<P> While the character of the Green Knight is usually not viewed as a representation of Christ in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, critics do acknowledge a parallel . Lawrence Besserman, a specialist in medieval literature, explains that "the Green Knight is not a figurative representative of Christ . But the idea of Christ's divine / human nature provides a medieval conceptual framework that supports the poet's serious / comic account of the Green Knight's supernatural / human qualities and actions ." This duality exemplifies the influence and importance of Christian teachings and views of Christ in the era of the Gawain Poet . </P> <P> Furthermore, critics note the Christian reference to Christ's crown of thorns at the conclusion of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight . After Gawain returns to Camelot and tells his story regarding the newly acquired green sash, the poem concludes with a brief prayer and a reference to "the thorn - crowned God". Besserman theorises that "with these final words the poet redirects our attention from the circular girdle - turned - sash (a double image of Gawain's "yntrawpe / renoun") to the circular Crown of Thorns (a double image of Christ's humiliation turned triumph)." </P> <P> Throughout the poem, Gawain encounters numerous trials testing his devotion and faith in Christianity . When Gawain sets out on his journey to find the Green Chapel, he finds himself lost, and only after praying to the Virgin Mary does he find his way . As he continues his journey, Gawain once again faces anguish regarding his inevitable encounter with the Green Knight . Instead of praying to Mary, as before, Gawain places his faith in the girdle given to him by Bertilak's wife . From the Christian perspective, this leads to disastrous and embarrassing consequences for Gawain as he is forced to reevaluate his faith when the Green Knight points out his betrayal . Another interpretation sees the work in terms of the perfection of virtue, with the pentangle representing the moral perfection of the connected virtues, the Green Knight as Christ exhibiting perfect fortitude, and Gawain as slightly imperfect in fortitude by virtue of flinching when under the threat of death . </P> <P> An analogy is also made between Gawain's trial and the Biblical test that Adam encounters in the Garden of Eden . Adam succumbs to Eve just as Gawain surrenders to Bertilak's wife by accepting the girdle . Although Gawain sins by putting his faith in the girdle and not confessing when he is caught, the Green Knight pardons him, thereby allowing him to become a better Christian by learning from his mistakes . Through the various games played and hardships endured, Gawain finds his place within the Christian world . </P>

Sir gawain and green knight as a medieval romance