1. Medieval Literature From the fall of Rome to the Renaissance

3. English & French Literature Dominated by: Dominated by: –The epic  Beowulf –The romance  Song of Roland (early)  Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (late) –The allegory  The Canterbury Tales  The Divine Comedy –The folk tale –The lyric –The drama  Everyman

4. EARLY BRITISH MEDIEVAL LITERATURE 499-1066 CE

5. The Anglo-Saxons: 449–1066 300s B.C. Celts in Britain 55 B.C–A.D.409 Roman Occupation A.D. 449 Anglo-Saxon Invasion A.D. 400–699 Spread of Christianity A.D. 1066 Norman Invasion A.D.878 King Alfred against the Danes A.D. 600 A.D. 300 A.D. 1 300 B.C. A.D. 900 A.D. 1200

6. Britain Before and during the 4th century B.C. Celtic religion a form of animism Stonehenge Druids were Celtic priests Britain named for one Celtic tribe—the Brythons Britain home to several Celtic tribes

7. The Roman Occupation 55 B.C. Hadrian’s Wall Romans evacuate their troops Central government breaks down Julius Caesar invades Britain Celts defeated by Claudius A.D.43 Romans build walls, villas, baths, roads Roman ruins Britain left vulnerable to attack A.D. 409

8. The Anglo-Saxon Invasion A.D. 449 The Anglo-Saxons push the Celts into the far west of the country. Angles Saxons Jutes Celts

9. The Anglo-Saxon Invasion Anglo-Saxon Society kinship groups led by strong warrior chief people farmed, established local governments, produced fine craftwork English emerged as a written language

10. The Anglo-Saxon religion offered no hope of an afterlife valued earthly virtues of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and friendship similar to what we call Norse mythology ThunorThor WodenOdin Day of weekAnglo-Saxon godNorse god Wednesday Thursday The Anglo-Saxon Invasion

11. Anglo-Saxons did not believe in afterlife warriors gained immortality through songs Why were the scops important? The Anglo-Saxon bards called scops Anglo-Saxon harp strummed harp as they sang sang of heroic deeds were often warriors The Anglo-Saxon Invasion

12. Christianity and Anglo- Saxon culture co-exist The Spread of Christianity Christian monks settle in Britain British pagan religions replaced by Christianity Around A.D. 400 By A.D. 699

13. Early Literature Celtic and Germanic Tribes Celtic and Germanic Tribes –heroic legends Written down by monks hundreds of years later. Written down by monks hundreds of years later. –What effect will this have on pagan epics?

14. Old, Middle, Modern English Old English 'Fæder ure þuþe eart on heofonum si þin nama gehalgod tobecume þin rice gewurþe þin willa on eorðan swa swa on heofonum urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us to dæg and forgyf us ure gyltas swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge ac alys us of yfele soþlice.' 'Fæder ure þuþe eart on heofonum si þin nama gehalgod tobecume þin rice gewurþe þin willa on eorðan swa swa on heofonum urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us to dæg and forgyf us ure gyltas swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge ac alys us of yfele soþlice.' Middle English 'Oure fadir þat art in heuenes halwid be þi name; þi reume or kyngdom come to be. Be þi wille don in herþe as it is dounin heuene. yeue to us today oure eche dayes bred. And foryeue to us oure dettis þat is oure synnys as we foryeuen to oure dettouris þat is to men þat han synned in us. And lede us not into temptacion but delyuere us from euyl.' 'Oure fadir þat art in heuenes halwid be þi name; þi reume or kyngdom come to be. Be þi wille don in herþe as it is dounin heuene. yeue to us today oure eche dayes bred. And foryeue to us oure dettis þat is oure synnys as we foryeuen to oure dettouris þat is to men þat han synned in us. And lede us not into temptacion but delyuere us from euyl.' 'Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debters. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' http://bitterscroll.podomatic.com/entry/2006-08-09T16_02_07- 07_00

15. Old English The Germanic Tribe The Germanic Tribe Spoken on the British Isles Spoken on the British Isles –Anglo-Saxons specifically

16. Beowulf Germanic traditional epic Germanic traditional epic –Specifically Anglo-Saxon –Warring culture 3,000 line epic poem 3,000 line epic poem First literary composition in the English Language First literary composition in the English Language Composed sometime between 600-900 C.E. 700 is our best guess. Composed sometime between 600-900 C.E. 700 is our best guess. Written down 200-300 years later. Written down 200-300 years later.

17. History of the text Poem exists in one manuscript only (in British Library) Poem exists in one manuscript only (in British Library) Survived fire in 18 th century Survived fire in 18 th century This scare led to the copying, editing, translating of the copy This scare led to the copying, editing, translating of the copy Now an integral part of the canon. Now an integral part of the canon. –A group of the most important literature of any given time period, genre, author, etc.

18. Beowulf Poem written in England Poem written in England –Set in Scandinavia Follows the Scandinavian prince, Beowulf. Follows the Scandinavian prince, Beowulf. Poem has three major plots Poem has three major plots 1.Beowulf, a warrior for the Geats, crosses the sea to help the Danes kill the man-eating monster Grendel.  He must also kill Grendel’s mother 2.Beowulf returns and rules for fifty years as king. A dragon terrorizes the country and Beowulf must confront it. 3.Beowulf slays the dragon but meets his own death. He enters the legend of his people as a hero.

20. Beowulf Poem shows life in the Dark Ages. Poem shows life in the Dark Ages. –Begins with soldiers in a hall, drinking mead –Grendel eats them all. Yum. Grendel is the spawn of Cain, the murderous brother in the Old Testament. Grendel is the spawn of Cain, the murderous brother in the Old Testament.

21. Chainmail

22. Beowulf assignment Assignment on page 2 of Medieval Lit packet Assignment on page 2 of Medieval Lit packet –Take a look at this now Excerpts begin on page 3 Excerpts begin on page 3 Read academically and carefully Read academically and carefully Take notes or annotate Take notes or annotate –Notes can be used on quiz, annotations cannot Due Monday Due Monday –If you’re absent Monday (or today, I guess) you will turn in typed answers to these questions upon return.

23. From Epic to Romance The Epic yielded to Romance in 11 th and 12 th centuries The Epic yielded to Romance in 11 th and 12 th centuries Originally applied to Old French to distinguish from Latin Originally applied to Old French to distinguish from Latin –Eventually, it referred to any work in French.

24. Romance Narrative shift Narrative shift –from warfare –to love. Courtly love Courtly love  A tradition that idealized women and turned conventions of human love almost literally into religion.  First developed by troubadours – lyric entertainers –Originally half-facetious –elaborate code to follow

25. Romance Earlier Romances, chansons de geste (Songs of Deeds), like Roland, are men-at-war. Earlier Romances, chansons de geste (Songs of Deeds), like Roland, are men-at-war. –The central figure:  Charlemagne  and members of his court. –Basis in historical fact –a towering figure in the development of Western and Christian culture.  However, they have poetic legend, as, for instance, Charlemagne is in intimate touch with the Angels.

26. Song of Roland

27. Background Written in Old French circa 1100 Written in Old French circa 1100 –Composed 300 years earlier –Oral songs sung by troubadours accompanied by lyres. Song of Roland Song of Roland –earliest and best known example of the Song of Deed romance. History of text (FYI) History of text (FYI) –Unknown until 1832 when the first of several manuscripts was discovered. –The best of these is at Oxford University that is a copy by an Anglo-Norman scribe of an earlier version. –Many conspiracies and hypotheses about the organ, poet, and facts of Roland

28. Background Written at the beginning of the Crusades. Written at the beginning of the Crusades. –By telling a story of the Great Charlemagne, the hope is to inspire current fighters. The values of the poem are simply identified. The values of the poem are simply identified. –Exclusively deal with war and religion –Success in battle is vital  personal reasons  prove God is on your side Christians are good, Saracens (Muslims) are evil Christians are good, Saracens (Muslims) are evil –although some are great warriors and honorable Absent are: Absent are: –philosophical subtleties –inward conflicts

29. Song of Roland plot Based on the ambush of Charlemagne's rear guard in 778. Based on the ambush of Charlemagne's rear guard in 778. Charlemagne’s nephew Roland ambushed as they returned from an expedition against the Muslims in Spain. Charlemagne’s nephew Roland ambushed as they returned from an expedition against the Muslims in Spain. Brings to life aspects of early medieval culture: Brings to life aspects of early medieval culture: –naming one's battle gear and weapons, –dependence on cavalry –glorification of blood-and-thunder heroism –and strong sense of companionship between brothers-at-arms.

30. Structure of poem Very un-poetic: Very un-poetic: –Simple vocabulary & syntax.  No Figurative language –No atmospheric details –Poet is on the side of the Christians, but he doesn't gush like in Beowulf.

31. Structure of poem Hyperbolic praise of the past Hyperbolic praise of the past Heroes of old Heroes of old Appearance of prophetic dreams and omens Appearance of prophetic dreams and omens Intervention at key moments of supernatural beings Intervention at key moments of supernatural beings Epithets Epithets Battles Battles

32. Courtly Love History of Arthurian Legend and Courtly Love

33. Courtly Love Extramarital Extramarital –very secretive The knight (whom did the loving) prone to: The knight (whom did the loving) prone to: –fits of weeping –Growing pale –Languishing in his unrequited love Lady of noble birth Lady of noble birth –Knight performed great deeds gain his lady’s admiration from afar Faithfulness was eternal Faithfulness was eternal

34. Courtly Love (don’t write down) Chretien de Troyes applied these rules into legendary tales including: Chretien de Troyes applied these rules into legendary tales including: –Eric and Enide –The Knight of the Cart –The Knight with the Lion –The Story of the Grail These stories combined with other romances to form a foundation for courtly love including: These stories combined with other romances to form a foundation for courtly love including: –Sir Gawain and the Green Knight –Havelok the Dane

35. King Arthur The Arthurian Legend is a compilation of stories and romances The Arthurian Legend is a compilation of stories and romances –Arthur’s birth –his adventures as knight –adulterous love affair between Lancelot and Guinevere Epic Poetry Courtly Love or “The Romance” Arthurian Legend

36. King Arthur Gains fame in the 1100’s Gains fame in the 1100’s Chretien de Troyes takes the oral legends he has heard, mixes them with courtly love ideas and writes the first five romances of adventure in the 12 th century Chretien de Troyes takes the oral legends he has heard, mixes them with courtly love ideas and writes the first five romances of adventure in the 12 th century Stories culminate in the 15 th century Stories culminate in the 15 th century Alfred Loydd Tennyson “Idylls of the of the King” Alfred Loydd Tennyson “Idylls of the of the King” Mark Twain with “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”. Mark Twain with “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”.

37. Romance Church began to see Romance, specifically Courtly Love, as a threat Church began to see Romance, specifically Courtly Love, as a threat –Sir Gaiwan and the Green Knight –Romance of the Rose

38. Late Middle Ages The Church took over power The Church took over power –based on two propositions:  Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of the Devil  only through the offices of the church Earth is proving ground for Heaven Earth is proving ground for Heaven The literature reflected this conflict. The literature reflected this conflict. –Nearly all literature was religious in theme.

39. On the Misery of the Human Condition Sermon written by Pope Innocent III ~1200 Book 2 page 96

44. Medieval Drama In courtyards In courtyards Layman actors Layman actors Three types: Three types: –Mystery play  Biblical history from fall of Lucifer to Last Judgement –Miracle play  Stories of life of Christ, Mary, or saints –Morality Play  Struggle of good and evil and soul’s afterlife.  Allegorical

45. Everyman

46. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM5Z wd427iU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM5Z wd427iU&feature=related

47. Middle English More recognizable to modern reader. More recognizable to modern reader. Middle Class rises Middle Class rises –Feudalism weakens –Canterbury Tales

48. The General Prologue Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licour Of which vertu engendred is the flour; Whan Zephirus eek with his sweete breeth Inspired hath in every holt and heeth The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne Hath in the Ram his half cours yronne, And smale foweles maken melodye, That slepen al the nyght with open ye (So priketh hem Nature in hir corages), Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages, And palmeres for to seken straunge strondes, To ferne halwes, kowthe in sondry londes; And specially from every shires ende Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende, The hooly blisful martir for to seke, That hem hath holpen whan that they were seeke. Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licour Of which vertu engendred is the flour; Whan Zephirus eek with his sweete breeth Inspired hath in every holt and heeth The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne Hath in the Ram his half cours yronne, And smale foweles maken melodye, That slepen al the nyght with open ye (So priketh hem Nature in hir corages), Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages, And palmeres for to seken straunge strondes, To ferne halwes, kowthe in sondry londes; And specially from every shires ende Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende, The hooly blisful martir for to seke, That hem hath holpen whan that they were seeke. Bifil that in that seson on a day, In Southwerk at the Tabard as I lay Redy to wenden on my pilgrymage To Caunterbury with ful devout corage, At nyght was come into that hostelrye Wel nyne and twenty in a compaignye Of sondry folk, by aventure yfalle In felaweshipe, and pilgrimes were they alle, That toward Caunterbury wolden ryde. The chambres and the stables weren wyde, And wel we weren esed atte beste. And shortly, whan the sonne was to reste, So hadde I spoken with hem everichon That I was of hir felaweshipe anon, And made forward erly for to ryse, To take oure wey ther as I yow devyse.

49. The Canterbury Tales Take a look at the four following images. Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Take a look at the four following images. Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Basically, generalize Basically, generalize

50. Politician Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Basically, generalize Basically, generalize

51. Priest Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Basically, generalize Basically, generalize

52. Rapper Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Basically, generalize Basically, generalize

53. Businessperson Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Write down three characteristics the image triggers – think about their role in society as well as your personal, moral beliefs of them. Basically, generalize Basically, generalize

54. Journal In your notebook, choose one of these people and describe him. Your description should judge him on a moral and social level. You may want to discuss his clothing, items he has with him, physical attributes, etc. A reader who reads your description should be able to get a gist of your feelings toward that person. In your notebook, choose one of these people and describe him. Your description should judge him on a moral and social level. You may want to discuss his clothing, items he has with him, physical attributes, etc. A reader who reads your description should be able to get a gist of your feelings toward that person. NOTE: Don’t describe the photo I just showed you, rather a person in that job/role. NOTE: Don’t describe the photo I just showed you, rather a person in that job/role.

55. Canterbury Tales Organizational Plan Chaucer (our narrator) fictitiously watches 29 pilgrims enter the Talbard Inn in the Southwark neighborhood of London Chaucer (our narrator) fictitiously watches 29 pilgrims enter the Talbard Inn in the Southwark neighborhood of London –On their way to the shrine of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury –Becket, murdered in 1170 Use of journey motif as framing device Use of journey motif as framing device –4 tales per person: 2 coming; 2 going Actually completed 22 Actually completed 22 –Began 2 others Cathedral of Canterbury

56. The Prologue Sets stage for journey Sets stage for journey Meeting place the Tabard Inn in Southwark of 29 pilgrims including: Meeting place the Tabard Inn in Southwark of 29 pilgrims including: –Knight and his Squire –Yeoman –A Nun (Prioress) –a chaplain, –3 Priests –A monk and a friar –A merchant –a cleric –a lawyer –a franklin (freeman) –A pardoner –A miller

57. Tales & Prologues Each pilgrim will tell a tale Each pilgrim will tell a tale –Tales usually have morals or tell us about the teller Some tales have a prologue introducing the tale Some tales have a prologue introducing the tale –Chaucer telling us a little about the teller of the tale –In a couple he will write a few words after the tale, too. The whole story had the “General Prologue” The whole story had the “General Prologue” –Chaucer describing the scene in the Inn. He describes the tellers and passes subtle judgment about him/her and his/her status in life We will look at 2 tales – the Pardoner’s and the Miller’s We will look at 2 tales – the Pardoner’s and the Miller’s

58. The Pardoner’s Tale 3 young men of drunk and riotous behavior search for Death. 3 young men of drunk and riotous behavior search for Death. An old man whom they insult tells them that Death lies up the hill under a tree. An old man whom they insult tells them that Death lies up the hill under a tree. They find bags of gold and plot to send the youngest for food and wine and then kill him for the gold. They find bags of gold and plot to send the youngest for food and wine and then kill him for the gold. He returns with poisoned wine and all die. He returns with poisoned wine and all die. “The love of money is the root of all evil.” “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

59. The Miller’s Tale No need to read the “Prologue to the Miller’s Tale” Basically: No need to read the “Prologue to the Miller’s Tale” Basically: –The Miller is very drunk & likes bawdy tales Tale of old carpenter (John), his young wife (Alison), a student and border in John’s home (Nicholas) and a suitor and cleric. (Absalom) Tale of old carpenter (John), his young wife (Alison), a student and border in John’s home (Nicholas) and a suitor and cleric. (Absalom) Nicholas & Alison plot to sleep together and trick the husband Nicholas & Alison plot to sleep together and trick the husband Absalom, who also loves Alison, steps into the fray but is rejected Absalom, who also loves Alison, steps into the fray but is rejected Nicholas plots Noah’s flood scam of John Nicholas plots Noah’s flood scam of John

60. Tips to reading Understand plot Understand plot List characters and their characteristics & relationship to others. List characters and their characteristics & relationship to others. What can this tale tell us of its teller (the Miller) What can this tale tell us of its teller (the Miller) Nicholas: Nicholas: –Student of astrology (Astroglobe on his shelf (23)) –“well versed in love” (14) & good looking (15) –