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From: Becky Kraszewski
Date: 9/29/2009
Time: 9:52:59 PM
Remote Name: 72.33.100.115
At the castle the host says the green chapel is near and he will show it to Gawain. The host proposes that for the next three days Gawain will stay in the castle while he goes hunting. At the end of the day they will each exchange their winnings. Gawain gives the host the kisses he had received all three days from the Host’s wife. On the third day he also accepts the green girdle that one cannot be wounded or slain when wearing. His accepting the green girdle reveals that he is unable to defeat the green knight and values his own life. Gawain does not give this to the host in hopes that it would protect him when he was to receive a deadly blow from the green knight. When the green knight reveals his true self to be the host, and knows of Gawain’s failure to tell the whole truth he says it was not an evil work that he did but only one of love of his own life and for that he does not blame him. Sir Gawain is angry with himself for his cowardice and lies. The host offers to Gawain to keep the green girdle as a token to remember the green chapel. Gawain takes the girdle symbolizing his faults and to remind himself of this dishonesty. He wears it not to hide from his mistakes but so they are ever present. The lords and ladies of the round table wear a green girdle for the sake of Gawain and to honor Gawain’s honesty. The real crime is not being totally honest and then living with the shame he feels to have to protect his own life.