1: The Middle Ages
- Page ID
- 455125
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
- Describe the migration and/or invasion of successive groups into Britain;
- Analyze the ways that Anglo-Saxon literature assimilated Christian themes;
- Compare how various groups and individuals used the story of King Arthur for political, religious, and revisionist reasons;
- Describe the languages used in Britain over time, leading to Chaucer’s use of English when composing his works;
- Analyze the similarities and differences between the Anglo-Saxon warrior code and the knightly (or chivalric) code in Middle English literature, especially in Malory;
- Analyze the similarities and differences among the portrayals of women in Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Norman, and Middle English works;
- Analyze the ways that writers use the concept of courtly love, from Marie de France to Malory.
- 1.1: Introduction
- This page discusses the profound societal transformations after the Norman Conquest, including changes in land ownership, governance, and the emergence of feudalism. It highlights the blending of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures, significantly influencing medieval British literature through language and stories, such as the evolution of the Arthurian legend.
- 1.2: The Dream of the Rood
- This page analyzes "The Dream of the Rood," an eighth-century poem inscribed on the Ruthwell Cross, emphasizing its Christian themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption through the perspective of the Cross. It presents the Rood as a loyal figure to Christ amid suffering, drawing parallels with warrior culture and Norse mythology. The Dreamer's yearning for companionship in heaven adds depth to the narrative.
- 1.3: Julian of Norwich
- This page discusses Julian of Norwich, an English mystic and anchoress, known for her visions in "Revelations of Divine Love." Her significant experiences during a near-death event in 1373 shaped her writings, which highlight God's parental nature and view sin as a necessary journey to self-knowledge and divine love. Her optimistic spirituality notably influenced later writers, including T.S. Eliot, who referenced her thoughts on sin and hope.
- 1.4: Beowulf
- This page provides an overview of the epic poem "Beowulf," detailing its heroic themes, particularly the protagonist's battles against Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. It explores the tension between Germanic and Christian values, reflecting on heroism, loyalty, and mortality. Key scenes highlight Beowulf's bravery, struggles against evil, and interactions with Hrothgar, culminating in his eventual death and legacy.
- 1.5: The Wanderer
- This page analyzes "The Wanderer," a tenth-century poem from the Exeter Book, which explores a solitary character's reflection on loss, exile, and the nature of existence. Themes include loneliness, fate, and the ephemeral quality of life, resonating with the "ubi sunt" elegiac tradition.
- 1.6: Marie De France
- This page discusses the life and works of Marie, a pioneering female medieval poet who wrote "Launfal," a tale of an undervalued knight and his mystical love, highlighting themes of honor, love, and social standing. The narrative unfolds Launfal's challenges after revealing his secret love, leading to a conflict with King Arthur.
- 1.7: Geoffrey Chaucer
- This page explores Geoffrey Chaucer's impactful legacy in British literature, highlighting his use of English and influences from classical authors. It discusses his notable works, including "The Canterbury Tales" and "Parlement of Fowles", which critique social norms and express themes of love and class dynamics. The summaries further delve into allegorical representations of love and relationships through a gathering of birds on Saint Valentine’s Day, guided by Nature.
- 1.8: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
- This page examines "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," a 14th-century poem known for its exploration of knighthood, loyalty, and integrity. The anonymous author, likely a cleric, uses vivid imagery to portray Gawain's virtues in contrast to Lancelot's, while also hinting at the moral decline of Arthur's court.
- 1.9: Sir Thomas Malory
- This page discusses Sir Thomas Malory and "Le Morte d'Arthur", highlighting his life contrasting with the chivalric ideals he portrays. The narrative includes various Arthurian legends, especially focusing on Lancelot's flaws and the decline of knightly virtues during turbulent times. Additionally, it recounts Sir Gringamore's quest to discover a dwarf's identity and Sir Tristram's intervention on behalf of King Anguish, emphasizing themes of loyalty, honor, and the complexities of love.
Thumbnail: Beowulf face to face with the fire-breathing dragon. (Public Domain; Marshall, Logan via Wikipedia)