Week Iii (Middle Period)
Download as PPT, PDF2 likes611 views
The document summarizes the Middle English period from 1150 to 1400. It describes how William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066 established Norman rule in England and made French the dominant language. English regained prominence in the late 13th century. Early literary works were often religious in nature and written by monks to spread religious teachings. Geoffrey Chaucer and William Langland were two of the most famous authors of the period, with Chaucer's Canterbury Tales being one of the defining works of Middle English literature. French influences also remained strong during this time period in terms of vocabulary, genres, and literary styles.
Week Iii (Middle Period)
- 1. History of English Literature Middle English Period ( 1150 – 1400)
- 2. The Disputes 1066 Edward the Confessor died William, Duke of Normandy in France demanded the throne He landed in Hastings In 1066 William was enthroned
- 3. The Importance of William’s Invasion The penetration of Norman Royal to England Most English Royal families died in the war French became dominant language Norman people didn’t want to study English French employers >< British employees Small number but powerful local dialect “Anglo-Normandy” Until the mid 13th century
- 4. The Return of English Language Dispute between British Royal families & French Royal families The French dialect (Anglo-Normandy) gradually faded away & completely disappeared English language had vast opportunity in use (especially among the employers) In the 14th century English regained its former position Developing into Middle English Many words borrowed from French Early literary works reflected the history of English language Formerly, books & literary works (poems) were written in French
- 5. Early works (poetry) English was not accepted amongst the rich employers Authors did not get material incentive, but spiritual support The monks working hard in the midst of society disseminate gospels & tenets Many works based on the Bible born: Ormulum ( 1225), Ancren Riwle how to live based on Religious values, fables containing lessons: The Owl and the Nightingale ( 1195), Brut ( 1200) by Layamon not contain religious tenets but history.
- 6. Next……. Ballads spread from mouth to mouth unknown author & origin, e.g. Robin Hood Many works written in French began to be translated into English mostly romance (a story about enormous events which most unlikely happen in real life). Themes: love, knight & religion centred on a perfect, clean, brave person who could respect women, willing to help the helpless & loyal to employers & companions. E.g.: Chanson de Roland . Some others from Greece & Rome. Stories of King Arthur: Sir Gawain, Green Knight , Cleanness, Patience & The Pearl (humanistic & realistic lyrics which revealed a father’s pain toward his dead daughter)
- 7. The Birth of New Artists The resurgence of English became the peak time for English literary period Geoffrey Chaucer ( 1340 – 1400) main artist Troilus & Criseyde popular love story in the Middle Age Canterbury Tales the biggest work depicting various types of people in the society, from Oxford scholars to farmers. tends to be realism big change in English literatures William Langland (born in 1332) Piers Plowman intended for common people, not entertaining.
- 8. New Prosaic period John Wyclif ( 1324 – 1384), a religion leader & scholar, popular as the translator of the Bible. The translation did not only give vast influence in morals but also in the language. This helped the making of standard English. It was helped with the prose: Voyage and Travail of Sir John Maundeville or Mandeville’s Travels
- 9. French Influences Thousands of words borrowed Types of literary work: romance on its mood, style and form Bright mood and bright and simple language
- 10. Drama Formerly in churches as the medium for speech The monks’ speeches were in Latin Illustrations were needed to make people far more understand The story about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Crucifixion Latin was gradually replaced with English Shows were moved to church yard & road Common people could join Secular tendencies interfered amongst the “strict” religious tenets under church’s supervision Kinds: “ Miracles”: about Saints “ Mysteries” taking themes from the Bible Spread out in England since the 13th century.