Ecocriticism and the Representation of the Natural World in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Abstract

Ecocriticism can be considered as the analysis of literary works from an environmental perspective. Its main concern is the representation of nature, animals, plants and human characters in their interaction, reciprocity and intercommunication. The intercourse between nature and men can be challenging, problematic and demanding but also enriching and civilising. Sir Gawain and the Green Knightis a Middle English romance on chivalry which is analysed in this article from an ecocritical point of view. Its representation of nature and of the relationship between nature and humankind is widely discussed with emphasis on the literary devices used by the poet.