the middle ages Geoffrey Chaucer.pptVIP

The English Literature of Middle Ages 2 periods The Anglo-Saxon period (449-1066) The Norman period (1066-1350) The Anglo-Saxon period (449-1066) 1.Historical Background 400 B.C., the Celts live on the British Island By the end of the 5 th century(449), three Germanic （日耳曼的）tribes（ the Angles, Saxons and Jutes）from the northern Europe conquered and almost exterminated灭绝 the Celtic tribes. 3 invasions 4 th to the 6 th century: Romans 6 th century to 1066: Anglo-Saxon Conquest In 1066: Norman Conquest The Consequence of the Conquest Politically, a feudal system and a centralized government was established in England . Religiously, the Rome-backed Catholic Church had a much stronger control over the country. Great changes took place in languages: the Norman lords spoke French; common English spoke old English; Latin became the principal tongue of church affairs and was used by the clergymen and scholars. ( As a result, many terms employed by the Normans were adopted into English language.) Normans brought to England their own literature. The Norman period (1066-1350) 1. Historical background: The Norman Conquest In1066 at the battle of Hastings, the Normans headed by William. Duke of Normandy, defeated the Anglo-Saxons. 2. Medieval English Literature A brief survey: a. 1066 - mid-14th century：almost a barren period in literary creation. In the second half of the 14th century：start to flourish uttered by more voices, deals with a wider range of subjects and is in a greater diversity of styles, tones and genres. b. Romance冒险故事 is the most prevailing kind of literature. Popular ballads occupy an important position. C. reflects the principles of the medieval Christian doctrine and emphasizes the humanity of Christ and the imagery of human passion. Medieval romance It is a popular literary form in the medieval period. It uses narrative verse （诗） or prose （散文） to sing knightly adventures or other heroic deeds. The central charact