Study Questions

1. What is on Gawain’s mind when Lady Bertilak enters his chamber on the third day?

2. What does Lady Bertilak do after entering Gawain’s chamber for the third time?

3. After she has given up her attempt at seduction, what does the mistress of the house request of Gawain?

4. What does the mistress of the house offer to Gawain first after he has declined to give her a token to remember him by?

5. What does the mistress of the house say her green sash can accomplish?

6. What does Gawain do after he has taken the green sash?

7. What does Bertilak do after the fox has been killed?

8. What does Gawain give Bertilak in exchange for the fox pelt?

9. What final request does Gawain make of Bertilak?

10. What is the last thing Gawain does before going to bed?

Answers

1. Gawain is drowsing uneasily, troubled by dreams of his appointment with the Green Knight, when Lady Bertilak enters his chamber on the third day.

2. After entering Gawain’s chamber for the third time, Lady Bertilak bends over Gawain and gives him a kiss.

3. After she has given up her attempt at seduction, the mistress of the house asks Gawain for a token to remember him by.

4. After he has declined to give her a token to remember him by, the mistress of the house first offers Gawain a precious ring.

5. The mistress of the house says her green sash can protect the wearer from being harmed by weapons.

6. After he has taken the green sash, Gawain goes to mass and confesses his sins.

7. After the fox has been killed, Bertilak holds up the fox to display it. Then he has the animal skinned.

8. In exchange for the fox pelt, Gawain gives Bertilak the three kisses he received from the mistress of the house.

9. The final request that Gawain makes of Bertilak is for a guide to the Green Chapel.

10. The last thing that Gawain does before going to bed is to say farewell to the members of Bertilak’s household and thank them for their hospitality.