1、Chapter Two,The Norman Period (1066-1350),Historical background - Norman conquest in 1066,Duke of NormandyWilliam I,Historical background - Norman conquest in 1066,Influence:Accelerated development of feudalism in England (King, baron, knight*)Two relevant terms: a Knight: people who provide militar
2、y service and arrange tournaments for lords. b Chivalry: loyal, brave, be exalted in sentiment, devoted to a lady.,Chief conflicts :Serfs and the peasants VS feudal lords, including the king, the barons, and the church . A large scale peasant uprising broke in 1381,Historical background - Norman con
3、quest in 1066,Middle English,Language in use :English and absorption of Latin and French.Specifically , Latin and French were used by the upper classes; Anglo-Saxon used by common people while undergoing remarkable change,Religious Literature characteristic of Middle English literature,Themes :perso
4、nal salvation, putting emphasis on the moral and spiritual responsibilities of individual rather on his ethical and social responsibilitiesRetelling of the biblical stories from the Creation to the Last JudgmentReligious lyrics addressed to Christ or the Virgin Mary,Romance and the influence of Fren
5、ch literature,Time:3 centuries after the Norman conquest ,the introduction of French and Italian culture and literature.RomanceOriginality: Aristocratic society in France.Definition: A type of literature popular in the Middle Ages(12th and early 13th century) In the original sense of the word, means
6、 the vernacular language ,opposed to Latin, and later it means a tale in verse,Romance and the influence of French literature,Romance 3. features: a reflection of the spirit of chivalry . 4.content:love, chivalry and religion. It generally concerns knights and involves lightings as well as miscellan
7、eous adventures .It makes use of the improbable, often supernatural and includes romantic love.,Romance5.catagories: a. The matter of France. b. The matter of Rome. c. The matter of Britain.,Romance and the influence of French literature,Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (ca:1375-1400),Lasts about 250
8、0 lines Contains four “fyttes” About the adventure of Sir Gawain ,one of the chief Arthurian knights.,Significance :A reflection of the ideal of feudal knighthood. Artistically, it contains several elements which prepared for a new culture . 1)A vivid portrayal of Gawain and his psychology. 2)A well unified and exciting plot full of climaxes and surprises. 3)Scenes are closely related with each other. 4) A mixture of Anglo-Saxon poetry.,Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (ca:1375-1400),
