《英美文学教学资料》literary+History+revised.docVIP

English Literary History I. Old and Medieval English Literature (from 450 to 1066, and from 1066 to the second half of the 14th century) The period of old English literature extends from about 450 to 1066, the year of the Norman conquest of England. The basis of Modern English is Anglo-Saxon language, which was brought from Europe to England by the Germanic tribes. Old English poetry can be divided into two groups: the religious group that is mainly on biblical themes and the secular one that evokes the Anglo-Saxon sense of the harshness of circumstance and the sadness of the human lot. Beowulf, a typical example of Old English poetry, is regarded as the national epic of the Anglo-Saxons. The medieval period in English literature starts with the Norman Conquest, which covers about four century from 1066 to the second half of 14th century. Middle English literature strongly reflects the principles of the medieval Christian doctrine, which were primarily concerned with the issue of personal salvation. Romance which uses narrative verse or prose to sing knightly adventures or other heroic deeds is a popular literary form in the medieval period. It has developed the characteristic medieval motifs of the quest, the test, the meeting with the evil giant and the encounter with the beautiful beloved. Geoffrey Chaucer is the great writer of this period. He alone for the first time in English literature presented a comprehensive realistic picture of the English society of his time and created a whole gallery of vivid characters from all walks of life in his masterpiece The Canterbury Tales which is written in the heroic couplet. Chaucer affirmed mans right to pursue earthly happiness and opposed asceticism; he praised mans energy, intellect, quick wit and love of life; he exposed and satirized the social vices, including religious abuses. He has been called the father of English poetry for his wisdom, humor, and humanity. II. The Renaissance Period (from the 14th centur