英国文学复习资料2.docx

Medieval RomanceRomance, which uses narrative verse or prose to sing knightly adventures or other heroic deeds is a popular literary form in the Middle Ages.The hero: the knight, who sets out on a journey to accomplish some goal—to protect the church and the poor, to attack infidelity, to rescue a maiden, to meet a challenge, or to obey a knightly command.The code of manners and morals: chivalry (loyalty)The Class Nature of the Romance1.Composed for the noble, of the noble, and mostly by the poets patronized by the noble2.The theme: loyalty to King and lord 3.Audience: people of the court or of the castle, had nothing to do with the common people.Essential Features of the Romance a. Lacking general resemblance to truth or realityb. Exaggerating the vices of human nature and idealizes the virtuesc. Containing perilous adventures remote from ordinary life d. Laying emphasis on supreme devotion to a fair ladye. Central character: knight, noble birth, skilled in the use of weapons, commonly described as riding forth to seek adventures, taking part in tournaments, or fighting for his lord in battlef. Devoting to the church and the kingRomance Cycles 1. “matters of Britain”: adventures of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table (most important)2. “matters of France”: Emperor Charlemagne and his peers3. “matters of Rome”: Alexander the Great and so forthThe English BalladsRomance and Ballads:1.Written vs. Oral2.For the upper classes vs. for lower classesCharacteristics of Ballads1.Mainly the literature of the peasants2.Created collectively and revised constantly3.In various English and Scottish dialects4.Kinds of ballads: historical, legendary, fantastical, lyrical and humorous 5.of the English common people in the feudal society(an outlook of English common people in feudal society)Subjects of Ballads1.The struggle of young lovers against their feudal-minded families2. The conflict between love and wealth3. The cruelty of jealous4. The criticism of the civil war5.