英美文学课件复习资料.pptVIP

English and American Literature An Outline of English Literature I. Old English, or Anglo—Saxon, Era (450-1066) II. Middle English Period (1066-1485) III. The Renaissance Period (1485-early 17th century) IV. The 17th Century V. The 18th Century. VI. The Romantic Age(1789-1837) VII. English Literature of Victorian Age (1837-1901) VIII. 20th Century Literature I. Old English, or Anglo—Saxon, Era (450-1066) This period extended from about 450-1066, the year of the Norman-French conquest of England. The Germanic tribes from Europe who overrun England in the 5th century, after the Roman withdraw, brought with the Old English, or Anglo-Saxon language, which is the basis of modern English. They bought also a specific poetic tradition, the formal character of which remained surprisingly constant until the termination of their rule by the Norman-French invaders 6 century later. Achievements Poetry Much of old English poetry was probably intended to be chanted, with harp (a kind of instrument in Chinese means 竖琴) accompaniment, by Anglo-Saxon scop (poet in Chinese means 吟游诗人), often bold and strong, but also mournful and elegiac (sad) in sprit. Major achievement: Beowulf II. Middle English Period (1066-1485) Extending?from?1066?to 1485, this period is noted for the extensive influence of French literature on native English forms and themes. Achievements Literary Trends: Arthurian Legends and Tales of Chivalry and Adventure: III. The Renaissance Period (1485-early 17th century) Literary Trends: Renaissance and Humanism The Renaissance marks a transition from the medieval to the modern world. This period is characterized by the influence of the classics (in literature, language, and philosophy), as well as an optimistic forward-thinking approach to the potential of humans (known as Renaissance humanism). Writers and Works: Thomas More: Utopia 乌托邦 Edmund Spenser: Faerie Queene 仙后 Franc