Middle English Literature

Questions and Answers

Middle English appears after the great silence of ______ years

200

Prior to the 14th century, vernacular literature consisted primarily of ______ writings

religious

The second half of the 14th century produced the first great age of ______ literature

secular

Geoffrey Chaucer is known as 'the father of ______ poetry'

English Signup and view all the answers

Geoffrey Chaucer's works helped the ______ dialect of English become a standard

London Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the 2nd half of the 14th century in terms of English literature?

It produced the first great age of secular literature. Signup and view all the answers

What did Geoffrey Chaucer's decision to write in English symbolize?

The rebirth of English as a national language. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of vernacular literature before the 14th century?

Religious writings. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Geoffrey Chaucer's works on the English language?

The London dialect of English became a standard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe literature that is not in Latin?

Vernacular. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergence of Middle English

Middle English emerges after a 200-year period of limited literary production in the 2nd half of the 14th century.
Prior to this period, vernacular literature primarily consisted of religious writings.

The Rise of Secular Literature

The 2nd half of the 14th century marks the first great age of secular literature.
This period is characterized by a shift away from religious themes and towards more secular subjects.

Geoffrey Chaucer and the Rebirth of English

Geoffrey Chaucer is considered 'the father of English poetry'.
Chaucer's conscious choice to write in English symbolizes the rebirth of English as a national language.
His works contributed to the establishment of the London dialect of English as a standard dialect.

Evolution of Middle English

Emergence of Middle English marks the end of a 200-year period of minimal vernacular literature.
This evolution occurs in the second half of the 14th century.

Literature Prior to Middle English

Prior to Middle English, vernacular literature was mainly religious in nature.
Literature during this period lacked significant secular representation.

Secular Literature in the 14th Century

The second half of the 14th century sees the rise of secular literature in English.
This era is considered the first great age of non-religious writing in English.

Geoffrey Chaucer's Impact

Geoffrey Chaucer is celebrated as 'the father of English poetry.'
Chaucer's decision to write in English signifies a cultural and linguistic revival for the English language as a national medium.
His works played a pivotal role in establishing the London dialect of English as a standard, influencing future literature and language development.

Description

Learn about the emergence of Middle English in the 14th century, its characteristics, and its notable authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer. Explore the shift from religious to secular literature during this period.