"He waxed as wroth as the wind..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Waxed” means grew in size or intensity. Arthur’s growing anger or “wroth” is described with a simile, saying it is as angry “as the wind.” An angry wind suggests a severe storm to come. Further, the alliteration of the repeated "W" sound draws emphasis to this passage—and Arthur's anger.
"the wightest and the worthiest of the world’s kind..."See in text(Fytte the First)
In context, “wightest” can be inferred to mean the strongest and most active or engaged. Note too the alliteration in “wightest,” “worthiest,” and “world’s,” with the repeated “W” sound. The Green Knight’s use of alliteration draws attention to his words, emphasizing his presence in Arthur’s court.
"the pendants of the poitrel..."See in text(Fytte the First)
A “poitrel” is a medieval often richly decorated piece of armor used to protect the breast of a horse. The poitrel on the Green Knight’s horse is decorated with “pendants,” pieces of jewelry that hang from a chain.
"gay gauds of green..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Gauds” are things that are showy and merely ornamental. The alliteration of the "G" sound is also present in this clause to emphasize how extravagantly green the knight is.
"vesture verily was clean verdure..."See in text(Fytte the First)
“Vesture” is clothing. “Verdure” is the fresh green color of vegetation; “clean verdure” implies that his clothing was only green, absent any other color. Note too the alliteration of the repeated "V" sound, which emphasizes this phrase.
"the trains of treason was tried for his treachery, the truest..."See in text(Fytte the First)
The alliteration or repetition of the “T” sound at the beginning of “trains,” “treason,” “tried,” “treachery,” and “truest” creates rhythm in the line, in keeping with the use of alliteration in the original text, which was written in verse. Alliteration is employed frequently throughout the text.
"He spurred his steed with the spurs and sprang on his way so swiftly that the stone struck..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
A striking example of alliteration in the text, the initial “S” sound is repeated in eight words in the sentence: “spurred,” “steed,” “spurs,” “sprang,” “so,” “swiftly,” “stone,” and “struck.” The rapid, repetitive alliteration drives the sentence, suggesting Gawain’s great speed in departing.
"The wild wind of the welkin wrestles with the sun...."See in text(Fytte the Second)
“Welkin” refers to the sky or the heavens, and the alliteration in this line—the repeated “W” sound—emphasizes the changes that the turning of the seasons brings.
"they sing for the solace of the soft summer..."See in text(Fytte the Second)
The repetition of the initial “S” sound in “sing,” “solace,” “soft,” and “summer” illustrates the rhythmic alliteration found throughout the text. The soft sibilance of the “S” sound underscores the gentle tone of the description of springtime.
