The medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight describes 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 courtesy shown in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight prevents the complete restoration of social order. Say no to plagiarism be prohibited? Get an original essay Regarding courtesy shown towards men, Dr. E. L. Skip Knox states: “Originally, courtesy meant the special consideration one knight showed to another. The courtesy that two men exchange is mutual." contract of loyalty that they define and practice. It implies trust, respect and, in some cases, loyalty. Gawain presents this type of courtesy not only to Arthur, his king, but also to Bercilak and even to the Green Knight of Gawain and the virtues it symbolizes confirm the importance of courtesy to Gawain's character: The fifth group of five people respected by man, I felt, was above all generosity and love for the next; others, compassion: these noble Five were more deeply rooted in that man than in any other (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ll. 651-655) The pentagram is the embodiment of all chivalric virtues and "[ suits 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 must some loyalty to Arthur. By accepting the Green Knight's challenge, Gawain helps protect the king and also upholds the honor of Arthur's court, verifying his reputation for courage. Therefore, since 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. It implies respect and loyalty. Mutual respect is evident when, upon arriving at Bercilak Castle, Gawain is immediately presented with warm, elegant clothing and a sumptuous meal and then questioned about his identity. “Then he was questioned discreetly and questioned with discreet inquiry addressed to that prince, that he should politely admit that he belonged to the court.” (SGGK ll. 901-904) Only after Bercilak shows courtesy in the form of hospitality does he ask Gawain to reveal his identity. The loyalty between Bercilak and Gawain is evident when Gawain, out of courtesy to his friend, rejects Lady Bercilak's advances. Bercilak reciprocates this, 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 figure. The courtesy between them is based on an agreement that Gawain will seek 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. Therefore, the courtesy shown in male-male relationships in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight can be seen to include respect, loyalty, and a degree of mutuality that serves to equalize the parties involved. In contrast, politeness in male-female relationships involves a more one-sided interaction than the mutual relationship shared by courteous men. So good a knight as Gawain is rightly considered, in whom courtesy is so completely embodied, he could not have spent so much time with a ladyWithout asking for a kiss, to conform to courtesy,With some hint or suggestion at the end of 1996