Introduction to English Literature: Old English and Middle English PDF

Introduction to English Literature Old English and Middle English Period  Old and Middle English: A Journey Through Time Old English (450-1150 AD): Germanic Origins: Old English was heavily influenced by Germanic tribes, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Highly Inflected Language: It had a...

Introduction to English Literature Old English and Middle English Period  Old and Middle English: A Journey Through Time Old English (450-1150 AD): Germanic Origins: Old English was heavily influenced by Germanic tribes, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Highly Inflected Language: It had a complex system of inflections for nouns, adjectives, and verbs, which indicated grammatical relationships. Limited Vocabulary: The vocabulary was mostly Germanic with some Latin influence due to early Christian missionaries. Use of Runes: Initially, Old English was written using the runic alphabet before adopting the Latin script.  Middle English (1150-1500 AD): French Influence: After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Middle English absorbed a large number of Norman French words, especially in law, government, and culture. Simplification of Grammar: The inflectional system became much simpler, with a greater reliance on word order to convey meaning. Development of a Standard: Regional dialects were prevalent, but London dialect began to emerge as the standard by the late Middle English period. Expansion of Vocabulary: The vocabulary of Middle English grew significantly, incorporating words from Latin, French, and Scandinavian languages. 1. The Beginnings of English as a Language 1 2 3 Proto-Germanic Old English Middle English The language from which Around the 5th century CE, The Norman Conquest in 1066 English descended, emerged Germanic tribes brought their introduced French influences, leading as a distinct branch of the language to Britain, laying to a gradual transformation of the Indo-European family. the foundation for English. language. The Origins of English: Roots in Indo-European Languages: English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, sharing common origins with languages like German and Dutch. Arrival of the Anglo-Saxons (5th Century AD): The migration of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes to Britain brought early forms of the English language, known as Old English. Key Texts: Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle are significant works from this period, offering insight into the language and culture. 2. Old English Period 1 Anglo-Saxon 2 Grammar and Literature Syntax This era produced Old English had a more significant works, complex grammar including epic poems system with numerous like Beowulf, inflections, unlike exploring themes of modern English. heroism and destiny. 3 Vocabulary The core vocabulary of English, words like "bread" and "house," originated from this period.  Middle English Period Language Literature Social Impact Change The influence of Norman The rise of prose, alongside The shift in language reflected French led to significant poetry, enriched literature social and cultural changes, as changes in vocabulary, with diverse genres, ranging French became the language pronunciation, and grammar, from romances to religious of the ruling class. transitioning from Old texts. English to Middle English. The Influence of Old Norse and Norman French Old Norse Influence Viking raids and settlements introduced words like "berserk" and "skull," enriching English vocabulary. Norman French Influence The Norman Conquest brought a wave of French words into English, including "justice" and "government." Language Blending The fusion of these influences created a rich and diverse language, reflecting the history of the English people. 3. Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales Literary Genius The Canterbury Social Chaucer was a prominent poet This collection of stories told Tales Commentary Through his characters, who mastered the emerging by pilgrims traveling to Chaucer provides insightful Middle English language, Canterbury Cathedral social commentary, revealing shaping its literary expression. showcases the diversity of the complexities of medieval medieval life. society. The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales Character Description The Knight A noble warrior, respected for his chivalry and courage. The Wife of Bath A wealthy and independent woman, known for her outspoken nature. The Pardoner A corrupt church official who profits from selling indulgences. The Miller A coarse and boisterous man with a fondness for storytelling and pranks. The Significance of The Canterbury Tales Literary Legacy Social Realism Chaucer's work established a His vivid portrayals of foundation for English literature, characters from all walks of life influencing generations of offer a window into medieval writers. society. Language Cultural Impact Development The Canterbury Tales helped Chaucer's work continues to standardize the emerging Middle resonate with readers, offering English language, solidifying its timeless insights into human form. nature. Analysis of The Canterbury Tales and its contribution to the English Language Language Evolution Literary Impact Cultural Chaucer's use of Middle English, with His masterful storytelling and Significance The Canterbury Tales offers valuable its blending of Old English and character development influenced insights into medieval life, capturing French influences, shaped the generations of writers, leaving an the diverse social and religious development of the language. enduring mark on English literature. landscape of the time. The Prologue To The Canterbury Tales: Summary & Analysis Summary: As the title indicates, the poem is a prologue or introduction to Chaucer's collection of Canterbury Tales. In it the poet sets forth the occasion of these tales namely the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas-a-Becket in Canterbury. It describes in the author's characteristic humor and acute insight the band of twenty-nine pilgrims besides the poet, drawn from all classes of society, moving jauntily on the way to Canterbury in the month of April, with its 'shoures soota', that pierced to the 'root' the draught of March. The company of people includes all classes of English society from the Oxford scholar to the drunken miller. The jovial host of the inn suggests that to enliven the journey, each of the company shall tell four tales, two going and two coming. The best teller of stories would be given a fine supper at the general expense on their return. Analysis of The Canterbury Tales's Prologue Chaucer's prologue to The Canterbury Tales serves as a captivating introduction to the diverse cast of characters embarking on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. Through vivid character descriptions, Chaucer masterfully sets the stage, revealing the unique personalities and social standings of the pilgrims. The prologue's detailed character sketches offer insights into the complexities of medieval society, reflecting the social hierarchies, occupations, and moral compasses of the era. Chaucer's skillful use of language and tone further enhances the readers' understanding of each pilgrim's unique voice and perspective.  The prologue is a sort of picture gallery. Chaucer creates a host of vital and individualised characters. He is the first English writer to bring the atmosphere of romantic interest about the men and women and the daily works of one's own world - which is the aim of all modern literatures. Beowulf and Ronald are ideal heroes, essentially creatures of the imagination; but the merry host of the inn, the fat monk, the Parish priest, the kindly ploughman - all are recognisable characters true to life. In the Prologue, all people from all walks of English life are described with a quiet kindly humor which seeks instinctively the best in human nature.  The greatness of the Prologue may be said to reside in the vividness of its individual portraiture. In it, the essential humanity is emphasised - each is measured by absolute standard of manners.  There is a merchant who represents his class in his greed but he is dressed in a neat and gaudy dress. Chaucer's humor is gentle and ironical. The vivacious wife of Bath had fixed her mind on a sixth husband after the fifth had died. The prioress is more interested in cultivating courtly manners than holiness of life. She is a woman of exaggerated sensibility. She, would weep if she sees a mouse caught in a trap. The Knight enumerates in an exaggerated manner the distant places he had visited in the course of his holy campaign's. The hypocrisy of religious men and women (Monk, Summoner, Pardoner) is glanced at with tolerant humor. In rich comedy, variety of humor and descriptive powers and study of characters, The Canterbury Tales is a unique achievement and has great historical importance.