The
article “The Axe in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” by Kathryn Walls goes into
deep analysis of the meaning of the axe in this poem. She explains first how it
is a symbol that isn’t often spoken about much like other symbols, such as the
pentacle. She also writes about the only critic to have really discussed this
symbol being Joseph Longo. Joseph Longo, according to Walls “suggested that the
axe alludes the words of John the Baptist in Mathew 3.10: ‘And now also the axe
is laid to the root of the trees: every tree which bringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down’ (75)” (Walls). However, Walls continues stating that Longo’s
claim had made any real impact on critics because of its little relevance and
significance to the poem as a whole. Yet, she believes that the “allusion” (Walls)
is indeed important and significant once St Augustine’s explanation is put into
play.
Walls
continues to explain how the axe the green knight carries is related to the axe
spoken by John because on the green knight’s other hand he hold a branch, which
may be considered a “microcosmic tree” (walls). Also, since John is referring
to the trees as human beings his axe reference may be geared more towards
a battle axe than a tool, which relates
even more to the green knight’s axe. Walls also goes into the similarities
between the Christmas celebrations and the Green Knight and his axe. For
example, the Green Knight’s coming at the beginning of the year bearing a gift
may remind one of the Epiphany and the King’s gifts to Jesus. Furthermore, she
states that through Augustine’s discussion of the symbolism of the axe to the
Bible reference the second appearance of the axe may be straighter forward in
its possible meaning. Gawain’s final meet with the Green Knight at the end of
the year and his experiences of the dramatic strikes and withdrawals of the axe
to his neck may be a symbolism of God’s mercy. As Walls goes on to explain, “Augustine
goes on to urge repentance, the elimination of worldly desires and the
replacement of these with charity. Moreover, God may well choose the ‘chasten’ the
man who has not thus transformed himself” (Walls). Therefore, Gawain seems to
experience a form of mercy when the Green Knight does not strike at him and
also a “chastening” (Walls) when he receives the small wound.
I
understand most of the points Kathryn Walls makes in her article and they make
sense when comparing them to the time this poem was reading and the heavy
Christian influence there is in the writing itself. I do believe it is a symbol
that may have deeper meaning that its accredited to have because even though
its part in the poem may be small and seem insignificant its direct meaning
(without symbolism or deep analyzes) is pretty big: death. However, I do see
how the interpretation of death is given to the Green Knight since he is the
one playing out the actions and the living, moving, speaking persona of death,
if you will. The explanation after making sense of all of Walls interpretations
of the axe is one that would coherently connect the first appearance of the axe
at the beginning of the poem to the one at the end. For example, the bible
reference made about John the Baptist and his quote about the axe lying at the
root of a tree because if it does not produce good fruit it should be cut
down signifies the essential
announcement or message the Green Knight represents as he first meets with
Gawain and Gawain takes his challenge. After their meeting Gawain has a year to
produce good fruits, maybe meaning good decisions and such. Since, he
essentially lies and breaks his chivalry code when he meets with the Green
Knight at the end of the year he is redeemed but not after receiving some sort
of punishment, hence his neck wound. Then, since he has redeemed and needs to “transform”
himself back into a sinless being he delays his trip home. When he returns home
his wound has healed and aside wrapping his head around all of the events he
has essentially redeemed and transformed himself. That, anyway, is one way I
would personally wrap my head around all of Walls explanations. That
explanation would also tie greatly into the symbolism of life and the setting
of the poem as it takes Gawain throughout the year and begins and ends around
New Year’s day which means new, or
rebirth.
Works Cited:
Walls, Kathryn. California State University Fullerton Library. 11 Sept 2012.
Excellent point about the axe's direct ties to death. Even without direct biblical illusion, its symbolism is central and key to the plot and meaning of the poem as a whole. Really good analysis here!
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