Sir Gawain and the Green Knight · English Literature

What is the final outcome of the Green Knight's three blows at the Green Chapel?

  1. Gawain is decapitated cleanly by the third and final blow
  2. The Green Knight misses all three times as a deliberate feint
  3. Gawain receives a small nick on the neck from the third blow
  4. Gawain parries and deflects each blow with his shield in turn
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Correct answer: Gawain receives a small nick on the neck from the third blow

The first two blows are feints because Gawain was honest on the first two days of the game. The third blow leaves a small cut on his neck as punishment for Gawain's failure to return the girdle on the third day.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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