[研究生入学考试]英国文学简史.docVIP

英国文学简史 By Tiffany Early Medieval English Literature The Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066) The Medieval Period (1066-ca 1485) Historical Background Celtic tribes: Roman: South part→Christianity→language English: Old English→keep language Norman→feudalism: back to church→English, French, Italian The Anglo-Saxon Period: (449-1066) Old English Poetry Beowulf: the national epic of the English people Bold strong, but also manful Religious group: biblical theme saints lives Secular: ordinary Legend→tribal battles→natural forces Pattern: knights Theme: loyalty to king Topic: love Structure: loose but get to know of clues Device: supernatural→superstitious Geoffrey Chaucer (English founder of poetry) Religious Attitude Devout orthodox Christian Heterodox opinions—some Corruption of the church Works in mainstream of Christian culture Under the begin Providence of God ?didactic allegory eConsolation philosophy Philosophical Attitude: Living whole-heartedly in the world while remaining spiritually detached from it. Poetry French, Italian, mature Works The Book of Duchess 公爵之书 Literature Achievement Father of English poetry iambic pentameter → abab abba → aabb: double pair foot→ heroic couplet 英雄双韵体 Master of English language Increased the prestige of English as a literary language Messenger of Humanism Praised man’s energy, intellect, quick wit and love of life Ex: London dialect Affirms: earthly happiness Asceticism: social evils, religious abuse Writing Features First important realistic writer in English literature microcosm of society Theme: Chaucer explores the theme of the individual’s relationship to the society. Comment on Geoffrey Chaucer “The English Homer” Comment on the Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales greatly influenced the development of English Literature. The English Renaissance（文艺复兴） Time: sprung in Italy in the 14th century and gradually spread all over Europe. Marks transition: medieval→modern world Movement occurred in different periods in different