Middle English(Medieval)

Literature
1066-1500
 History
• The impact of the Norman conquest of England in
1066 is manifested in the domination of French in
English Letters.

• During Medieval time, writing was done by hand.

The invention of the printing press in 1476 and the
appearance of the first printed English book marks
the end of scribes as well as that of Middle English:
the language had assumed its modern form, except
in spelling.
• In the Middle Ages, the English language
evolved its modern nature and structure.
• Literature too found modern forms in the
medieval period:
a. Prose in the 15th century
b. Verse in the 14th century
c. Drama as early as the 12th century
 Change
• The change in literary sensibility after 1100 is
often characterized as a change from epic to
romance.
• Romances were tales of adventurous and
honorable deeds (deeds of war at first, but to
defend ladies later)
• This is called chivalric romance.
 Geoffrey Chaucer
• Chaucer is often called the father of English poetry.
• He brought modern European modes into English.
• The three works that set Chaucer apart as a great
poet in the history of poetry in general are:
• “Troilus and Criseyde”
• “The Legend of Good Women”
• “Canterbury Tales”
 The Canterbury Tales
• Clearest picture of late medieval life existent
anywhere.
• It is a masterpiece of wit and humor
• The pilgrims are types familiar from medieval
social satire
• Another outstanding poet of the time is
William Langland. His most famous work is
“The Vision of Piers the Plowman”.
 Middle English Prose
• Middle English prose was mostly religious.
• Works of prose include
a. Ancren Riwle teaches proper rules of life for
anchoresses (religious women)
b. The form of Perfect Living was written by Richard
Rolle
c. Translations of the Bible into English by John Wycliffe.
d. Morte D’Arthur (Arthur’s death) is an important
Middle English prose work by Sir Thomas Malory.
 Drama
• Mystery Plays or Miracles are a long cycle of
short plays based upon biblical episodes.
• Morality Plays: Everyman
• Interludes were played between the acts of
long Moralities
John Heywood’s The Four P’s
The Play of the Weather
 Next Week
• Renaissance: The Tudors
• 1500-1603