Different Dimensions Used in Sir Gawain and the Green...

Different Dimensions Used in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by J.R.R. Tolkien In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, J.R.R Tolkien uses many different dimensions to keep the poem interesting. Each dimension that is presented has a contradiction, making the poem somewhat of a fantasy. By using these techniques Tolkien makes the poem more humorous and psychological. As a Christian knight Sir Gawain comes across many obstacles that attempt to lead him astray. He tries to make all the correct actions in his conquest, however sin and temptation force him to decide between good and evil. Although Tolkien presents a tale of a knights chivalry and honor as well as the aspect of death, some of the situations are presented as comedic. I†¦show more content†¦By taking Lady Bertilaks girdle, he puts his faith into something material and also jeopardizes his relationship with Bertilak. When Gawain takes this girdle he is not only acting for himself but his whole assembly of knights. When he goes back and tells his adventure, they all seem to be humbled by Gawa in taking the girdle, when in fact they are actually just laughing at themselves, because they also have to wear the girdle. Although humor plays an important role in the poem of the Green Knight, Tolkien also adds psychological effects in the poem as well. The element of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight that involves the most psychological devices is when Lady Bertilak tries to seduce Gawain. While this is happening, Bertilak is out hunting game to give to Gawain as a gift. In return for Bertilaks gift, Gawain would also give a gift to Bertilak. Each day Bertilak presents a different animal to Gawain, and Gawain gives Bertilak a kiss. Gawain is not aware that with every different animal Bertilak hunts, Gawain embodies the characteristics of that animal when the Lady attempts to seduce him. As the days go on, Gawains characteristics become complex and more involved. Finally on the third day he embodies the fox, which is cunning and sly and will do anything to get out of a peculiar situation. So Gawain does exactly this; he takes the girdle so he can escape from the evil temptations of Lady Bertilak. Along with every other dimension, this too has