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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. What does the narrator of "Pearl" call himself in stanza twenty-one?

2. Who does Sir Gawain say he wishes to watch over "the lord's" castle as he leaves?

3. What does Sir Orfeo say has torn Lady Heurodis's face?

4. What does "the lord" tell Sir Gawain that the Green Knight knows nothing about?

5. What does the Green Knight gather in his limbs as he lifts the axe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lady Heurodis say happens while she is sleeping under a tree in the orchard?

2. Why is the Green Knight green?

3. What does Sir Gawain do with the silk belt on the morning he leaves for the Green Chapel?

4. What happens when Sir Orfeo sees Lady Heurodis on horseback?

5. Why does Sir Gawain not heed the advice of "the lord"?

6. What does Pearl say will happen if the narrator accepts God's plan for him?

7. What does the "Pearl" narrator see at the base of the crystal cliff?

8. What happens when the Green Knight finally delivers his one blow to Sir Gawain?

9. What does Lady Heurodis do to make everyone think that she is crazy?

10. According to "Sir Orfeo," where did lays come from?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chivalry is an important theme in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." Throughout the text, Sir Gawain faces internal conflicts that test his ability to remain chivalrous. What is the Code of Chivalry? Is Sir Gawain chivalrous? Find at least three examples to support your belief.

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

Color plays a major role in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." Discuss the different uses of color throughout the text. Why is the color important? What does the color represent? Is the color used contrastingly?

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