Identify three characteristics of Sir Gawain that make him an ideal hero for a medieval romance.

Gawain is brave.

He agrees to meet the Green Knight.

Gawain is loyal,

He steps in and accepts the Green Knight's challenge in place of King Arthur.

Gawain is trustworthy.

He does not succumb to his host's wife's advances.

Gawain's weakness is illustrated through his acceptance of the girdle. He takes the girdle as a form of protection. Sadly, he also lies to his host, breaking their agreement.

Explain each answer.
(b) Identify a shortcoming of his, and explain what it suggests about the
theme of human weakness in medieval romance.

Compare the characterization of Gawain with Malory’s Description of Bedovere as he reacts to the dying Arhtur