Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong cover image

The Green Knight: History, Myth, and Modern Shame -- A Historian's View

Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong

CHAPTER

The Story of Sir Gawaine Is a Meditation on Sham and Honor

Shame is a necessary aspect of life. It's part of what motivates people, says the pearl poet David Lowery. The notion of honor as a governing principle of life really declined in mediaeval society. As things became more individualistic, more egalitarian, people are increasingly discouraged from defining themselves according to social rules and duties. I'd certainly be very curious to hear what anyone thinks about the ending of this movie.

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