Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?
Sir Gawain may be one of the most courageous, noble, and audacious knights in the kingdom, however, since he is only human, he is going to give into temptation and make mistakes. The Green Knight enters Camelot abruptly, and immediately challenges the knights to a game. The game is simple: someone strikes him with the ax, and then in a year and a day, he can return the strike. Sir Gawain is enticed and the first to agree to the challenge. As he took the heavy ax to the green knight’s neck, Sir Gawain did not get the result he wanted. The Green Knight was still alive; he picked up his head and was off. While on his journey to meet the Green Knight, Gawain comes across a castle. The host was welcoming, but he also challenges Sir Gawain to a game. The host requests that as he goes off hunting with his men, Sir Gawain stays in bed and around the castle. He also requests that he spends time with the ladies. In the end, whatever the host wins in the woods he will give to Gawain, and whatever Gawain earns, he must offer to the host. Similar to the Green Knight’s challenge, this game is not as innocent and as easy as it seems. By staying at home, Gawain is expected to be seduced by the ladies. The five knightly virtues are friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. Sir Gawain is required to uphold these virtues at all times; however, by having an affair with the host’s wife, Gawain has already disobeyed them. The code of chivalry which has formed Sir Gawain’s moral policy has been totally shattered. If lust overcomes Gawain again, he will run into more trouble, for he cannot give back what he has given to the ladies. The author is trying to tell us that if we do not uphold our values at all times we will face negative consequences.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Top Ten Rules for Dating
1.) Always try to look your best. Dress to impress and remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you look sloppy, you are sending the message that you don’t care and this date is a waste of your time.
2.) Have a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face. No one wants to be around a pessimist. Don’t forget that when you smile, you immediately look more attractive and friendly. A warm smile is welcoming and the perfect way to put your date at ease.
3.) Be respectful and polite. This includes showing up on time and whatever you do, do not pull out your cell phone! Try to ask questions, remain interested, and pay attention to what your date has to say. Make eye contact, but do your best not to stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable.
4.) Relax! Even if you are nervous at first, dating is supposed to be fun. Confidence is key in any new situation, dating is no different. Remember that this person would never have asked you out or agreed to go on a date, if they did not want to be with you.
5.) Be honest. It may seem easier said than done, but a relationship is guaranteed to fail if it is based on lies. Even if you are afraid your date won’t like the truth or the truth is not as exciting as you want it to be, keep in mind that if they do not like you for who you are, they are not worth it. For example, do not say you absolutely love hockey to impress them if you hate it. You will save yourself from the agony next week when he surprises you with Bruins season tickets.
6.) Be generous with compliments, when they are true. Everyone loves to be told how wonderful they are. Whether you tell them they look like a super model, or simply laugh at their jokes, you are making your date feel comfortable and giving them a sense of approval and reassurance.
7.) Do your research. Some people may think it is creepy, but it is actually very thoughtful and helpful. If you find out your date is a vegetarian, don’t take her to a steakhouse. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for the gentlemen, is all girls love gifts, you simply cannot go wrong with a box of chocolates or flowers.
8.) Don’t “forget” your wallet. Ladies, don’t assume your date will pay for you. Kindly offer to pay, however, the gentlemen should be more than willing to pay for you. When he does pay, keep in mind that he did not have to and this was very thoughtful of him. After the night, make sure to thank him.
9.) Keep the conversation light, laidback, and fun. Try to make each other laugh, but don’t try too hard, because then you’ll just look silly. Avoid talking about any controversial or heavy subjects. Be careful what you say. For example, do not go on and on about how much you hate people from New York, because you may later find out that he is from New York.
10.) If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times. Do not settle for anything less than the best. If your date does not make you happy or bring the best out in you, they are a waste of your time. You have heard it said many times before, but it is true, there are plenty of fish in the sea. If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.
2.) Have a positive attitude and keep a smile on your face. No one wants to be around a pessimist. Don’t forget that when you smile, you immediately look more attractive and friendly. A warm smile is welcoming and the perfect way to put your date at ease.
3.) Be respectful and polite. This includes showing up on time and whatever you do, do not pull out your cell phone! Try to ask questions, remain interested, and pay attention to what your date has to say. Make eye contact, but do your best not to stare at them or make them feel uncomfortable.
4.) Relax! Even if you are nervous at first, dating is supposed to be fun. Confidence is key in any new situation, dating is no different. Remember that this person would never have asked you out or agreed to go on a date, if they did not want to be with you.
5.) Be honest. It may seem easier said than done, but a relationship is guaranteed to fail if it is based on lies. Even if you are afraid your date won’t like the truth or the truth is not as exciting as you want it to be, keep in mind that if they do not like you for who you are, they are not worth it. For example, do not say you absolutely love hockey to impress them if you hate it. You will save yourself from the agony next week when he surprises you with Bruins season tickets.
6.) Be generous with compliments, when they are true. Everyone loves to be told how wonderful they are. Whether you tell them they look like a super model, or simply laugh at their jokes, you are making your date feel comfortable and giving them a sense of approval and reassurance.
7.) Do your research. Some people may think it is creepy, but it is actually very thoughtful and helpful. If you find out your date is a vegetarian, don’t take her to a steakhouse. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for the gentlemen, is all girls love gifts, you simply cannot go wrong with a box of chocolates or flowers.
8.) Don’t “forget” your wallet. Ladies, don’t assume your date will pay for you. Kindly offer to pay, however, the gentlemen should be more than willing to pay for you. When he does pay, keep in mind that he did not have to and this was very thoughtful of him. After the night, make sure to thank him.
9.) Keep the conversation light, laidback, and fun. Try to make each other laugh, but don’t try too hard, because then you’ll just look silly. Avoid talking about any controversial or heavy subjects. Be careful what you say. For example, do not go on and on about how much you hate people from New York, because you may later find out that he is from New York.
10.) If someone breaks your heart, do not give up. Keep your head held high at all times. Do not settle for anything less than the best. If your date does not make you happy or bring the best out in you, they are a waste of your time. You have heard it said many times before, but it is true, there are plenty of fish in the sea. If your heart is ever in a million pieces, buy yourself a quart of cookie dough ice cream and move on with your life. I promise things will definitely get better.
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