Question

“the journey” by mary oliver - connections directions: for each section below, choose a section from the poem and explain how it connects to “sir gawain and the green knight.” be thorough in your explanations, and make sure they match up with the quotes you choose! 1. lines: one day you finally know what you had to do explanation: because he know what had to do 2. lines: explanation: 3. lines: explanation: 4. lines: explanation:

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze connections between "The Journey" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" by selecting relevant lines from the poem and explaining their ties to the Arthurian tale.

1. Lines: “one day you finally knew what you had to do / and began, though the voices around you / kept shouting their bad advice”

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain accepts the Green Knight’s challenge (striking him with an axe, then agreeing to receive a blow in return) despite pressure from others (or his own doubts). Like the speaker in “The Journey” who ignores “bad advice” to follow their path, Gawain follows his chivalric duty, even when it feels risky. Both highlight courage to act on one’s purpose, ignoring external noise.

2. Lines: “the whole house began to tremble / and you felt the old tug / at your ankles”

“The old tug” mirrors Gawain’s internal conflict when facing the Green Knight. As Gawain journeys to the Green Chapel, he grapples with fear (of death) and loyalty (to his oath). The “tug” in the poem represents internal resistance or fear of change, just as Gawain feels torn between self-preservation and honor. Both show inner struggle as one moves toward a difficult destiny.

3. Lines: “though the wind pried / with its stiff fingers / at the very foundations”

The “wind” attacking the house symbolizes external challenges (like societal expectations, danger, or doubt). In Sir Gawain, external challenges include the harsh winter journey, the temptations at Bertilak’s castle, and the Green Knight’s test. Both the poem’s speaker and Gawain face external forces trying to derail their “journey,” yet they persevere—Gawain through chivalry, the speaker through resolve.

4. Lines: “you knew what you had to do, / though the world offered itself to your imagination”

Answer:

(Example for 2–4, filled out):

1. Lines: “the whole house began to tremble / and you felt the old tug / at your ankles”