Essential Question 4

Where do we see seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain, our young hero? What is the author trying to tell us?

Seduction and lust start to destroy Gawain when he goes into the castle and meets the rulers wife. He sees that the lady is absolutely beautiful and wants more than just an acquaintance with her, "our knight and the noble lady were accorded so closely in company there, with the seemly solace of their secret words" (lines 1010-1012). And indeed, Gawain's wants became realities and he and the lady had an affair, "sweet pipes beguile their cares and the trumpet of marital tones; each tends his affairs and those two tend their own" (1016-1019). This affair will not only be a burden of wrong-doing in the back of his mind for the rest of his life, but it will also be a huge problem to try and offer all he has gotten from the castle back to his host, considering he cannot give back what he has given the noble lady. Not being able to stick to his word and stick to the five knightly virtues could be the downfall of Gawain. Just by doing this one act he is disobeying every single knightly virtue. The author is trying to tell us that unless Gawain realizes what he has done and gets his act together, this story will not have a happy ending.

Rules for relationships

1. Never talk about past relationships or the opposite sex, especially on the first date.

2. Don't be too serious, but don't be too goofy. Allow yourself to have a good time, but don't make the other think that you're not serious about the relationship.

3. Always be honest, even little while lies can hurt deeply (unless they are being used to keep a surprise from them)

4. Always remember birthdays and anniversaries, even the smallest gift, card, or words can make that day one to remember.

5. Show your love and care as much as can, make them feel like important.

6. Respect each other's opinions; you're not going to agree on everything.

7. Make sure you see reality, at first it may feel like a fairy tale love, but some problems, disagreements, etc. with occur, but if you realize that, you will be able to work them out and keep each other happy.

8. Encourage each other, when they are feeling down, remind them that you are there to help them with anything.

9. Give each other space; too much time can lead to too many fights.

10. Respect each other's friends and family, before you make any judgments get to know them.