ways in which Gawain represents faultless virtues. They are Franchise, Fellowship, Cleanness, Courtesy, and above all, Charity.

Detailed answer:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an Arthurian romance created by an unknown author. It was written in the 14th century. The setting is situated in an alternative stanza. The book tells a story about the knight of the Rounds Table – Gawain. The warrior is described as a fearless and frightening fighter – a champion of the poor. Sir Gawain has an alter ego – Maidens Knight, a women’s defender. His armor consists of a coat and shield with a pentangle on it. It becomes the most interpreted symbol in the poem. A pentangle symbol is compared to the five virtues that define Sir Gawain.

A term “five-fold” was coined and used for the definition of the virtues. Each one is composed of five additional separate meanings. Each merit represents the knight’s life values and morals, his principles, which he adheres. All the virtues combined guide Sir Gawain through life balancing physical and emotional strengths. The five joy virtues that the pentangle represents are Franchise, Fellowship, Cleanness, Courtesy, and Charity. Gawain’s main force is dependent on these fundamentals. He is chosen to take courage in God’s example, using these joys as a source for strength. By upholding these virtues, Mary will provide the knight with courage and protection.

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IvyPanda. (2024, August 21). What are the Five Virtues in Sir Gawain? https://ivypanda.com/q/what-are-the-five-virtues-in-sir-gawain/

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IvyPanda. (2024) 'What are the Five Virtues in Sir Gawain'. 21 August.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "What are the Five Virtues in Sir Gawain?" August 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-are-the-five-virtues-in-sir-gawain/.

1. IvyPanda. "What are the Five Virtues in Sir Gawain?" August 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-are-the-five-virtues-in-sir-gawain/.


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IvyPanda. "What are the Five Virtues in Sir Gawain?" August 21, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-are-the-five-virtues-in-sir-gawain/.