“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is a Middle English romantic poem written in the 14th century by an unknown author. This poem is a fairytale story that gives its readers a glimpse into the social class system of medieval England. This literary work opens with the famous King Arthur, a local bishop, and his knights enjoying a royal banquet in Camelot during the Christmas season. This poem provides an accurate depiction of the feudal system of the Middle Ages. Within this tale there are individuals who represent the "pyramid of power" which symbolizes the social class system of medieval England. This group at the top of the pyramid is made up of royalty, clergy and noble knights. At the beginning of this mythical poem, readers are quickly introduced to the pinnacle of this “pyramid of power,” the king and queen. King Arthur and his “beautiful” wife, Queen Guinevere, were “placed in the midst, placed upon the rich dais adorned all around” (Neilson 3). During this period, royal monarchs often hosted large, illustrious gatherings to display their wealth, prestige, and power. This display of rank is evident when the all-powerful “King Arthur and the other knights look on approvingly as Sir Gawain advances” to take the place of his beloved king and accept the challenge of the Green Knights (Swanson 1). Randy Schiff further clarifies the difference between kings and knights in medieval times when he states: “Showing his mastery of courtly deference, Gawain in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” publicly defines himself through kinship, telling Arthur that he is worthy of praise only “for as much” as Arthur is his “em” (uncle)” (1). In the 14th century feudal system, the highest social class position belongs to the king and queen. The......middle of paper......ancient Middle English poem written in the 14th century that provides a remarkable look at the feudal system of medieval England. This fairytale story not only entertains readers but also educates them about the distinctions of the social class system in this era. The author of this poem successfully presents to his audience a royal king and queen, a prestigious bishop, and a brave and honorable knight. Furthermore, the writer skillfully uses these characters to enlighten his readers about the inner workings of this “pyramid of power” and demonstrates how this social class system influences social interactions in the 14th century. Although the author of this poem is unknown, there is no doubt about the quality of this wonderful literary work and the value it holds in terms of understanding 14th century social class distinctions..