The medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight depicts two different medieval models of courtesy: courtesy towards men and courtesy towards women. Defined by different members of the community, the two types of courtesy also require different, sometimes contradictory, behaviors. The incompatibility of the two models of civility displayed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight prevents a complete restoration of social order.Say no to plagiarism.Get a tailor-made essay on '. Why violent video games should not be banned?Get the original essay Regarding the courtesy shown to men, Dr. EL Skip Knox states: "Courtesy originally meant the special consideration a knight showed to another. The courtesy that two men exchange is mutual. » loyalty contract that they define and practice. It implies trust, respect and, in some cases, allegiance. Gawain extends this type of courtesy not only to Arthur, his king, but also to Bercilak and even the Green Knight. Gawain's pentangle and the virtues it symbolizes confirm the importance of courtesy in Gawain's character: The fifth group of five that the man respected, I hear, was above all generosity and love of neighbor ; his purity and courtesy never lacked, and surpassed others, compassion: these noble Five were more deeply implanted in this man than in any other. (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ll. 651-655) The pentacle is the embodiment of all chivalric virtues and it “[befits Gawain extremely well]”. (SGGK l. 622) Gawain's peers see him as the ideal knight, and as such he must preserve his courtly actions throughout the poem. As a member of Arthur's court, Gawain owes a certain allegiance to Arthur. By taking up the Green Knight's challenge, Gawain helps protect the king and also defends the honor of Arthur's court, verifying his reputation for bravery. Thus, because Gawain retains the advantages of belonging to Arthur's court, the principle of courtesy dictates that he defend it by defending Arthur. The courtesy between Gawain and Bercilak is similar to that between Gawain and Arthur. This implies respect and loyalty. The mutual respect is evident when, upon arrival at Bercilak Castle, Gawain is immediately given elegant, warm clothing and a sumptuous meal, and then questioned about his identity. “Then he was tactfully interrogated and interrogated by a discreet inquiry addressed to that prince, so that he must politely admit that he belonged to the court.” (SGGK ll. 901-904) Only after Bercilak has shown courtesy in the form of hospitality does he ask Gawain to reveal his identity. The loyalty between Bercilak and Gawain is demonstrated when Gawain, out of courtesy to his friend, refuses Lady Bercilak's advances. Bercilak returns the favor, as the Green Knight, by sparing Gawain's life. Like Bercilak and Arthur, Gawain also treats the Green Knight with courtesy, even though he is a terrible character. The courtesy between them is based on an agreement that Gawain will seek out the Green Knight a year after their first meeting. In this way, the courtesy is mutual. Gawain's honor and sense of duty lead him to keep his promise to the Green Knight, even if it likely means his death. Thus, we can see that the courtesy displayed in male-to-male relationships in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight includes respect, loyalty, and a degree of reciprocity that serves to equalize the parties involved. In contrast, courtesy in male-female relationships involves more unilateral interaction than the reciprocal relationship shared by 1996