Forbidden Fruit in Holy Feast and Holy Fast and Sir Gawain and the Green KnightThe forbidden fruit, its properties and its effects have wide ramifications within of the ethics of women during the Holy Feast and the Holy Fast. as well as those of the characters represented in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 2. The link is perhaps less obvious with Gawain. It should be realized that this story contains multi-layered metaphors that approach modern literature in their complexity. It will be argued that Gawain betrays an isomorphism with the tale of Eden. The author's attitude towards the fruit and perhaps towards fasting will become evident. Bynum's incisive argumentation has been extremely helpful in this analysis of Gawain; but, as far as medieval women are concerned, she has surprisingly little to say about Eve and the Tree. Although this negligence is regrettable, it is not fatal. This article will tend to support the major theses of the Holy Fast. The people described by these authors did not dwell unduly on the essential weaknesses of women. Hopefully this refocusing on the forbidden fruit will help us see things more clearly. The isomorphism of Gawain with the story of Eden can only be demonstrated once the scene is set. It can be helpful to think of this isomorphism as a kind of image or reflection. This places it squarely in the realm of Neoplatonic forms. Medieval nobility, often versed in Neoplatonic thought, would not hesitate to point out that Arthur, the king, is a lesser image of God and that his court is a reflection of the heavenly host. This assertion is not without textual support. The happiest of mortals, the noblest king of will, you would now go far to find so sturdy a host on a hill. (2) Presently, the Green Knight is arriving. It reflects Lucifer in the court of God, and more; He is full of slander (7:315). He is described in titanic images (4:140, 9:390), commonly attributed to the Antichrist. The Round Table cannot bear this affront to the king, so Gawain, with Guinevere's permission, steps in to intercede. Here, Gawain is like Christ or Michael, going out to fight the dragon. He cuts off his head. Gawain is full of reversals and inversions. This is consistent with the Neoplatonic model since Arthur's court is a lesser image. We will present Bynum's point of view on this point later...