英语专业英国文学史课件Sir-Gawain-and-the-GreenKnight.pptVIP

The Norman Period (1066-1350) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight What are the features of Chinese culture at that time? Historical Background 1066: King Harold ---Duke William of Normandy. Historical Background The development of feudalism Knight: it originally meant no more than a household servant, living in the lord’s hall and to serve him in war, and when necessary, to fight for the king. Later, the great barons gave land to knights on condition that they should be ready to fight when called upon. Historical Background Churches: political power religious authority Conflicts: serfs and the peasants against feudal lords Languages: Latin, French and English Religious Literature Emphasis: the moral and spiritual responsibilities of the individual Themes: homiletic paraphrases of the Gospels; re-iteration of the Christian doctrine of the terrors of the Last Judgement; lyrics for the Christ or the Virgin Mary. Romance Definition: A tale in verse, embodying the life and adventures of knights, reflecting the spirit of chivalry, i.e, the quality and ideal of knight conduct. Contents: love chivalry religion Review: Characteristics of the Epic Poem 1. An epic poem is a long, highly-stylized narrative poem… 2. that recounts the exploits of its main character – the epic hero. 3. Because most epic poetry originated as sung or spoken verse, it is rigidly metered and rhymed. Categories: The matter of France: Charlemagne the Great and Roland, Chanson de Roland. The matter of Rome: Alexander the Great and the siege of Troy. The matter of Britain: Arthurian legends, Sir Gawain, Launcelot, Merlin, the quest for the Holy Grail, the death of King Arthur. Tasks for students Tell the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight in your own words. Hints… author is anonymous written c. 1400 in Middle English Written in long alliterative lines with the rhyme scheme of ababa, in 101 stanzas important in literature because