英国文学课件47881.ppt

Old English Literature I. Historical background Time span: 450-1066 Early inhabitants: Celts A. Roman Conquest (Julius Caesar), 55 B.C. B. Anglo-Saxons(450) A fresh wave of Mediterranean culture Greek culture, Roman law, Germanic language and Christian religion. Old English formed. II. Representative works The Adventures of Beowulf Beowulf leaves his home to assist King Hrothgar in Denmark against the monster, Grendel and later Grendels mother. Beowulf (national epic)  What is epic? Epic is a kind of poetry which usually describes the hero’s brave deeds and glorious actions. III. Literature Features 1. all poems are written in old English 2. frequent use of metaphors 3. frequent use of alliteration frequent use of alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of two or more initial consonant sounds in words within a line. E.g. Of men he was the mildest and most beloved, To his kin the kindest, keenest to praise. Beowulf Middle English Literature (1066-1500) I. Historical background 1066 Norman Conquest The French-speaking Normans Duke William, William the Conqueror The Influence of Norman Conquest politically feudal system was established religiously Rome-backed Catholicism in language three co-existed Frenchspoken by the king and the Norman lords Latinspoken in the church and in university Englishspoken by the common people By the end of 14th century, old English developed into Middle English. II. Literature Features 2.1. wider range of subjects 2.2. romance Romance is a long composition, describing the life and adventures of a noble hero (knight). theme 2.3．popular folk literature ballad a story told in songs, and passed on orally Wars Black death the ballads of Robin Hood The classification of poetry narrative poetry and lyric poetry Narrative: tells story and describes actions E.g.: epic, romance, and ballad Lyric:combines speech and song to express feelings and