Victorian Literature and Early Medieval Influence
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Questions and Answers

What belief did the Oxford Movement advocate regarding crime and poverty?

The Oxford Movement believed that if religion was accepted by all, crime and poverty would disappear.

How did Charles Darwin's 'Origin of Species' impact religious beliefs?

Darwin's theory of evolution suggested that man was not created in a divine manner, challenging traditional religious views.

What literary characteristics define the Victorian prose style?

Victorian prose is characterized by critical realism, serving as a social tool that mirrors the world as it is.

In what way did Charles Dickens aim to evoke feelings in middle-class readers through his works?

<p>Dickens used pathos to evoke pity and guilt in middle-class readers about the harsh conditions endured by the poor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What social issues are prominently addressed in Dickens' novels like 'Oliver Twist'?

<p>'Oliver Twist' addresses issues such as child labor, poverty, suffering, and social indifference towards the working class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an exemplum and what purpose does it serve in literature?

<p>An exemplum is a story that teaches a Christian moral lesson, often through biblical motives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the arrival of the Normans in 1066 influence early Medieval literature in Britain?

<p>The Normans introduced a strong feudal system and brought continental literary tastes, leading to the adoption of French and Anglo-Norman languages in literature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics of a fabliau.

<p>A fabliau is a bawdy, humorous story about ordinary people's lives, often featuring intimate and funny situations without idealization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Breton lay and what cultural influences can be found within it?

<p>A Breton lay is a narrative poem originating from Brittany, often featuring Celtic elements such as magic and elves, centered around love.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two significant cycles of metrical romances mentioned in the content.

<p>The English cycle includes 'King Horn' and 'Havelock', while the Arthurian/British cycle features 'Tristan and Isolda' and 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the 'Doomsday Book' play in early Medieval Britain?

<p>The 'Doomsday Book' serves as the first economic record, documenting land ownership and resources in England after the Norman Conquest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the poetic form of early Medieval literature evolve after the Norman invasion?

<p>Early Medieval literature evolved to incorporate rhyme and metrical poetry, adopting new continental styles and forms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event marked the beginning of the 100 Years' War between England and France?

<p>The conflict began due to the claim of Edward III of England to the French throne in 1338.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized for raising resistance against the English during the later stages of the 100 Years' War?

<p>Joan of Arc is credited with leading French resistance during the war.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the English language transform during the Middle English period?

<p>The English language incorporated new French vocabulary and reflected regional spelling variations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of King Edward II's address to Parliament in 1362?

<p>It was the first time Parliament was addressed in English, symbolizing the revival of the English language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the socio-economic changes that took place during the later Middle English period.

<p>The rise of cities and trade led to the emergence of the middle class, or bourgeoisie.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of the Church change from early to late Middle English?

<p>Initially, the Church held authority and knowledge, but by late ME, universities like Oxford and Cambridge began to emerge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the saying, 'It is English when it's in the stable, it is French when it gets on the table.'

<p>This phrase illustrates the distinction between Anglo-Saxon terms for animals and their French-derived terms for food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the intermarriages between the English aristocrats and the French?

<p>Intermarriages contributed to the growing perception of the French as foreign and fostered a sense of national identity among the English.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary social classes in the early Middle English period?

<p>The early ME period consisted of three social classes: the aristocracy, knights, and peasants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the characters in morality plays represent?

<p>Abstract qualities such as vices and virtues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the play Everyman?

<p>It represents a man whose qualities abandon him, except for his good deeds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of plays became prominent due to the Reformation?

<p>Secular plays.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one main effect of censorship on theatre companies?

<p>It limited playwright creativity and reduced competition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Master of Revels, and what was his role?

<p>The Master of Revels was responsible for controlling the content of plays and ensuring their appropriateness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the main topics the censorship aimed to prevent in plays?

<p>Political commentary on royalty and religious influences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was aristocratic patronage significant for actor companies?

<p>It provided financial support and ensured appropriateness for performances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the courtyard inn's role in the development of theatre?

<p>It served as a predecessor to the first permanent theatres.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Voltaire's view on human nature oppose traditional beliefs?

<p>Voltaire believed that individuals are shaped by their environment, including education and government, rather than being born inherently good or evil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two notable playwrights were influential during the Elizabethan period?

<p>William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Thomas Paine advocate for in his essay 'Rights of Man'?

<p>Thomas Paine advocated for equality and the inherent rights of all individuals, which contributed to revolutionary movements against old regimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the establishment of the Lord Admiral's Men and Lord Chamberlain's Men affect theatre?

<p>It led to the professionalization and organization of theatrical performances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of Romanticism as a reaction to classical conservatism?

<p>Romanticism emphasized individual emotions, nature, and subjective experiences as a revolt against the strict rationalism and authority of classical conservatism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Wordsworth and Coleridge differ in their approaches to nature in poetry?

<p>Wordsworth focused on the beauty of simple objects in nature, while Coleridge explored mysterious and supernatural themes in nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Wordsworth's definition of poetry suggest about his intentions as a poet?

<p>Wordsworth believed poetry should express spontaneous feelings and be accessible to common people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about Lord Byron's literary contribution compared to his contemporaries?

<p>Byron's works often reflected philosophical introspection on individualism and historical events, showcasing a blend of personal experience and broader themes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Percy Bysshe Shelley's beliefs influence his expulsion from university?

<p>Shelley's advocacy for atheism and his writings on the subject led to his expulsion from university.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Romanticism contrast with Enlightenment ideals?

<p>Romanticism valued emotion, nature, and individual experience, while the Enlightenment emphasized reason, science, and logical thought.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did individualism play in Romantic literary thought?

<p>Individualism celebrated personal freedom and the potential of the solitary individual, often contrasting with societal norms and expectations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the 'Lyrical Ballads' preface have on the accessibility of poetry?

<p>The preface emphasized the use of ordinary language and subjects from nature, making poetry more accessible to the general public.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Old English Literature (600-1066AD)

  • Anglo-Saxon culture emphasized heroic epics, lyrical poetry, religion.
  • Key characteristics include alliteration, kennings, and various themes.
  • The settlement of Germanic tribes from northern Germany and Denmark in the 5th-6th centuries marked a new cultural era, following the Roman withdrawal.
  • Communities were small and largely isolated, with decentralized authority.
  • Cultural power shifted after 650 AD when England became unified, though still with distinct regional kingdoms.
  • Anglo-Saxon life primarily revolved around villages.
  • Values were focused on loyalty to leaders, revenge, fatalism, and materialism.
  • Religion was pagan initially, blending with Christian beliefs later.
  • Early literature used runes for religious purposes, primarily oral storytelling by bards and scopes.
  • Written literature began with the arrival of Christianity via monks in monasteries.

A-S Lifestyle

  • Life revolved around villages (basic unit of organization.)
  • Simple wooden cottages were typical dwellings.
  • Strong loyalty to tribal chiefs was paramount, with halls serving as crucial meeting places.
  • Values included loyalty, revenge, fatalism, and materialism.

A-S Religion

  • Pagan beliefs were prominent initially.
  • Gods associated with natural elements like wind, birth, and trees.
  • Fate, or 'wyrd,' was a significant belief, emphasizing the lack of individual control over events.

A-S Literature

  • Early forms were oral, communicated through bards and scops.
  • Runes were used for religious purposes.
  • Post-Christianisation, monks in monasteries created the first written literature.
  • Common themes included heroism, paganism, and Christian influences.
  • Literary works included poems, riddles, and religious texts.

Anglo-Norman Literature (1066-1300)

  • The Norman Conquest (1066) led to significant cultural changes.
  • Normans were Scandinavian tribes who settled in France.
  • Language and culture shifted, creating a blend of French and English.
  • Feudal, hierarchical system.
  • The king was the landowner, aristocracy held positions of power, and the peasantry occupied the lowest tier.
  • English remained a language of the common people, while French became prominent in court and governance.
  • Beginning of Anglo-Norman literature.
  • New literary genres emerged, including chronicles in verse and metrical romances.
  • Stories centred on cycles of characters, including knights, heroes, and beautiful women in accordance with the ideas of chivalry and adventure.
  • Literature was written by Normans in the French and Anglo-Norman language.
  • Focus on moral and religious themes.

Middle English Literature (1066-1300)

  • Marked by major cultural shifts following the Norman Conquest.
  • Emergence of a unique and influential literary period in England.
  • Language was a blend of French and English (Anglo-Norman).
  • Initial written forms explored folk tales and religious narratives.
  • Important figures like Geoffrey Chaucer marked a transition to more sophisticated and widely-read works in the vernacular.
  • Genres explored included religious texts, secular stories, and allegorical works.
  • Influence of French literary styles and trends.

Middle English Literature (1066-1300) - Summary of key points

  • The Norman Conquest transformed English culture.
  • The emergence of a unique cultural phenomenon characterized by religious and secular works.
  • The arrival of Christianity and the development of monastic centers led to the creation of written works.
  • Significant literary figures like Geoffrey Chaucer emerged during this era.
  • Literature developed as a blend of French and English influences.

Middle English Literature- Genres

  • Metrical romances: stories focusing on heroic figures and idealized women, sometimes with elements of religious instruction.
  • Secular poetry: included charms, proverbs, and riddles, reflecting the everyday lives and beliefs of ordinary people.
  • Debates: poems addressing dilemmas or exploring a range of philosophical issues.

100 Years’ War (1337-1453)

  • Conflict between England and France
  • Conflict caused significant political/social change.
  • England began to lose control over its European holdings.

100 Years War (1337-1453) - Summary

  • A major conflict between England and France.
  • Significant political and social consequences for both nations.

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Description

Explore key themes and literary styles from the Victorian era and early Medieval literature. This quiz covers the Oxford Movement, Charles Dickens, and the impact of the Norman invasion on British literary traditions. Test your understanding of literary forms such as exempla, fabliaux, and Breton lays.

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