Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Lesson Plan

Discuss the differences between the various animals killed by the Lord, and what the significance of these differences might be.

The deer, the boar, and the fox all seem to represent different aspects of Nature and its effects on the world of men. The deer is legion, and no matter how are killed, there will always be more. The boar is vicious, spiteful, and extremely dangerous, ripping through the company like a tornado or a flood. And the fox is cunning, sly, and mischievous, able to hide and keep the company guessing at almost every turn. However, all can be conquered by man, and likely must, the poem suggests, if man is to take control of his destiny.

Why...