Survey of English Literature Unit 2

Questions and Answers

What role did the printing press play in the Middle English Period?

It increased the use of Latin as the primary language.

It standardized English and expanded the audience for written texts. (correct)

It allowed for the preservation of oral traditions.

It promoted the exclusive use of French literature in England.

What is the primary theme conveyed in 'The Pardoner's Tale'?

The importance of forgiveness and redemption.

The dangers of greed and the consequences of sinful behavior. (correct)

The inevitability of death and fate.

The triumph of friendship over greed.

What do the three young men in 'The Pardoner's Tale' initially set out to do?

To find wealth and treasure.

To return to their previous lives of revelry.

To confront Death and kill him. (correct)

To seek the wisdom of the old man.

What do the young men discover under the tree instead of Death?

A large pile of gold coins. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the young men’s quest as they discover the gold?

They begin to plot against each other out of greed. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary result of the Norman Conquest in 1066 concerning the English language?

A significant linguistic shift leading to the emergence of Middle English. Signup and view all the answers

Which themes were prominent in the literature of the Middle English Period?

Chivalry, courtly love, and morality Signup and view all the answers

Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' primarily portrays which aspect of society?

A diverse group of pilgrims sharing stories Signup and view all the answers

What type of literature was often used to express religious devotion during the Middle English Period?

Religious lyrics like carols and allegorical works Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a romantic narrative from the Middle English Period?

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Middle English Period Overview

Spanning from 1066 to 1500, marking the transition from Old English to Early Modern English.
Linguistic shift followed the Norman Conquest, blending Old English with Norman French to form Middle English.

Key Features

Norman Conquest: The 1066 invasion by William the Conqueror significantly influenced the English language.
Language Development: Resulted in changes in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation due to the merging of Anglo-Saxon and Norman French.

Literary Themes and Genres

Explored themes of chivalry, courtly love, religious devotion, morality, and allegory.
Major genres included romance, lyric poetry, religious literature, and allegorical works.

Geoffrey Chaucer and "The Canterbury Tales"

Geoffrey Chaucer’s most famous work, capturing diverse voices through a collection of pilgrims' tales.
"The Canterbury Tales" reflects various social classes and viewpoints in medieval England.

Religious Literature

The era was marked by deep religious sentiment, particularly in works like "Piers Plowman" by William Langland.
Religious lyrics, termed "carols," expressed themes of devotion and morality.

Courtly Love and Romances

Courtly love depicted idealized romantic relationships, often between knights and ladies.
Notable narratives include "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "Tristan and Isolde."

Allegorical Literature

Allegory was frequently used, with works such as "Pearl" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" conveying moral lessons and spiritual truths.

Influence of the Printing Press

Introduction of the printing press toward the period's end standardized English and expanded access to literature.

The Pardoner’s Tale Summary

One of Chaucer’s key tales showcasing a church official exploiting people's fears.
Story revolves around three young men seeking to confront Death but are ultimately consumed by greed.

Plot of "The Pardoner's Tale"

Three revelers seek vengeance against Death after hearing of his deadly deeds.
They discover gold instead of Death and plot against one another due to greed.
The tale concludes with all three meeting grim fates, emphasizing moral warnings against greed, gluttony, and treachery.

Themes in "The Pardoner's Tale"

Highlights human vices and reflects on mortality and the corrupt practices within the Church.
Chaucer uses satire to expose character flaws while addressing societal and moral concerns of his time.

Description

Explore the Middle English Period of English literature, which spans from 1066 to 1500. This era signifies the transition from Old English to Early Modern English, influenced by the Norman Conquest and notable linguistic changes. Discover key features and significant literary developments that shaped this pivotal time in English history.