middle english period ￥.pptVIP

Middle English period(1066- 1485) Historical Background what are the important events in this period? The Norman Conquest Eventful 2nd half of 14th C 1381 uprising Hundred Years War(1337-1453) War of Roses (1455-1485) The Norman Conquest In 1066, at the battle of Hastings, William, the energetic Duke of Normandy, defeated the Anglo-Saxons and became the king The Consequence of the Conquest Politically, a feudal system and a centralized government established . Religiously, the Rome-backed Catholic Church had a much stronger control. Normans brought to England their own literature. 4. Great changes in languages: the Norman lords spoke French; Latin became the principal tongue of the clergymen and scholars. common English spoke old English; London dialect became the basis of Middle English. Impact of Norman French vocabulary 1) governmental:? herald, fine, noble, parliament. ??? 2) military:? battle, ally, alliance, ensign, admiral, navy, aid, gallant, march, enemy, escape, peace, war. ??? 3) judicial system: judge, jury, plaintiff, justice, court, suit, defendant, crime, felony, murder, petty/petit, attorney, marriage (Anglo-Saxon wedding), heir. 4) ecclesiastical:? clergy, altar, miracle, preach, pray, sermon, virgin, saint, friar/frere. 5) cuisine:? sauce, boil, filet, soup, pastry, fry, roast, toast. 6) personal names: Charles, William, Richard Middle English Literature 1066 - mid-14th century: almost barren 2nd half of the 14th century: starts to flourish. a wider range of subjects a greater diversity of styles and genres. reflects the medieval Christian doctrine emphasizes the humanity of Christ and the imagery of human passion Romance : most prevailing genre Popular ballad The Canterbury Tales Romance a medieval narrative, originally one in verse and in some Romance dialect, treating of heroic, fantastic, or supernatural events, often in the form of allegory. 中世纪骑士故事; 传奇, 冒险故事 The features of Romance Hero: usually the knight, a