Chivalry in the Middle Ages: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight — Quiz
Question 1 • Senior English
Read the excerpt from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight . Yet Arthur would not eat until they were all served. He seemed full of the joy of youth, almost a boy. He was happy with his life; he cared little For lying in bed or sitting still for a long time, His young blood so stirred him and his wild brain. And there was a custom, besides, that he meant to keep, That he had assumed in his noble way: he would not eat On such a holiday until he had been told A tale all new of some wonderful event . . . Which textual evidence best supports the conclusion that Arthur respects tradition?
Answer
A
He seemed full of the joy of youth, almost a boy.
B
He was happy with his life; he cared little For lying in bed or sitting still for a long time
C
His young blood so stirred him and his wild brain.
D
And there was a custom, besides, that he meant to keep, That he had assumed in his noble way
Explanation
Arthur’s respect for tradition is shown by his commitment to a custom he intends to keep. The lines say, “there was a custom, besides, that he meant to keep,” and explain that he would not eat until he heard a new tale. This directly supports the conclusion that he respects tradition; the other choices describe his youth, happiness, or restlessness.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.