Synopsis of Lines 60 - 129 of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight :: Sir Gawain and The Green Knight

Synopsis of Lines 60 - 129 of Sir Gawain and The Green KnightIn this region of the poem, the New Year has just begun. King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table bring in attended mass, and they are just beginning a spectacular jubilancy at Camelot. We are told the group is participating in traditional gift-giving and feasting. The rostrum where Lady Guenevere and Sir Gawain are sitting is described as well-decked and duly set up with silk and expensive tapestries. (Norton, 204) It seems as though no expense has been spared. The fact that Gawain is lay next to the queen tells us of his importance and high status within the group. We learn that he is a nephew of King Arthur and that Agravain, another nephew of the king, is also s wareed there. King Arthur does not join the others when they sit down to eat. He is boyish, restless, and unspoiled of energy. He has vowed that he will not sit down to eat at a holiday celebration until he hears a news report of some fair feat o r some marvel of might. (Norton, 204) In other words, Arthur behaves like a young child who must be entertained before he will sit down to eat. The poet and so tells us about the firstly course being brought in with the blaring of trumpets that were bravely bedecked with bannerets bright, with noise of new drums and the noble pipes. (Norton, 204-205) Other heroic dishes follow. There is so much food that there is scarcely get on to set it all down on the tables. Food, wine and beer are plentiful, and the snappishness is light and festive. In this passage, the knights of the Round Table are presented in their first age. (Norton, 203) The poet easily brings the scene of this traditional celebration to life for the reader with his expatiate descriptions of the festivities.