Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
English Department
Faculty Mentor
Christine Cooper-Rompato
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Sir Gawain was one of the most popular figures from Arthurian legend in medieval England. His absolute loyalty to Arthur, no matter the circumstances, was greatly admired. In every story, Sir Gawain is completely loyal to Arthur, even when Arthur is in the wrong. He is willing to make any sacrifice, whether it be his life or his honor, to protect Arthur and his legacy. However, modern critics have found a darker side to his total loyalty, ideas that Kazuo Ishiguro examines in his novel The Buried Giant. Ishiguro explores the darkness that war can bring out in even the noblest men and the effect an immoral, idealized leader can have. Sir Gawain’s loyalty to Arthur is what endeared him to the public and is his greatest strength, but it is also the fatal flaw that destroyed his character.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-8-2022 12:00 AM
Included in
The Tragic Loyalty of Sir Gawain
Logan, UT
Sir Gawain was one of the most popular figures from Arthurian legend in medieval England. His absolute loyalty to Arthur, no matter the circumstances, was greatly admired. In every story, Sir Gawain is completely loyal to Arthur, even when Arthur is in the wrong. He is willing to make any sacrifice, whether it be his life or his honor, to protect Arthur and his legacy. However, modern critics have found a darker side to his total loyalty, ideas that Kazuo Ishiguro examines in his novel The Buried Giant. Ishiguro explores the darkness that war can bring out in even the noblest men and the effect an immoral, idealized leader can have. Sir Gawain’s loyalty to Arthur is what endeared him to the public and is his greatest strength, but it is also the fatal flaw that destroyed his character.