MIDDLE / MEDIEAVAL ENGLISH LITERATURE

ENGLISH LITERATURE

BY GROUP 2ND

Diana Shalma 2213042088

Aprilia Amelda Putri 2213042098
Nirmala Sani 2213042102
Nendra Asa Cahyadi 2253042002

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
LAMPUNG UNIVERSITY
2023
 Preface

Praise be to God Almighty for bestowing the gifts of faith and health upon the
authors, enabling the completion of a significant “Middle English Literature”.

In their endeavour to present these papers, the author recognises their

imperfections in both preparation and grammar. Therefore, we wholeheartedly
welcome the invaluable suggestions and critiques from our readers, aiming to
enhance the quality of our work.

The paper titled “Middle English Literature” was conceived through divine
blessings, empowering the author to delve into the intricacies of English
Literature and enriching knowledge and understanding. It is our sincere hope that
these papers serve as wellsprings of knowledge, easing the comprehension of
complex subjects for our readers.

Gratitude is extended to all who contributed support and assistance throughout the
journey of crafting these papers. With humility, we embrace constructive
feedback from our readers, aspiring to refine our work and provide even greater
value.

May these papers stand as beacons of enlightenment, illuminating the path to

knowledge for all who engage with them.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ………………………………………………………………………... i

Table of Contents …………………………………………………………… ii

Chapter 1 Preliminary

1.1. Background ……………………………………………… 1

1.2. Formulation of Problems ………………………………… 1
1.3. Purpose of the Papers ……………………………………… 2

Chapter 2 Discussion

1.1. Definitions of the Middle English Literature ......................... 3

1.2. Characteristics of Middle English Literature ......................... 4
1.3. Common Themes of Middle English Literature .................... 6
1.4. Common Genres of Middle English Literature ...................... 7
1.5. Famous Figures in Middle English Literature ........................ 8
1.6. Dialects in Middle English Literature .................................. 9
1.7. Famous Literary Arts of Middle England ........................... 11

Chapter 3 Summar

1.1. Summary .............................................................................. 16

Bibliograph ............................................................................................... 17

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 Chapter 1

Preliminary

1.1. Background
In this era, literatures from middle English or commonly mediaeval English
are rarely known and only small numbers of literature from that period only
known. The reason for this is the unfamiliar structure and characteristics of
old literature as most readers in this era are more familiar with contemporary
literature. Middle English literature is mostly poetry and full of dialogue, as
opposed to modern literature which is more show than tell and less dialogue.
This will cause medieval literature to disappear over time and the literary
characteristics of that century will become unfamiliar and those who use
those characteristics will be ostracised for using literary elements of that
century.

This paper will discuss Middle English or what is commonly known as

Medieval English literature. The paper will provide a definition and
characteristics of the literature of this period, and examples of famous art
from this period.

1.2. Formulation of Problems

The following is the problems this paper will cover:
 What is the definition of middle English literature?
 What are the characteristics of the middle English literature?
 What are the themes of this period literature?
 What are the genres that are exist in this period?
 What are the examples of famous figures?
 What are the examples of famous arts from this period?

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1.3. Purposes of the paper
The following are the purposes of the paper:
 To have a clear understanding of middle English literatures.
 To know the characteristics of the middle English literatures.
 To see the common themes and genres of the middle English literatures.
 To know the famous figures and arts of the middle English literatures.

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 Chapter 2

Discussion

2.1. Definitions of the Middle English Literature

Middle English literature refers to the corpus of literary works produced in
English between the 11th and 15th centuries. This literature covers an
important period in the history of the English language, marking the transition
from Old English to more modern forms. It encompasses a variety of genres
such as epic poetry, lyric poetry, prose, and drama, reflecting the
development of culture, language, and worldview at the time.

For that, we must first know the history of how medieval English literature
proceeded, where the history starts from the 11th to the 15th century which
will be discussed as follows:

I. 11th and 12th Centuries (Early Times and Transition Period)

This period began with the continued influence of Anglo-Saxon
literature, especially through the monumental epic, "Beowulf". However,
after the Norman conquest in 1066, there was a cultural fusion that
created works that reflected both Latin and Norman influences, marking
an interesting transitional period.

II. 12th to 14th Century (Romantic Prose and Poetry)

The early Middle Ages gave impetus to the development of romantic
prose and poetry. Works such as "The Romance of the Rose" and "Sir
Orfeo" reflect a deep interest in romantic themes. However, the peak
came in the 14th century with the emergence of Geoffrey Chaucer, who
showcased everyday life and antics through his monumental work, "The
Canterbury Tales."

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 III. 14th to 15th Century (Growth of Poetry and Drama, as well as the
Influence of Religion and Daily Life)
In the late Middle Ages, there was tremendous growth in poetry and
drama. Works such as "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" symbolised
the creativity and complexity of the literature of the time. Meanwhile,
John Gower with "Confessio Amantis" and William Langland with "Piers
Plowman" presented a diversity of genres and themes.
Not only that, this period also reflects the strong influence of Christianity
in literature. The works reflect religious values and teachings, while
some works depict city and village life, giving a picture of the social and
cultural life of the time.

IV. 15th Century (Influence on Modern English)

Beyond literature, the 15th century period marked the transformation of
the English language. The linguistic and grammatical changes that took
place formed the basis of the modern English we know today.

From the history of Middle English literature starting from the 11th century to
the 15th century, it can be seen that Middle English literature not only created
impressive works, but also made important contributions to the formation of
language and culture. Thus, each century is a valuable chapter in the story of
global literary evolution.

2.2. Characteristics of Middle English Literature

The following list are the characteristics of Mediaeval English literature:

I. Impersonality/Anonymity
One of the main characteristics of Middle English literature is
impersonality, where many works are anonymous and their authors are
unknown. This happened because more attention was paid to the work
itself rather than the author. Authors of the time did not have the

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 advantage of popular authors today who have publishers to keep their
names in the public eye.

II. Derivative Stories

Authenticity was not a necessity for medieval writers. Story material was
considered common property, and the concept of intellectual property did
not yet exist. Taking a work as the basis of an old and reputable source
was considered a virtue. This encouraged writers like Geoffrey of
Monmouth to claim sources that may never have existed. It is not
surprising that this attitude increased the rate of translations comparable
to the original works.

III. Religiosity
Religion plays an important role in Middle English literature, being a
major element in social life in medieval times. People at the time saw
religion as a means to the afterlife. They lived in fear of hell and its
torments, and were very concerned about the salvation of their souls.
Therefore, religious writings became a large part of Middle English
literature.

IV. Oral Quality

Another important characteristic of Middle English literature is its oral
quality. Most works were meant to be listened to rather than read, as
there were no printing facilities at that time. People preferred to
memorise and recount poems or stories rather than read them. The main
obstacle to the spread of literature among the general public was the high
cost of books, making it inaccessible to the general public.

V. Love at Court
The concept of love at court became a prominent theme in Middle
English literature. It involved romantic relationships common among the

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 nobility, which often involved high levels of sacrifice and loyalty. This
theme enriches love stories and gives them a deep emotional dimension.

VI. Chivalry
Another important characteristic is the chivalric values reflected in these
works. Chivalry is considered a symbol of courage, honesty, and loyalty.
The code of chivalry plays an important role in shaping characters and
plots in Middle English literature.

VII. Romance
Romantic elements dominate many Middle English works. Stories filled
with adventure, love, and magic created an enchanting world for readers.
These romantic themes were often interwoven with moral and religious
values.

VIII. Infra-Literary
There is an infra-literary element, where literary works reflect the social
and cultural realities of their time. Literature is a reflection of the social
order and values held by medieval society. This includes the worldview,
norms, and beliefs that influenced Middle English literature.

2.3. Common Themes of Middle English Literature

The following list are the common genres in Middle English Literature:
I. Loyalty and Honor:
Middle English literature often highlights codes of ethics and values of
loyalty to kings, lords, or empresses. This is seen in the stories of knights
and their battles.

II. Love and Romance:

The theme of love often appears in romance stories that highlight an
idealistic or even tragic love journey.

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III. Religion and Spirituality:
Literary works often reflect the religious views and moral values of the
time. Many works explore concepts of sin, redemption, and spiritual
journey.

IV. Adventure and Struggle:

Epic and adventure stories often feature heroes facing physical and moral
challenges, representing the values of courage and justice.

2.4. Common Genres of Middle English Literature

The following list are the common themes in Middle English Literature:
I. Epic Poems:
"Beowulf": This classic epic work highlights the values of heroism,
courage, and the fight against evil. Analyses can focus on cultural
aspects, heroic values, and the conflicts faced by the hero.

II. Roman:
Arthurian story: For example, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"
explores the code of chivalry, the relationship between courage and
honesty, and themes of love and betrayal.

III. Lyrical Poems:

Love poems, reflective poems, and religious poems can be the focus.
Analyses can look at the structure, style, and emotional meaning behind
these poems.

IV. Drama:
Middle English drama works can be stories from the Old or New
Testament, moral dramas, or dramatizations of religious stories. They
were often performed in churches or marketplaces.

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2.5. Famous Figures in Middle English Literature
The following are the example of famous literature figures during mediaeval
English:

I. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400)

Geoffrey Chaucer, often considered the "Father of English Literature",
was a 14th century poet, philosopher, and diplomat. His magnum opus,
"The Canterbury Tales," stands as the cornerstone of Middle English
literature. This collection of stories framed around the theme of a
pilgrimage to Canterbury presents a rich tapestry of medieval life,
encompassing diverse characters from different social classes.
Chaucer's powers of observation and keen command of language offer a
nuanced exploration of human nature, societal norms, and moral
dilemmas.

II. Sir Thomas Malory (c. 1405-1471)

Sir Thomas Malory, a knight and writer, is famous for "Le Morte
d'Arthur," a compilation of Arthurian legends. Written in the late 15th
century, the work weaves together the story of King Arthur, the Knights
of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail. Malory's prose
captures the essence of chivalry, depicting noble ideals alongside the
complexities of human relationships and the tragedy of King Arthur's
inevitable fall. "Le Morte d'Arthur" remains an important work in
Arthurian literature.

III. William Langland (c. 1330-1386)

William Langland, a contemporary of Chaucer, is associated with the
allegorical narrative poem "Piers Plowman". This work, composed in a
series of dream visions, serves as a social and theological commentary
on 14th century English society. Langland explores the quest for a
virtuous Christian life, criticising corruption within the church and the

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 moral challenges faced by individuals. "Piers Plowman" is notable for
its intricate allegorical structure, which reflects Langland's concern for
justice, truth, and an idealised society, thus making it a significant work
in the realm of medieval English literature.

2.6. Dialects in Middle English Literature

In middle English, some literatures come from different region of Britain thus
resulting different dialects, there are known to be three dialects, which are
Southern, Midland, and Northern, the following are the overview of the three
dialects:

I. Southern dialect
The Southern dialect in Middle English literature, which covers areas
such as Kent and Sussex, is characterised by distinctive linguistic traits
that set it apart from other dialects of the time. Vowel pronunciation
plays an important role, with long vowels and diphthongs displaying
unique qualities. For example, words like "name" may have different
long vowel sounds. In addition, the Southern dialect shows significant
influence from Norman French, which is evident in vocabulary and
expressions. Loan words from French, such as "gentle" and "feast", are
easily integrated into Southern Middle English texts. Geoffrey
Chaucer's famous work, "The Canterbury Tales", is a prime example,
which incorporates Southern characteristics in words such as "merci"
(mercy) and "parfit" (perfect).

The regional specificity of Southern dialects is further reflected in local

vocabulary and expressions, which provide insight into the linguistic
diversity of medieval England. As the Middle English period
transitioned to Early Modern English, the Southern dialect, along with
other regional variations, contributed to a constantly evolving linguistic
landscape, characterised by transitional forms and shifts in verb
conjugation, which paved the way for the standardisation of English.

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 II. Midland dialect
The Midland dialect in Middle English literature, which covers areas
such as Oxfordshire and the Midlands, has distinct linguistic traits that
characterise its existence during the medieval period. Vowel
pronunciation plays an important role, with unique qualities in long
vowels and diphthongs. For example, words such as "name" may have
exhibited the typical Midland long vowel sound. The influence of
Norman French is evident but less pronounced than in the Southern
dialects, with Midland incorporating a number of loanwords from
French into its vocabulary. Regional terms specific to the Midland
dialect can be found, reflecting the local linguistic landscape.

Literary works in Midland dialects contribute to our understanding of

this linguistic variation, providing examples of regional vocabulary and
expressions. As the Middle English period transitioned to Early Modern
English, Midland dialects, along with other regional variations, played a
role in shaping linguistic developments. Transitional forms and shifts in
verb conjugation in Midland Middle English texts offer insight into the
linguistic changes that paved the way for the standardisation of the
English language.

III. Northern dialect

The Northern dialect in Middle English literature, prevalent in regions
such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, exhibits distinctive linguistic traits
that set it apart in the medieval literary landscape. Vowel pronunciation
in Northern dialects shows variation, with long vowels and diphthongs
reflecting unique qualities. For example, words like "name" may have a
typical Northern long vowel sound. Despite the French influence, the
Northern dialect uses fewer loanwords from French compared to the
Southern dialect.

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 Examples of Northern vocabulary may include regionally specific terms
for everyday objects or activities. Famous literary works in the
Northern dialect contribute to our understanding, though not as many as
Southern texts. As the Middle English period transitioned to Early
Modern English, Northern dialects, along with other regional variations,
played a role in shaping linguistic evolution. Transitional forms and
shifts in verb conjugation in Northern Middle English texts provide a
glimpse into the linguistic changes that paved the way for the
standardisation of the English language.

2.7. Famous Literature Art from Middle English

The following are one of the famous arts that came from middle English with
analysis of the art:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

I. Characters and Characterization:
i. Sir Gawain:
He is a knight who is considered virtuous, brave, and honest. He
appears as the main protagonist who faces the test of the Green
Knight.

ii. Green Knight:

A mysterious character who challenges knights in the Arthurian
realm. He has a supernatural impression with green skin and unusual
abilities.

iii. King Arthur:

He represents the values of chivalry, courage, and honour in this
story.

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 II. Theme:
i. Honor and Loyalty:
Sir Gawain is tested in his spiritual and moral journey. He must
defend his honour and loyalty in the face of the test of the Green
Knight.

ii. Fear and Justice:

The theme of fear arises when Gawain faces uncertainty and fear of
death. Justice was also an important theme in the way Gawain
responded to the tests he faced.

iii. Falsehood and Self-Truth:

Sir Gawain is tested in terms of his honesty and loyalty to himself.
How he deals with his mistakes and limitations becomes an
important theme.

III. Genre:
i. Roman Arthurian:
This story is a classic example of the Arthurian romance genre
featuring chivalry, adventure, and moral themes.

ii. Romance:
Despite having elements of adventure and heroic tests, the story also
has a romantic layer in the relationship between Gawain and Lady
Bertilak.
"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" explores moral values, tests of
heroism, and the journey of character. These elements enrich the
story as a significant work of Middle English literature.

IV. Plot

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 i. Conflict:
The main conflict in the story arises when the Green Knight appears
at King Arthur's court and challenges anyone who dares to face him
to deliver a single blow to him. Sir Gawain, one of the knights in the
court, accepts the challenge, and that's where the conflict begins.
Gawain had to face the fear and uncertainty of his fate, as he knew
that after delivering a blow to the Green Knight by beheading him,
he would have to wait for retribution one year later.

ii. Flow/Timeline:
The story begins with the introduction of the Green Knight and his
challenge at King Arthur's court. Gawain, full of valour, volunteers
for the challenge. He manages to deliver one strike to the Green
Knight, which then takes the Green Knight by surprise and gives a
warning. The storyline then takes us on Gawain's journey to meet the
Green Knight a year later. On his journey, Gawain faces various tests
and obstacles, including the temptation of Lady Bertilak who tries to
test Gawain's loyalty and honesty.

iii. Resolution:
Gawain finally arrived at the meeting place with the Green Knight,
but before the Green Knight could deliver his counterattack, he
revealed his true identity. The Green Knight turned out to be Lord
Bertilak, the host of Lady Bertilak who had tested Gawain. Due to
Gawain's loyalty and honesty during the test, the Green Knight only
suffered a slight scratch on his neck. Gawain, although embarrassed,
returned to King Arthur's court as a hero, and the appearance of the
green sash given by Lady Bertilak became a symbol of human
weakness.

V. PoV (Point of View)

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 The story is told from a third-party or omniscient point of view, where
the narrator has extensive knowledge of the thoughts and feelings of the
characters in the story. This allows the reader to gain a deep insight into
the events taking place, including the internal and external conflicts
experienced by Sir Gawain. This point of view also helps in portraying
the complexity of the characters and the plot that develops throughout
the story.

VI. Settings
i. Time:
The story of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" takes place during
the Christmas period at Camelot Castle, which is a time of
celebration and merriment. Sir Gawain's journey of adventure lasts
for one year until he must fulfil his promise to the Green Knight in
the Green Chapel.

ii. Place:
a. Camelot: The legendary palace of King Arthur, where the story
begins and the Christmas celebrations take place. Camelot is a
symbol of glory and justice.

b. The Forest: Most of Sir Gawain's adventures take place in the

mysterious and challenging forest. The forest is a test of Sir
Gawain's character and loyalty.

c. Green Chapel: The place where Sir Gawain must fulfil his
promise to the Green Knight. The Green Chapel creates a
magical and suspenseful atmosphere in the unfolding of
revenge.

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iii. Situation:
a. Camelot: The atmosphere at the beginning of the story in Camelot
is full of joy and festive spirit. The knights and people of Camelot
celebrate with warmth and togetherness.
b. Forest: The atmosphere of the forest creates tension and
uncertainty. The falling leaves and dense trees give a mysterious
and dangerous feel to Sir Gawain's journey.
c. Green Chapel: The atmosphere in the Green Chapel creates ever-
increasing tension as Sir Gawain prepares to fulfil his promise.
The unique time continuum of the story creates a dramatic and
immersive atmosphere.

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 Chapter 3
Summary
3.1. Summary
To sum it up, Middle English literature, which lasted from the 11th to the
15th centuries, marked an important transition in language and culture of
English literature. From the fusion of Anglo-Saxon and Norman influences to
the peak of romantic prose with Chaucer, this literature displays a dynamic
growth in various genres. The late Middle Ages reflected religious, social,
and cultural dimensions. The 15th century brought linguistic transformation,
shaping modern English. Middle English literature stands as an important
chapter in the global literary narrative, leaving a legacy of impressive works
and enduring linguistic contributions.

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 Bibliography

Finlayson, J. (1980). Definitions of Middle English Romance. The Chaucer

Review, 44-62.

Kingdon, D.J. (2020). Middle English in the 14th and 15th Century. In A.
Villarreal (Ed.), An open companion to early British literature. Pressbooks.
(2019) https://pressbooks.pub/earlybritishlit/part/middle-english-literature-in-the-
14th-and-15th-century/ (Accessed on 12 November 2023)

Rafiq M. (2023). Characteristics of Middle English Literature.

https://owlcation.com/humanities/Characteristics-of-Middle-English-Literature
(Accessed on 12 November 2023)

https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gawain/summary/ (Accessed on 13 November

2023)

https://auchinleck.nls.uk/mss/adameve.html (Accessed on 11 November 2023)

Dalrymple, R. (Ed.). (2008). Middle English Literature. John Wiley & Sons.

Smith, J. J. (1993). DIALECTAL VARIATION IN MIDDLE ENGLISH AND THE

ACTUATION OF THE GREAT VOWEL SHIFT. Neuphilologische Mitteilungen,
94(3/4), 259–277. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43345950 (Accessed on 12
November)

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