英国文学第三周.ppt

Chapter 2The Medieval Period (1066-1485) Second Part: Selected Reading Some notes (1066--ca.1485=circa. Approximately ,about (d.1075.) = deceased , Israelites : ancient Israelis 2500 years ago , two main nations: Judea, Israelites, = they were both Hebrew V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland From the west of England came the most popular poem of 14th century, Piers the Plowman which was attributed to William Langland(1332?). There were three successive versions of this poem written around 1362-1398. V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland The poem is a dream-allegory which combines a vigorous sermon of Gospel of work, a violent attack on the Seven deadly Sins, and satirical picture of the injustices suffered by the common people during the years immediately proceeding the Peasant Revolt of 1381 under Wat Tyler. V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland The author of this poem violently attacks the corruption of the rich and the wickedness of the clergy. In the search for the Good Life , he describes vividly scenes of poverty, idleness, debauchery and strife. Everywhere he saw greed and idleness, destroying the foundation of life. V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland In a society that called itself Christian , he found little that Christ could prove of . For him, the only solution is work, and Christ himself is pictured as a humble tiller of the soil. V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland The author ‘s vocabulary is lively speech of the countryside, his style is blunt and unpolished . He is also a kind of burning reformer. While he is chiefly interested in his message. V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland Even in his form, he turns his back upon all the elegant French models, preferring to use the unrhymed Old English alliterative line. He is considered to be a forecaster of those 17th century Puritans who fought for democracy. V. Piers the Plowman by W. Langland So as a whole 1. A vivid picture of the life in feudal England 2. Exposing the corruption