Back in early literature there were two great epic poems that became the fundamental format for future works. These two poems are called Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf. Even though we do not know the original authors of the works, we do know that these two stories were passed from one generation to the next for hundreds of years before they were finally written down on paper. They represented many social qualities such as the battle between good and evil, courage, mental and physical strength, heroism, and honor. The eighth century, when Beowulf was written, truly depicts literature at this time of chivalry of a knight to the fullest. However, Sir Gawain, written in the 14 century, depicts the literature at that time, when knights were not upholding chivalry.

             To understand the poems more fully, modern readers need to understand the complexity of chivalry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Chivalric behavior in the sense of a knight can be defined as having courtesy, gallantry, and honor. The practice of chivalry forms the basis of gentlemanly conduct for the Middle Ages. Sir Gawain, written in the 14th century, definitely does not practice perfect chivalric conduct throughout the poem.

             At Camelot, in the first part of the poem, chivalry appears as a social code defining the aristocracy. When the Green Knights demands a challenge, not one member of King Arthur"s court steps up. Only until King Arthur says that he will do it does Sir Gawain step up. He accepts the challenge as King Arthur"s nephew, a representative of the court. His actions uphold the reputation that the court has established. Sir Gawain made the promise to the Green Knight that he would return to the Green Castle in one year for the Green Knight to return the challenge. .

             In the second part of the poem a change of mood is presented also with a new view of the "hero" (Sir Gawain). When Sir Gawain arrived at a castle, he was introduced to a lord and his lady.