英国文学史第二讲课件.pptVIP

Medieval English Literature William the Conqueror became the king of England in the year of 1066, thus feudalism was established in the country. Middle English literature is a combination of French and Anglo-Saxon elements. During the three centuries after the Norman Conquest, large scale of French literature was introduced into England. Literature that the Normans brought to England is remarkable for its bright, romantic tales of love and adventure, which can be seen in Romance, the most prevailing kind of literature in the feudal England. Social Features Two classes: Landlords and peasants Peasants were not allowed to say anything against the feudal order, otherwise put to death In 1348-1349, Black Death (黑死病：由老鼠身上的跳蚤传播的致命瘟疫) swept over the country The hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) ?Joan of Arc In 1379, poll-tax (人头税) The peasant uprising of 1381 led by Wat Tyler and John Ball was bloodily repressed but had shakend the feual system to the root. The Influence on Language Coexistence of 3 languages: Normans= master=speak French Saxons= servant=speak English Scholars clergymen=use Latin or French By the end of the 14th century, English was once more the dominant speech. Many terms used by Normans were adopted into English language The Influence on Literature The customs and ideals of chivalry(骑士精神) was introduced into England The literature was varied in interest and extensive in range The Normans began to write histories and chronicles The prevailing form of literature was the Romance Middle English Period Anglo-Norman Period The Romances Age of Chaucer William Langland Geoffrey Chaucer 15th Century Period Popular Ballads Thomas Malory The Romances (for the noble) Definition: It was a long composition, sometimes in verse, sometimes in prose, describing the life and adventures of a noble hero The theme of loyalty to king and lord was repeatedly emphasized in romances Essential features (P10) The three major subjects: th