A Test Of Truth, Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

A Test Of Truth, Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (1988) Barrie Wade, Arnold-Wheaton ISBN: 0-560-09013-7

This is a very short book with many illustrations. It is a book that is aimed at enticing reluctant readers, and works very well. The story is not a new one, and there is even a version told by the notable J. R. Tolkein.

The story is based upon Sir Gawain, a knight in King Arthur’s kingdom. Gawain is the only night brave enough to challenge the Green Knight, knowing that it will probably cause his death. He does this to uphold the honour of Camelot. It is that honour, and his personal honour that has him not just agreeing to go to his death at the hands of the green knight a year later, but actively seek out his fate.

The book simplifies the story so that it is short in length without dummying it down. Challenging vocabulary is used such as “withered” and “gruesome”. This helps to extend readers vocabulary as well as making the story much more interesting. This effect is supported by the use of words related to the stories setting, such as “revelry”. Words and phrases are also repeated to aid readers in remembering them, although not so much as to turn the text into a story for a much younger child.

Almost every other page has a wonderfully detailed and colourful piece of artwork that is designed to illustrate what the text is describing. They successfully mix modern art and colours with those of the past, including some medieval motifs in the decoration. The images help the reader to understand and appreciate the story being told through the text. They add another layer of meaning to the words, and make the book so much more appealing to a reluctant reader. Teens who struggle to read will be attracted by the short length of the volume, and the amount of pictures in the book.

This story is a moral tale or parable. It demonstrates the value of honesty, keeping promises, and personal honour. It accomplishes all of this without preaching to readers. Understanding of these lessons comes from following the struggles and thoughts of the characters. This is the sign of a great tale, and I enjoyed reading it very much.

What I have learned;

· Writing can contain messages for readers, ie, life lessons and moral values.
· Tales can be re-told or adapted to suit different needs.