1、English literature,An Introduction to Old and Medieval English Literature,History Background,Early inhabitants-Celts-were conquered 3 times: a. Romans b. Anglo-Saxons: Germanic language and culture c. Normans: Mediterranean civilization (Greek culture, Roman law, Christian religion),Old English Lite
2、rature,From 450 to 1066 (the period witnessed a transition from tribal society to feudal society; the year of the Norman conquest of England) The Germanic tribes from the Northern Europe brought with them : Anglo-Saxon language, the basis of Modern English and poetic tradition Old English poetry con
3、sists of the religious group and the secular one.,Beowulf,A typical example of Old English poetry, regarded as the national epic of the Anglo-Saxons. Oral form in 6th c.=Written in 10th c. It contains 3183 lines of alliterational verse It describes the exploits of a Scandinavian hero Three conflicts
4、: a. Beowulf vs Grendel (a monster) b. Beowulf vs Grendels revengeful mother c. Beowulf vs fire-breathing dragon It is a mingling of nature myths and heroic legends.,Analysis of the poem,A folk legend-reflecting the features of tribal society of ancient times The artistic features of Beowulf: a. the
5、 use of alliteration b. the use of metaphors and understatement “ring-giver”-king; “sea-wood”-ship; “swans path” or “whales road”-sea; “not troublesome”-very welcome,Original Text:,Hwt! We Gardena in geardagum, eodcyninga, rym gefrunon, hu a elingas ellen fremedon. Oft Scyld Scefing sceaena reatum,
6、monegum mgum, meodosetla ofteah, egsode eorlas.,Translated text:,Prelude of the Founder of the Danish House LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, we have heard, and what honor the athelings won! Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes, from many a trib
7、e, the mead-bench tore, awing the earls. Since erst he lay friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him: for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve, till before him the folk, both far and near, who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate, gave him gifts: a good king he!,Norman Conquest-changes: 1
8、. Politically: feudalist system 2. Religiously: Rome-based Catholic Church 3. Language: French-official language Latin-principle tongue of church and unuversities Old English- common English people,Medieval English Literature,OE,From 1066 to mid-14th century,Middle English literature deals with a wi
9、der range of subjects,greater diversity of styles,tones and genres Romance uses narrative verse or prose to sing knightly adventures or other heroic deeds,Geoffrey Chaucer,The greatest writer of this period Influenced by Renaissance The Canterbury Tales These Tales tell of an imaginary group of pilg
10、rims travelling from London to Canterbury to visit the tomb of St. Thomas. To entertain one another during the journey, The pilgrims, who come from all layers of society, tells a story, thereby providing a wonderful mirror of life in Medieval England.,Theme : Chaucer affirmed mans right to pursue ea
11、rthly happiness and opposed asceticism; he praised mans energy, intellect, quick wit and love of life; he exposed and satirized the social vices, including religious abuses. Chaucer bore marks of humanism and anticipated a new era to come.(what era?),GENERAL PROLOGUE: INTRODUCTION THE KNIGHTS TALE T
12、HE MILLERS TALE WIFE OF BATHS TALE 1 Prologue + THE PARDONERS Tale 24 tales THE NUNS PRIESTSTALE,Chaucers Contributions,Introduced from France the rhymed stanzas of various types to English poetry to replace the old English alliterative verse Heroic couplet: the rhymed couplet of iambic pentameter T
13、he Canterbury Tales John Dryden called Chaucer : the Father of English poetry Homework: iambic pentameter,Iambic Pentameter Who has seen the wind? Neither I nor you; Note: it is not iambic,Except from The Canterbury Tales,When in April the sweet showers fall And pierce the drought of March to the ro
14、ot and all The veins are bathed in liquor of such power As brings about the engendering of the flower,When in April the sweet showers fall When/ in/ Ap/ril /the/ sweet /show/ers/ fall When/ in/ Ap/ril /the/ sweet /show/ers/ fall And pierce the drought of March to the root and all And pierce the drought of March to the root and all,
