The Medieval Period The Middle Ages/ Middle English

The Normans (“north men”) Originally from Northern Europe (like Danes) Settled in Normandy Adopted French ways Wm. intros French ways to England 1066 – Old English changes to Middle English!!!

Feudalism Political & economic system Based on hierarchy of power King owned all land ¼ to king ¼ to church Rest to loyal nobles (“barons”)in return for pay or warriors (“knights”)

Thus, the social ladder: Kings Barons Knights Serfs – conquered Anglo-Saxons; peasants bound to land they couldn’t own

Protecting Norman interests Barons build castles to dominate countryside & defend the realm Cathedrals & abbeys erected (see pamphlet)

Power struggles 1135 Wm.’s son Henry I dies Violent struggle between daughter Matilda & nephew Stephen 1154 – Matilda’s son Henry Plantagenet takes throne (Henry II) – great memorable leader

Eleanor of Aquitaine Most powerful woman of 12 th c. Former French queen Vast landholdings in France as part of her dowry Brought to England “chivalry”: code of honor to govern knightly behavior, to honor & protect ladies, & go on holy quests (see purple text p. 209)

Thomas a Becket Henry II’s friend Appointed to Archbishop of Canterbury Criticized for favoring church interests over crown Murdered by Henry’s knights Henry proclaims innocence and reconciles w/church Becket declared a saint, shrine built

Richard the Lion-hearted Henry II’s son Spent most of 10-yr. reign fighting in Crusades in France Brother John (villain of Robin Hood legends) plotted against him Dies and John becomes king

John Royal treasury goes bankrupt by overseas warfare Must sign the Magna Carta – limits royal authority; gives more power to barons; early step to democracy Eventually parliaments are formed – councils of barons but later to include commoners as well

Which Big Hair Band sang it anyway? “Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” -Aerosmith “Never Say Goodbye” - Bon Jovi “Love Bites” - Def Leppard “Home Sweet Home” - Motley Crue

Which Big Hair Band sang it anyway? “Patience” - Guns and Roses “Is This Love?” - Whitesnake “Keep on Lovin You” - REO Speedwagon “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” - Poison

Ballads songs that tell stories Popular in England & Scotland Loved by the commoners, particularly the illiterate About ordinary people Passed on orally Most were anonymous; not written down ‘til 18 th c.

Ballads, cont’d. Focus on a single incident Popular subjects: tragic love, domestic conflict, crime, war, & shipwreck Some tragic; others comedic Deal with everyday life & problems

Poetic devices Stanzas are quatrains (?) Rhyme scheme of abcb Rhythm (1 st & 3 rd lines – 4 stressed syllables; 2 nd & 4 th – 3 stressed) Dialogue Repetition of letters (alliteration), words, & phrases

Every Rose Has Its Thorn I could’ve spent another night If I’d known what to say Instead of makin’ love We both made our separate ways.