Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Explain the difficult problem in courtly good manners which the wife's morning visits pose for Gawain.

Think and Discuss: Analyzing

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The Knight's wife is rather a temptress. Her morning visits, while her lord is out hunting, are meant to tempt Gawain into violating the code of chivalry and courtly love. Clearly she is suggesting they do more than simply have morning tea. She seems to indicate that they could have some "moments" together and the lord would be none the wiser. Gawain has to reject her without offending her at the same time.