Introduction to English Literature: Old and Middle English

Introduction to English Literature: Old English and Middle English Period

• The vocabulary of Old English was mainly Germanic, reflecting its origins, but began to include Latin words due to early Christian missionaries aiming to convert pagan tribes, integrating Latin terms gradually.

• Initially, Old English was written using runes, an alphabetic script developed by the Germanic peoples. However, as literacy spread, particularly with the Christianization of England, the Latin alphabet was adopted, which greatly influenced the development of written English and allowed for greater consistency and standardization in writing.

Middle English

• After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Middle English absorbed many Norman French words, especially in law, government, and culture.
• The inflectional system of Middle English became simpler, relying more on word order to convey meaning.
• Regional dialects existed, but the London dialect gradually became the standard by the late Middle English period.
• The vocabulary significantly expanded, incorporating words from Latin, French, and Scandinavian languages.

The Beginnings of English as a Language

• English originates from Proto-Germanic, a branch of the Indo-European language family.
• Germanic tribes migrated to Britain in the 5th century CE, introducing their language, which became the foundation of Old English.
• The Norman Conquest in 1066 introduced French influences that gradually transformed the language, leading to Middle English.

The Origins of English

• English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, sharing common origins with languages like German and Dutch.
• The migration of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the 5th century AD brought early forms of English, called Old English.
• Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle are significant literary works from this period.

Old English Period

• Anglo-Saxon literature, including epic poems like Beowulf, characterized the period, exploring themes of heroism and destiny.
• The Old English grammar contained a complex system of inflections contrasted with modern English grammar.
• Core English vocabulary, words like "bread" and "house," originated during this period.

Middle English Period

• Literature expanded to include prose alongside poetry, with diverse genres like romances and religious texts.
• The influence of Norman French significantly impacted vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, resulting in a shift from Old English to Middle English.
• Social changes were evident through the gradual transition from Old English to Middle English. French became the language of the ruling class.

The Influence of Old Norse and Norman French

• Old Norse raids and settlements introduced words like "berserk" and "skull" to the English vocabulary.
• The Norman French Conquest brought a wave of French words, including "justice" and "government".

Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales

• Geoffrey Chaucer was a prominent Middle English poet who shaped the emerging language.
• The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral.
• The tales showcase the diversity of medieval life and offer a window into medieval society and its characters.
• Chaucer's detailed character sketches and use of language reveal the complexities of medieval society. The Canterbury Tales offer insights into medieval life, capturing its diverse social and religious aspects. The stories reflect the social hierarchies, occupations, and moral values of the time.

The Significance of The Canterbury Tales

• Chaucer's work established a foundation for English literature and influenced future writers.
• The Canterbury Tales helped to standardize the emerging English language, solidifying its form.
• The work's vivid portrayals of characters from diverse walks of life provide a window into medieval society. The tales' enduring relevance stems from their timeless insights into human nature.

Analysis of The Canterbury Tales and its contribution to the English Language

• Chaucer's masterful storytelling and character development shaped generations of writers, leaving an enduring mark on English literature.
• Chaucer's use of Middle English, blending Old English and French influences, significantly shaped the development of the English language.
• The Canterbury Tales offer a rich cultural perspective revealing insights into medieval life.

The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales

• The Prologue acts as a detailed introduction to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
• It captures the occasion: the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
• The author showcases character sketches – each pilgrim from various classes of society – and captures their personalities and social standing.
• The Prologue conveys insights into medieval societal complexities (social hierarchies, occupations, and moral values).
• The humorous descriptions provide a window into medieval life and the diverse human experience.