GENERAS OF MIDDLE ENGLISH

PERIOD
The Middle English period of literature, from the 11th to the 15th century in England, was marked by a
resurgence of English literature, with poets, dramatists, novelists, and writers producing works in
various genres. The most popular genres during this era were romance, allegory, religious texts, and
moral fables. Some of the most notable writers and their works from this period are discussed below.

Geoffrey Chaucer is considered one of the most important writers of the Middle English period, and his
most famous work is the Canterbury Tales. This collection of stories is written in verse and features a
diverse group of travelers who tell stories to pass the time during their pilgrimage to Canterbury. The
stories include a range of themes and styles, including love, humor, satire, and moral lessons.

Another notable writer from this period is William Langland, who wrote the allegorical poem Piers
Plowman. This poem tells the story of a dreamer who embarks on a spiritual journey, meeting various
characters along the way who represent different virtues and vices. The poem uses symbols and allegory
to teach moral lessons about social and religious issues of the time.

The anonymous epic poem Beowulf is another significant work from the Middle English period. This
poem tells the story of a hero who battles monsters and dragons, demonstrating the values of courage
and loyalty that were highly regarded in Anglo-Saxon culture.

In addition to poetry, drama also became a popular genre during the Middle English period. The York
Mystery Plays and the Wakefield Mystery Plays are two notable examples of medieval drama, which were
performed by guilds and included stories from the Bible and the lives of saints.

The most popular genre during the Middle English period, however, was romance. Romance literature
included stories about knights and their quests for love and adventure. Some of the most famous works of
romance literature from this period include Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a story of a knight's quest
to prove his worth, and the Roman de la Rose, a French poem about the pursuit of love.

In conclusion, the Middle English period of literature was marked by a revival of English literature, with
writers producing works in various genres, including romance, allegory, religious texts, and moral
fables. The most notable writers from this period include Geoffrey Chaucer, William Langland, and the
anonymous author of Beowulf. The popularity of romance literature and the emergence of drama also
characterize this era. These works continue to be appreciated for their literary value and historical
significance, and they offer insights into the cultural and political landscape of medieval England.