The Character Development Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

Every story that has ever written appears to have the same story line once it gets broken down. Each one follows an outline that James Campbell proposed, the monomyth, and some stories put more emphasis on certain aspects of the story than others: â€Å"Many tales isolate and greatly enlarge upon one or two of the typical elements of the full cycle (test motif, flight motif, abduction of the bride)...†(Campbell 155) The outcomes of the stories may vary, but they all follow a certain story outline with certain key points in the plot. Each story also possesses characters that fall into certain categories within the monomyth story line that makes each story have the same structure. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight dramatically demonstrates how†¦show more content†¦Campbell claims, â€Å"Compelling experiences add to the development of the hero and heroine.† (Campbell 28). Therefore, this experience will cause Gawain’s character to develop and Gawain will become a stronger man because of it. The Green Knight also plays the archetypal role of the mentor. Once Gawain has fulfilled his promise of traveling to the Green Knight’s castle he is fully prepared to die. The Green Knight seems impressed with his willingness to keep his word, until Gawain flinches: â€Å"Such cowardice did I never hear of Gawain!† (Weston 39). He begins to mock the knight for his lack of bravery. The second time, Gawain does not flinch but the Green Knight does not cut him. The third time, Gawain still does not flinch, but the Green Knight barely cuts him on his neck because was not completely honest when he should have been. Since the Green Knight also played the role of the host he was able teach Gawain the consequences of refraining from telling the truth which allows Gawain’s character to evolve. This also expands on the poems theme that secrets cannot be kept, they will always be exposed. The Green Knight also plays the part of the herald to Gawain, but not as the Green Knight. The Green Knight also acted as the host that Gawain stays with, and in this form the Green Knight plays the role of the herald. Since the moment that Gawain was about to depart on his journey he was depressed of the fate that awaited him: â€Å"And after meat, sadly Sir Gawain turned toShow MoreRelatedArchetypes In Sir Gawain And The Green Knight829 Words   |  4 Pagesespecially in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight most characters or objects served to aid in the development of the hero by being either a situational, character, color, or a symbol archetype. The poem begins with a challenge being presented to the knights of the Round Table by the Green Knight. 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