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Questions and Answers
Which work is considered the most famous in Old English?
Which work is considered the most famous in Old English?
Which language became the standard language of courts, parliament, and polite society after the Norman conquest of England?
Which language became the standard language of courts, parliament, and polite society after the Norman conquest of England?
When did the Chancery Standard emerge?
When did the Chancery Standard emerge?
What is the name given to the form of English that lasted until the 1470s?
What is the name given to the form of English that lasted until the 1470s?
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Which countries are included in the scope of English literature?
Which countries are included in the scope of English literature?
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What is the name given to the earliest forms of English?
What is the name given to the earliest forms of English?
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What are the main regions included in the scope of English literature?
What are the main regions included in the scope of English literature?
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What is the national epic of England?
What is the national epic of England?
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What language became the standard language of courts, parliament, and polite society after the Norman conquest of England?
What language became the standard language of courts, parliament, and polite society after the Norman conquest of England?
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What is the name given to the form of English that emerged after the Normans came?
What is the name given to the form of English that emerged after the Normans came?
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Study Notes
English Literature
- English literature encompasses works written in the English language from the UK, its Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, the Republic of Ireland, the US, and former British Empire countries.
Development of the English Language
- The English language has evolved over 1,400 years.
- The earliest forms of English, Anglo-Frisian dialects, were brought to Great Britain by Anglo-Saxon invaders in the 5th century.
- These early forms are known as Old English.
Old English
- Beowulf is the most famous work in Old English, achieving national epic status in England.
- Despite being set in Scandinavia, Beowulf is an iconic English work.
Norman Conquest and Language Shift
- The Norman conquest of England in 1066 led to a decline in the written form of the Anglo-Saxon language.
- French became the standard language of courts, parliament, and polite society under the influence of the new aristocracy.
- The English spoken after the Norman conquest is known as Middle English.
Middle English
- Middle English lasted until the 1470s.
- It was eventually replaced by the Chancery Standard, also known as Late Middle English.
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Description
Test your knowledge of English literature with this quiz! From classic novels to famous playwrights, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the rich literary history of the English language. Answer questions about renowned authors, iconic works, and influential literary movements to see how well-versed you are in English literature.
