What narrative style is "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" written in?

The narrative style of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is accurately characterized as being written in the North West Midland dialect of Middle English. This literary work, composed in the late 14th century, employs a specific form of Middle English that reflects the regional dialect of the area where it is believed the poem originated, likely in the West Midlands of England.

This distinction is important because Middle English itself is a period of the English language that followed Old English and precedes Modern English, showcasing different linguistic features, vocabulary, and grammar from earlier and later forms. The use of the North West Midland dialect marks it as a representative example of the literary language of that geographical and historical context. The poem also includes alliterative verse, a hallmark of medieval English poetry, further grounding its style within the period.

By focusing on this dialect, one can appreciate the linguistic nuances that would have resonated with contemporary audiences of the time, illustrating the cultural and regional storytelling traditions that informed medieval literature.