bri unit 6 british Literatur.pptVIP

Unit 6 British Literature English literature has a long history and a secure position in world literature. England has often produced fine novelists, poets and playwrights. Early Writing 1. Beowulf A. Depicts the deeds and death B. A folk legend brought to England by Anglo-Saxons C. Written down in the 10th century D. A reflection of a tribal society A knight served as a vassal to a lord. At age seven, a nobleman’s son pages. At age 15, a page a squire. Each squire was assigned to a knight. the Code of Chivalry: all knights had to be brave in battle. They had to keep their promises. They had to defend the church. They had to treat noblewomen in a courteous manner. Over time, chivalry became the basis of good manners in Western society. 2. Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) A. The father of English poetry B. His main contribution to English poetry is the introduction of rhyming stanzas of various types from France. C. His masterpiece: The Canterbury Tales D. His language is vivid and exact and he was the first to write in London dialect. Elizabethan Drama 1. William Shakespeare’s time A. English drama is completely dominated by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) a. Greatest genius of the world theater b. 37 plays, mostly in verse c. His plays contained a surprising variety of human qualities and moods, and a wealth of eloquence and word-mastery. d. His comedies: As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Winter’s Tale, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest and Twelfth Night e. His tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello B. Cristopher Marlowe (1564-1593) a. Tamburlaine, The Jew of Malta, The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus (masterpiece) b. His heroes have resolute character and overpowering passion. c. The theme is the praise of individuality and the human effect in conquering the universe. C. Ben Jonson (1572-1637) a. The finest neo-classical dramatist of his day. b. Volpone: the medieval theory of “hu