Literary Lab 2: Reading for Theme in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

The primary theme of a literary work is built into many different facets of its composition. In consideration of theme, this lab asks you to accomplish two parts:

First, write a 1-2 page summary describing and defending what you see as the main theme of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Second, find passages (list them by line number(s) and quotations) in which the poem embodies your chosen theme through:

1. an image
2. a statement made by a character
3. a plot event
4. an action by one of the characters.

Make sure each quote is clearly labeled with a header indicating which thematic element you are addressing. After each quote, write a short 2-3 sentence defense on why that quote best exemplifies the element.