Introduction: Shame and Honor in Chivalric Culture
“The Knight and the Sword” illustrates various traditions associated with honor and shame in the Chivalric culture of Anglo-Saxon society, which is based on the principles of chivalry and knighthood. Holding the badge of knighthood itself was considered an honor. A knight was expected to adhere to a specific code of honor, encompassing aspects such as wearing military attire, maintaining a state of battle-preparedness, persevering once committed to a path, not abandoning a lady who willingly offered herself to a knight, and refraining from injuring or killing a fellow knight who demonstrated excellence.
For instance, Sir Gawain is depicted clad in knightly attire and armed with weapons. He persists on the chosen path despite being warned by shepherds about the dangers of a castle. It is an honor for him to boldly tread the undertaken path. He does not refrain from touching the lady, even in the face of the potential danger of a hanging sword. Leaving the lady under such circumstances would bring shame upon him if known to the public. However, it would be an honor for him to sustain injuries in his attempt, as it would signify that the knight had exerted his utmost effort. Winning the hand of the lady after facing perils is also considered an honor in chivalric culture.
Another aspect of honor in chivalric culture is the importance of keeping one’s word. This is exemplified when the father knight fulfills his promise and gives his daughter as a prize to Sir Gawain for his courage and bravery (Brewer 1992).
Shame and Honor in Chivalric Culture in Korea
Korean culture, as illustrated by Muller in his article, demonstrates a societal adherence to the cultural tradition of maintaining conjugal relations, even in the face of abuse. Such conformity is viewed as a significant social and moral honor, representing a dignified practice. In stark contrast, living as a divorced single parent is perceived as a considerable shame, as exemplified by Choi Jin-Sil’s experience, who found it difficult to endure the societal stigma associated with divorce. Consequently, being a single parent is also considered a source of great shame.
Interestingly, suicide is paradoxically valued as a great honor, as it is seen as upholding the honor of the victim. This perspective is evident in the tragic case of Choi, where her suicide garnered considerable sympathy and contributed to a notable increase in the suicide rate. Similarly, depression is regarded as a shameful condition, as noted by psychologist Hyong-soo, who observes that individuals tend to conceal their visits to psychiatrists. Family members, too, perceive depression or mental illness as a source of shame, leading them to conceal such matters from the public eye to protect their honor (Muller 2015).
Shame and Honor in Chivalric Culture in Anglo-Saxon and Korea
Shame and honor are perceived differently in the Anglo-Saxon period, as exemplified by Sir Gawain’s narrative, and in contemporary Korean culture. For Sir Gawain, it is an honor to be invited and entertained, but it would be considered a shame for him to abstain from engaging with the lady solely due to the fear of the hanging sword. In the public eye, refraining from pursuing pleasure with the lady would bring great shame upon him, even though societal norms discourage questioning his actions outside of wedlock. People would likely praise him for risking his life in what is essentially a symbolic act of suicide to partake in an affair with the lady (Brewer 1992).
In contrast, Korean culture places a different emphasis on honor. Individuals are expected to endure and maintain conjugal relations even in abusive relationships, as it is viewed as an obligation that contributes to the honor of the entire family. Divorce, therefore, becomes a matter of great shame. Interestingly, if someone attempts to escape an abusive relationship through suicide, they may be considered a hero, eliciting sympathy. Paradoxically, a person who survives while some of their relations commit suicide might experience a sense of shame due to public censure, despite winning sympathy and honor if they themselves choose suicide (Muller 2015).
Shame and Honor in Chivalric Culture in North America
In North American culture, the concept of personal dignity is held in high regard, emphasizing an individual’s intrinsic worth as an inalienable right. The validation of one’s self-worth is crucial, requiring the approval of others within the community. Additionally, within the African American community, an act of honor involves protecting the dignity of sisters or female family members. It is considered an honorable action to confront and potentially confront physically those who make inappropriate remarks about female family members.
Furthermore, a contemporary development in the concept of shame has emerged, particularly in the context of social media. Criticizing or speaking against a social media group, where all members of the group perceive it as an attack on the collective, has become a source of shame for the individual involved. The act of expressing dissent or disagreement within such a group can lead to feelings of shame imposed by the group members (or the group’s collective opinion).
Works Cited: Shame and Honor in Chivalric Culture
- Brewer, Elisabeth. “Appendix B: The Knight and the Sword.” Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Sources and Analogues Ed. Elisabeth Brewer. New York: Cambridge and Rochester, 1992. Page 109-121. Print.
- Muller, T. Robert. “South Koreans Use Suicide to Preserve Honour.” York University. 06 Mar. 2015. http://trauma.blog.yorku.ca/2015/03/south-koreans-use-suicide-to-preserve-honour/ Accessed on 17 Mar. 2022.
Relevant Questions About Shame and Honor in Chivalric Culture of Korea and North America
- How did the concepts of shame and honor influence the chivalric code in Korea and North America, and were there notable differences in their application?
- How were gender roles and relationships affected by societal expectations related to shame and honor in the chivalric cultures of Korea and North America?
- Can you identify key historical events or literary works that exemplify the intersection of shame and honor in the chivalric cultures of Korea and North America?
