文档介绍：会计学
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英国文学史第二讲
William the Conqueror became the king of England in the year of 1066, thus feudalism was established in the country. Middle English literature is a combination of French and Anglo-Saxon elements. During the three centuries after the Norman Conquest, large scale of French literature was introduced into England. Literature that the Normans brought to England is remarkable for its bright, romantic tales of love and adventure, which can be seen in Romance, the most prevailing kind of literature in the feudal England.
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Social Features
Two classes: Landlords and peasants
Peasants were not allowed to say anything against the feudal order, otherwise put to death
In 1348-1349, Black Death (黑死病：由老鼠身上的跳蚤传播的致命瘟疫) swept over the country
The hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) Joan of Arc
In 1379, poll-tax (人头税)
The peasant uprising of 1381 led by Wat Tyler and John Ball was bloodily repressed but had shakend the feual system to the root.
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The Influence on Language
Coexistence of 3 languages:
Normans= master=speak French
Saxons= servant=speak English
Scholars & clergymen=use Latin or French
By the end of the 14th century, English was once more the dominant speech.
Many terms used by Normans were adopted into English language
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The Influence on Literature
The customs and ideals of chivalry(骑士精神) was introduced into England
The literature was varied in interest and extensive in range
The Normans began to write histories and chronicles
The prevailing form of literature was the Romance
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Middle English Period
Anglo-Norman Period
The Romances
Age of Chaucer
William Langland
Geoffrey Chaucer
15th Century Period
Popular Ballads
Thomas Malory
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The Romances (for the noble)
Definition: It was a long composition, sometimes in verse, sometimes in prose, describing the life and adventures of a noble hero
The theme of loyalty to king and lord was repeatedly emphasized in romances