Date post: | 30-Nov-2014 |
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The Middle Ages Approximately 500-1500 AD After the fall of Rome/before the
Renaissance “The Dark Ages” No Central Government Church the only unifying element Feudalism Illiteracy Literature preserved by monks
Courtly Tradition (Chivalry)Courtly Love…
NOT to be confused with Courtney Love
Nothing to do with marriage Often between a knight and
the wife of someone else Is where modern love
evolved from
The Norman Conquest William The Conqueror in 1066 Anglo-Saxons now served the French Thousands of borrowed words from the
French (“pork” and “pig”) Shift from Old to Middle English—much
less complex Mixed cultures-Folklore and legends of
French mixed with English Le Morte D’Arthur incorporated French
stories
Sir Thomas Malory Personal life very different from knightly
virtues of works Was frequently in trouble with the Norman
authorities Accused of robbery, extortion, attempted
murder and rape (of a nun) Jailed several times. Once broke jail by
swimming a moat
Sir Thomas Malory He was excluded from four general pardons Made powerful enemies by not submitting to
Norman rule Wrote Le Morte d’Arthur while in prison Did not write the first King Arthur story, but it’s
the most popular Was attempting to create a rallying point for
British people Made prose acceptable as an art form
Courtly Tradition (Chivalry)A knight must…
Be absolutely loyal to his king
Be honorable and courageous
Protect the weak and poor
Serve his lady
Geoffrey Chaucer The father of British
Literature Wealthy family, but not
royalty (“Chaucer” meant “shoemaker” in French)
A favorite of the British Court
Was a soldier, diplomat, clerk and held other sundry jobs Familiar with all aspects of life
Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales was
written as a “hobby” On of the great masterpieces
of British Lit. Picture of medieval life
Buried in Westminister Abbey- the first writer to be so honored Section is now called “Poets’
Corner”
The Pilgrimage
Approximately 60 miles