Characteristics of Middle

English Literature
 Language Evolution
Shift from Old English to
1 Influence of Norman Conquest 2 Middle English

The Norman Conquest of The language underwent

England in 1066 brought a
shift in language from Old
English to Middle English.
French became the language of
the aristocracy, while English
was spoken only by the lower
classes.
significant changes,
adapting to the complex
realities of medieval life.
French and Latin words
were introduced, which
transformed the grammar
and vocabulary of
English.
 Main Themes in Middle English Literature
Religious and Moral Allegory
The purpose of morality plays
was to instruct the faithful in
how to live moral lives.
Allegorical characters, such as
the vices and virtues, were
central to these plays.
1 Chivalry and Courtly Love
Knights, damsels, and their
heroic adventures, often
2 mingled with courtly love
conventions, presented an ideal
of nobility, virtue and romance
that people aspired to follow.
3 Folklore and Myth
Middle English Literature
frequently drew upon folklore
and myth encompassing
legends, fables, allegories and
fairy tales
 Important Authors of Middle English
Literature
Pearl Poet
The anonymous
Geoffrey Chaucer author of several William Langland
works, including
Chaucer, a diplomat Sir Gawain and the Langland, a theologian
and courtier, is widely Green Knight, and poet, authored the
considered the Father Pearl, Patience, and religious poem Piers
of English literature. Cleanness, is Plowman, a delightful
His works were considered one of portrait of medieval
highly influential in the greatest English society, which garnered
shaping the English poets of the Middle both critical and
language and Ages. popular approval.
literature that
followed.
 Examples of Middle English Literature
The Canterbury Tales, by
Chaucer
Chaucer's masterpiece, a
collection of stories told by a
diverse group of pilgrims,
exemplifies the flourishing of
English as a sophisticated
language and its integration into
literature.
Sir Gawain and the Green
Knight, anonymous
A masterpiece of medieval
English romance, this tale of
King Arthur's knight, Sir
Gawain, highlights the
chivalric code and the
conflict between religion and
honor.
Piers Plowman, by William
Langland
This 14th-century religious
allegory presents the vision of a
narrator seeking salvation and
understanding, and tackling
social criticism of his time.
 Impact and Legacy of Middle English
Literature
Influence on Renaissance
Literature
Many literary works from the
Renaissance period owed their style,
themes and language to Middle English
literature. Shakespeare, for instance,
drew heavily on Chaucer's works for
inspiration.
Preservation of English Language
The works of Middle English literature played
a significant role in preserving the English
language from disappearing entirely. They
helped standardise spelling and grammar and
ensured that English remained the primary
language of England.