Customer Reviews

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A Collection of Critical Essays (20th Century Views)

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I've just finished reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and checked out this book because of some frustrating questions I had with Sir Gawain. This book is truly excellent! Instead of focusing on one person's views on the text, and instead of presenting a dry "This is what happens here" type of critical study, this book really feels alive. There are 14 (15, if you count the introduction) different essays and viewpoints on Sir Gawain, and they are all written by people who are passionate about their subject. There are studies in ancient history, morals of the time, ancient poetry style and the characters of those in the story. I was really able to appreciate the poem twice as much after reading this enlightening book. I would give it a five, but there is one drawback to the book. I think that in a few instances too much is assumed of the reader, we are expected to know more about early English literature than is normal. This was frustrating at times, but the benefits far out weigh this drawback. If you love English literature, or are simply curious about the many sides of Sir Gawain..., then try to get a copy of this book! It is extremely rewarding.