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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

by Pearl-Poet

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What is a good title for a critical paper for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain is faced with a choice of living or dying. This decision would be impossible to have been made had he not been given the magic belt. The Green Knight seems to understand Gawain's dilemma and is willing to let him live. It is clear that Gawain has failed in his quest but only by a small amount.

Expert Answers

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Based upon the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, I would probably look to the poem for an idea that could inspire a title for a critical paper. Because Bertilak is testing Gawain's integrity and honor, and perhaps based on the fact that Gawain is totally honorable except for the magic belt, maybe a title reflecting adherence to one's code of honor might provide you with some direction.

I have listed a number of possible titles. The final decision will probably fall with your own response to the story. A critical paper would still require you to take a stand as to whether Gawain is a disgrace to Arthur's court, or whether he can be forgiven his small fault in wishing to remain alive: even the Green Knight, Bertilak, understands this in Gawain.

Gawain's Faltering Honor.

Sir Gawain: Failed But For Love of Life

Sir Gawain's Worth

Gawain's Enemy Finds Him Worthy

Bertilak's Compassion in the Face of Gawain's Fault

I hope one of these helps you find a title that suits your sense of Gawain and his internal battle to be an honorable man.

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