Free Essays - Holy Feast and Holy Fast and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Forbidden Fruit in b littleed Feast and Holy Fast and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The forbidden fruit, its properties, and its affects, has vast ramifications within the morality of the women in Holy Feast and Holy Fast. as well as those of the characters portrayed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 2. Perhaps the connection is less obvious with Gawain. It must be realized that this myth contains multi-leveled metaphors which approach new-made literature in their complexity. Argument go forth be made that Gawain betrays an isomorphism with Edens tale. The authors attitude toward the fruit and perhaps toward fasting will become evident. Bynums shrewd argument has been extremely helpful in this analysis of Gawain but, with respect to gothic women she has surprisingly little to say about Eve and the Tree. Although this neglect is regrettable, it is non fatal. This paper will tend to support the major theses of Holy Fast. The good deal described by these authors did not dw ell inordinately on each essential weakness of women. It is hoped that this refocusing on the forbidden fruit will help us to see more clearly their perspectives. The isomorphism of Gawain with the story of Eden can be demonstrated only after the make up is set. It may be helpful to think of this isomorphism as a kind of image or reflection. This puts it squarely within the realm of neoplatonic forms. gothic nobility, often well versed in neoplatonic thought, would be quick to maneuver out that Arthur, the king is a lesser image of God and that his solicit is a reflection of the heavenly host. This assertion is not without textual support. Happiest of virulent kind office noblest famed of willYou would now go uttermost to findSo hardy a host on a hill. (2) Presently, the Green Knight rides in. He mirrors Lucifer in Gods court, and more He is full of slander (7315). He is described in titanic imaginativeness (4140, 9390), which was commonly attributed to the anti-christ. The R ound Table cannot abide this affront to the King so Gawain, with Gueneveres permission, steps in to intercede. Here Gawain is like Christ or Michael, going out to battle the dragon. He severs his head. Gawain is full of reversals and inversions. This is consistent with the neoplatonic poser since Arthurs court is a lesser image. Later, we will present Bynums views on this point.