winnings” agreement-- “He takes the other’s strong neck in his arms, / “And kiss- es him as pleasantly as he could devise” (“Sir Gawain” lines 1388-1389). Bertilak laughs after receiving Gawain’s kiss and the two men spend the evening feasting and drinking together. Noted critic G.V. Smithers argues otherwise, “If we are to do full justice to the motivation of Gawain’s behavior, we must add that he resisted the lady because he was the man he was—one deeply committed to the ideal of chastity, among the five virtues that he practiced above others” (180). Also plausible for Gawain’s interest in the lady confining to courteous flirting and kissing is “because of the ordeal he must face/ very soon-- / To stand a crushing blow, / in helpless sufferance” (“Sir Gawain” lines 1284-1286). His mind could be elsewhere due to his fate hanging in the balance.
Still, “The Pentangle” is what ultimately has the strongest influence on Gawain’s con- duct—a red and gold five-point- ed star on his shield repre - senting a knight’s untarnished ideals—“Devoid of all vice, and with all courtly virtues / adorned. / So this new-paint- ed sign / He bore on shield and coat” (“Sir Gawain” lines 634-637). The Pentangle is a religious icon symbolic of a knight’s regard for repentance and humility and his steadfast fidelity to five chivalric virtues- generosity, courtesy, chastity, chivalry, and piety. J.J. Ander - son points to Gawain’s devotion to Mary, Mother of God: “Her image is painted on the inside of his shield, but this is for practical reasons than religious ones—when he looks at it, his
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