Free Essays - Holy Feast and Holy Fast and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Forbidden Fruit in holy place Feast and Holy Fast and Sir Gawain and the commons Knight The forbidden fruit, its properties, and its affects, has vast ramifications within the ethics of the women in Holy Feast and Holy Fast. as nearly as those of the characters portrayed in Sir Gawain and the kibibyte Knight 2. Perhaps the connection is less obvious with Gawain. It must be realized that this story contains multi-leveled metaphors which approach modern literature in their complexity. Argument leave alone be made that Gawain betrays an isomorphism with Edens tale. The authors attitude toward the fruit and perhaps toward fasting pass on become evident. Bynums incisive argument has been extremely helpful in this epitome of Gawain but, with respect to medieval women she has surprisingly little to say about Eve and the Tree. Although this neglect is regrettable, it is not fatal. This paper will tend to support the major theses of Holy Fast. The people described by these authors did not dwell inordinately on any essential weakness of women. It is hoped that this refocusing on the forbidden fruit will help us to see more clearly their perspectives. The isomorphism of Gawain with the story of Eden can be demonstrated only after the stage is set. It may be helpful to think of this isomorphism as a kind of image or reflection. This puts it squarely within the realm of neoplatonic forms. Medieval nobility, often well versed in neoplatonic thought, would be quick to point out that Arthur, the king is a lesser image of God and that his court is a reflection of the heavenly host. This assertion is not without textual support. Happiest of mortal kindKing noblest famed of willYou would now go far to findSo hardy a host on a hill. (2) Presently, the Green Knight rides in. He mirrors Lucifer in Gods court, and more He is full of slander (7315). He is described in titanic imagery (4140, 9390), which was commonly attributed to the anti-christ. The Round Table cannot abide this affront to the King so Gawain, with Gueneveres permission, steps in to intercede. Here Gawain is like rescuer or Michael, going out to battle the dragon. He severs his head. Gawain is full of reversals and inversions. This is consistent with the neoplatonic model since Arthurs court is a lesser image. Later, we will present Bynums views on this point.