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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom does "the lord" say will sit with Sir Gawain while he is away?

2. Why does Sir Gawain refuse to stay at "the lord's" castle longer than he has already?

3. What type of dogs hunt on the first day's hunt?

4. For how many days does the Christmas celebration go on?

5. What does Arthur announce he can do given the Green Knight's visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the Green Knight described as he first enters Arthur's castle?

2. Why are those who bid Sir Gawain good luck on his journey saddened by his departure?

3. What two things does the Green Knight hold in his hands?

4. Describe the pentangle.

5. What does Sir Gawain present "the lord" with on the night of the third hunt?

6. What rules does Arthur have regarding his eating at celebrations?

7. Why is the Green Knight surprised by the lack of response to his challenge?

8. How is the castle of "the lord" described?

9. What happens between Sir Gawain and "the lady" during the second day of the hunt?

10. What happens at the first baying of of the hounds during the first day of the hunt in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is used in various ways throughout the text. Choose three different images (animals, castles, fabric, armor decoration) and explain what the object symbolizes, why it is important to the text, and the meaning of the object's use.

Essay Topic 2

In some ways, Bertilak's castle could be compared to Eden and Lady Bertilak to Eve. In what ways, can you find that support the theory that Lady Bertilak is a medieval Eve? Who does she tempt? Why does she tempt him? What happens to the tempted? In what ways does Bertilak's castle represent Eden? How does this aspect of the story illustrate biblical Genesis?

Essay Topic 3

The number three is highlighted in many different ways in the text. Discuss the use of the number three. In which instances is the number three used? What does its use represent in each circumstance? Why the number three?

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