2. What is a lay, and what is its purpose and function in Medieval society?

Stanza 4

1. What day is it, and what is happening on this day? Why might the day be important?

Stanza 5

1. Detail what Arthur wants before he will begin enjoying the feast.

Stanzas 7-9

1. Detail the physical description of the Green Knight. Make specific note of the colors.

Stanza 10

1. What significance do you make of what the Green Knight has in his hands?

Stanza 12

1. How does the Green Knight adhere to the standards of the host/guest relationship that is integral to both epic and medieval societies?

Stanza 13}
1. Why does the Green Knight feel the need to boast to Arthur's court about his prowess and size?
2. What does the Green Knight propose and what are the rules?

Stanza 14 & 15 & 16
1. Who initially accepts the Green Knight's challenge?
2. Why must he accept the challenge, but why is his acceptance inappropriate?
3. Who does accept the challenge, finally? To what convention is this person adhering?

Stanza 17 & 18
1. In taking the Green Knight's battle axe, what sort of prowess is Gawain asked to exhibit?

Stanza 19 & 20
1. When the Green Knight's head goes rolling across the floor and then speaks, what should the members of the court begin to realize they are facing? Why might this realization be significant?

Stanza 21
1. What does Arthur do with the Green Knight's battle axe? Again, attach some significance to his act.

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