EL-middle English ch2.pptVIP

英 国 文 学 English Literature 主讲 教师：谭念 Chapter 2The Medieval Period (1066-1485) I. Historical Background 1. The Norman Conquest The battle at Hastings (1066) William the Conqueror 2. The Consequence of the Conquest Politically, a feudalist system was established Religiously, the Rome-backed Catholic Church had a much stronger control over the country Three languages co-existed in England (English, French, Latin) The conquest opened up England to the whole European continent II. Cultural Background 1. The fall of the Roman Empire 2. Catholicism—God-centered universe 3. The Great Chain of Being All the created things are ordered into a hierarchy ascending from stones through plants, animals, men, angels to God. It is bound by God in harmony of love; great man’s sin, corruption, or fall, might cause disaster, destruction, and sterility in the society. 4. So man is asked to concern with their next life— ever-lasting happiness or misery. This life is only a preparatory period of suffering, sin purging(净化）, and soul saving. III. Medieval Romance 1. Special features of romance a. To sing knightly adventures or other heroic deeds in verse or prose. b. Motifs of the quest, challenge, test, and meeting with the evil giant. c. The hero is the knight, setting out on a journey to accomplish some goal --to protect the church and the poor, to attack infidelity, to rescue a maiden, to meet a challenge, or to obey a knightly command. d. Mysteries and fantasies (improbable, supernatural) e.? Romantic love f.? Standardized characterization g.? Loose and episodic structure h.? The language and style are simple and straightforward. i.? The romance reflects a chivalric age. 2.? The three major subjects: A. The Matter of France (about Charlemagne and his peers) B. The Matter of Rome (stories about the ancient Romans, and the Greeks) C. The Matter of Britain (about King Arthur and his round-table knights) IV. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 1. Arthurian legend There are various th