Victorian Literature and Early Medieval Influence

A type of story with a moral lesson, often featuring animal characters.

A short, often humorous story focusing on everyday people and their lives, often with adult themes.

A story that teaches Christian morals and uses biblical motives.

A ballad is a story form that's usually sung, often telling of heroic deeds or romantic love.

A traditional story from Brittany, characterized by Celtic elements like magic and elves.

A type of medieval poem focusing on chivalry, adventure, and love.

A collection of stories that are about the same characters or setting, such as the Arthurian cycle or the Tristan and Isolda cycle.

Plays that featured abstract qualities like virtues (e.g., loyalty) and vices (e.g., loneliness) as characters.

A famous morality play about a dying man who is abandoned by all his qualities except for his good deeds.

The period in English history (1550-1600) that saw the rise of professional theatre and many famous playwrights.

The banning of religious plays in the 16th century due to the Reformation, leading to the rise of secular plays.

A system of control imposed on theatre companies during the Elizabethan era.

The Master of Revels, like Edmund Tilney, was responsible for reviewing plays and granting permission for performances.

Financial support from wealthy patrons, such as royalty or aristocrats, provided stability and resources for theatre companies.

Theatrical troupes, like the Lord Admiral's Men or the Lord Chamberlain's Men, had to answer to the Master of Revels for approval of their plays.

The first permanent theatres emerged from the courtyard inns, which were popular venues for performances.

The 100 Years' War (1338-1453) was a series of conflicts between England and France, largely fueled by disputes over territory and the English monarchy's claim to the French throne.

The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought a new ruling class to England, but these Norman aristocrats continued to have strong ties to France. This led to tension and conflict with the French monarchy.

The 100 Years' War marked a shift in English national identity. English became increasingly used in government and society, replacing French as the language of power.

Joan of Arc, a French peasant girl, became a symbol of resistance against English rule during the 100 Years' War. She rallied French troops and contributed significantly to the eventual French victory.

The 14th century saw significant changes in English society, including the rise of a new middle class fueled by trade and the growth of cities.

The influence of the French language on Middle English was evident in the adoption of new words related to commerce, money, and social hierarchy. This blending of languages reflected the complex cultural interactions of the time.

During the Middle English period, regional differences in spelling and grammar became increasingly prominent, ultimately leading to the simplification of the English language.

In Early Middle English, society was largely structured around three classes: aristocracy, knights, and peasants. Over time, the rise of cities and trade brought about the emergence of a powerful middle class.

While the Catholic Church held a dominant position as the source of knowledge and authority in early Middle English society, the rise of universities like Oxford and Cambridge during the late Middle English period (1200s) paved the way for a more scientific approach to learning.

The belief that a widespread acceptance of religion would eliminate crime and poverty.

Charles Darwin's theory of evolution challenged traditional religious beliefs by proposing that humans evolved over time, rather than being created in six days.

The rise of the middle class due to industrialization led to societal shifts, including the adoption of new values and behaviors.

A literary style characterized by realism, social commentary, and a reflection of the realities of Victorian society.

Charles Dickens's writing often focused on the plight of the working class and the poor in London, using his characters to evoke empathy and social change.

A literary movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individual experience, rejecting the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and logic.

A literary movement that emphasized reason, logic, and scientific observation, believing in the power of human intellect to improve society.

A style of poetry that focuses on simple language, everyday experiences, and the beauty of nature.

A semi-autobiographical poem by William Wordsworth that explores his life, thoughts, and experiences.

A collection of poems written by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which marked the beginning of the Romantic movement in English literature.

A concept that celebrates individual freedom, self-reliance, and unlimited potential.

A term used to describe someone who is unspoiled by civilization and possesses a natural goodness and authenticity.

The concept of having the same rights and opportunities, regardless of background or status.

The ability to think, choose, and act freely without external constraints.

A time of significant political and social upheaval, often marked by violent change and the overthrow of established authority.