Chapter Two Medieval PerChapter Two Medieval Periodiod

Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey ChaucerPre-Elizabethan age: Thomas Pre-Elizabethan age: Thomas

MoreMoreA Brief Introduction to ElizabetA Brief Introduction to Elizabet

han agehan age

ContentsContents The Middle (Medieval)English periodThe Middle (Medieval)English period1.1. Historical background Historical background 2.2. The literary scene of the period The literary scene of the period 3.3. The formation of Middle English The formation of Middle English Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey Chaucer1.1. Life experience Life experience 2.2. His literary career His literary career 3.3. His major works His major works 4.4. His contributions to English language and poetry His contributions to English language and poetry 5.5. Analysis and appreciation of Analysis and appreciation of the General Prologue the General Prologue

in his masterpiece in his masterpiece The Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales

Medieval Period(1066-1400)Medieval Period(1066-1400) Historical backgroudHistorical backgroud (P7-8) (P7-8) Norman conquest: In 1066, French-speeking Norman conquest: In 1066, French-speeking

Normans came under William the Conqueror.Normans came under William the Conqueror.*The establishment of the feudal system*The establishment of the feudal system*The 1381 peasant uprising*The 1381 peasant uprising*The completion of the *The completion of the Doomsday BookDoomsday Book《末日《末日审判书》审判书》

**The launching of the CrusadeThe launching of the Crusade*The siging of the Magna Charter*The siging of the Magna Charter 《大宪章》《大宪章》**The war with France or the 100-year’s war (13The war with France or the 100-year’s war (13

37-1453)37-1453)

The literary scene of the periodThe literary scene of the period There were mainly two forms of literary writThere were mainly two forms of literary writ

ings, ings, religious writing and romancereligious writing and romance.. The formation of Middle EnglishThe formation of Middle English1.1. For about 3oo years after 1066, languages spoFor about 3oo years after 1066, languages spo

ken in England were confusion. There were ken in England were confusion. There were Old English, French and Latin.Old English, French and Latin.

2.2. For about 3oo years after 1066, languages spoFor about 3oo years after 1066, languages spoken in England were confusion. There was Oken in England were confusion. There was Old English, descended from Anglo-Saxons, ld English, descended from Anglo-Saxons,

3.3. The 100-year’s war with FranceThe 100-year’s war with France was an aw was an awakening of national consciousness in Englanakening of national consciousness in England. d.

4.4. The French language was gradually replaced The French language was gradually replaced by the native tongue. The English language gby the native tongue. The English language gained absolute supremacy. ained absolute supremacy.

5.5.Thousands of words and expressions wThousands of words and expressions were borrowed from French, Latin, Greeere borrowed from French, Latin, Greek and Italian.k and Italian.

The English language in this transitionThe English language in this transitional stage al stage from Old English to modern Efrom Old English to modern English,nglish, through some through some 4 centuries (from4 centuries (from12th – 15th)12th – 15th) of development and chang of development and change, has gradually been known as e, has gradually been known as Middle Middle English.English.

Representatives in this periodRepresentatives in this period1.1.John Wycliffe (1320 – 1384):John Wycliffe (1320 – 1384): an Oxford scholar, an Oxford scholar,

the first to translate the the first to translate the BibleBible from Latin to Mid from Latin to Middle English (though not accurate), the pioneer idle English (though not accurate), the pioneer in the field of translating the n the field of translating the Bible.Bible.

2. 2. William Langland (1332 – 1400?)William Langland (1332 – 1400?) His masterpHis masterpiece is iece is Vision of Piers the plowman,Vision of Piers the plowman, written in t written in the form of a dream allegory and in he form of a dream allegory and in Middle EngliMiddle Englishsh. .

*(A term) An allegory*(A term) An allegory is a story or description in w is a story or description in which the characters and events symbolize some hich the characters and events symbolize some deeper underlying meaning, and serve to spread deeper underlying meaning, and serve to spread moral teaching. It has double meaning: i, e., a pmoral teaching. It has double meaning: i, e., a primary meaning, or a surface meaning, and a serimary meaning, or a surface meaning, and a secondary meaning, or underlying meaning. In an condary meaning, or underlying meaning. In an allegory, abstract qualities or ideas such as patieallegory, abstract qualities or ideas such as patience, purity, or truth, are personified as charactence, purity, or truth, are personified as characters in the story.rs in the story.

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340 – 14Geoffrey Chaucer (1340 – 1400)00)

Life experienceLife experience 1340 Chaucer was born in London, in the Vintry. 1340 Chaucer was born in London, in the Vintry. 1357 Page to the Countess of Ulster. 1357 Page to the Countess of Ulster. 1359 Taken captive while on a military expedition t1359 Taken captive while on a military expedition t

o France. o France. 1360 Released on ransom and returned to England. 1360 Released on ransom and returned to England. 1366 Married Philippa Roet, a Lady in waiting to th1366 Married Philippa Roet, a Lady in waiting to th

e queen. e queen. 1367 Served Edward III as a Valet1367 Served Edward III as a Valet 1368 Went abroad as a Diplomat. 1368 Went abroad as a Diplomat. 1369 Sent to Italy to negotiate a commercial treaty. 1369 Sent to Italy to negotiate a commercial treaty. 1374 Becomes Controller of Customs at the Port of 1374 Becomes Controller of Customs at the Port of

London. London. 1378 Sent to Italy as a diplomat. 1378 Sent to Italy as a diplomat.

1379 Became Controller of Petty Customs, Lo1379 Became Controller of Petty Customs, London. ndon.

1380 Became Justice of Peace for Kent. 1380 Became Justice of Peace for Kent. 1381 Became Knight of the Shire for Kent. 1381 Became Knight of the Shire for Kent. 1382 Chaucer’s wife Philippa Roet died. 1382 Chaucer’s wife Philippa Roet died. 1384 Started receiving pension from Richard I1384 Started receiving pension from Richard I

I due to strained financial conditions. I due to strained financial conditions. 1385 Granted an annual hogshead of wine fro1385 Granted an annual hogshead of wine fro

m the King. m the King. 1386 Pension increased by Henry IV. 1386 Pension increased by Henry IV. 1389 Became Clerk of the King’s Works. 1389 Became Clerk of the King’s Works. 1400 Died on October 25 and buried in the Po1400 Died on October 25 and buried in the Po

et’s Corner in Westminster Abbey. et’s Corner in Westminster Abbey.

His literary careerHis literary career His educationHis education:: Little is known about his educ Little is known about his educ

ation. But he is good at Latin, French, and Italation. But he is good at Latin, French, and Italian.ian.

Three periodsThree periods:: • 1360s-about 1372=1360s-about 1372=French period:French period: a translatoa translato

rr ((The Romance of Rose)The Romance of Rose) and and an imitatoran imitator ( (ThThe Book of Duchess)e Book of Duchess)

• 1372 -1386=1372 -1386=Italian period: a Borrower Italian period: a Borrower ((TroilTroilus and Cryseyde) us and Cryseyde) borrowed theme, characters borrowed theme, characters from Baccassio’sfrom Baccassio’s Filastrato. Filastrato.

• the last 15 years of his life=the last 15 years of his life=English (MaturitEnglish (Maturity) period: a creator y) period: a creator ((The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales)-h)-his own theme, choice of words, characters anis own theme, choice of words, characters and plot. d plot.

His contributions to English laHis contributions to English language and poetrynguage and poetry

His contributions to English languageHis contributions to English language * Chaucer’s language is now called Middle/Curre* Chaucer’s language is now called Middle/Curre

nt language nt language * He established English as the literary language o* He established English as the literary language o

f England. He wrote in the London dialect of his f England. He wrote in the London dialect of his day. day.

* He did much in making the London dialect the f* He did much in making the London dialect the foundation for the modern English Speech. oundation for the modern English Speech.

His contributions to English poetryHis contributions to English poetry * He introduced from France the rhymed stanza o* He introduced from France the rhymed stanza o

f various types, esp. the rhymed couplet of iambf various types, esp. the rhymed couplet of iambic pentameter or Heroic Couplet into English poic pentameter or Heroic Couplet into English poetry, instead of the old Anglo-Saxon alliterative etry, instead of the old Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse. verse.

Explanations of the Literary teExplanations of the Literary termsrms

Iamb:Iamb: a meter pattern composed of a pai a meter pattern composed of a pair of syllables, with the first one unaccentr of syllables, with the first one unaccented and the second stressed. ed and the second stressed.

Pentameter line:Pentameter line: A poetry line in which t A poetry line in which there are ten syllables, with two ones madhere are ten syllables, with two ones made up of a "foot", five feet in all. e up of a "foot", five feet in all.

Iambic pentameter:Iambic pentameter: It is a poetry meter. It is a poetry meter. In each line, there are ten syllables which In each line, there are ten syllables which can be broken up into five feet (pentametcan be broken up into five feet (pentameter) of an unstressed syllable followed by er) of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (iambic) –hence iambia stressed syllable (iambic) –hence iambic pentameter. c pentameter.

Analysis and appreciation of the fAnalysis and appreciation of the first 2 stanzas in irst 2 stanzas in the General Prologthe General Prolog

ue of his masterpiece ue of his masterpiece ContentsContents1.1. Historical contextHistorical context2.2. Brief introduction Brief introduction *the frame work*the frame work *the gallery of portrait of his characte*the gallery of portrait of his characte

rsrs *the writing technique*the writing technique

3. 3. Analysis and appreciation of the first 2 stAnalysis and appreciation of the first 2 stanzasanzas

*synopsis and understanding*synopsis and understanding *analysis and appreciation*analysis and appreciation *interpretation of the peculiarity of th*interpretation of the peculiarity of th

e first stanza e first stanza *symbols and themes*symbols and themes *difference from Bacassio’s *difference from Bacassio’s DecameDecame

ronron

The front cover of The front cover of Canterbury TalesCanterbury Tales

Canterbury CathedralCanterbury Cathedral OUTSIDE INSIDEOUTSIDE INSIDE

Historical contextHistorical context The time of the writing of The time of the writing of The Canterbury TThe Canterbury T

alesales was a turbulent time in English history. was a turbulent time in English history. *The Catholic Church was in the midst of *The Catholic Church was in the midst of the the

Great SchismGreat Schism and, though it was still the onl and, though it was still the only Christian authority in Europe, was the subjy Christian authority in Europe, was the subject of heavy controversy. ect of heavy controversy.

**LollardyLollardy, an early English religious movemen, an early English religious movement led by John Wycliffe, is mentioned in t led by John Wycliffe, is mentioned in the Tthe Talesales, as is a specific incident involving pardo, as is a specific incident involving pardoners (who gathered money in exchange for aners (who gathered money in exchange for absolution from sin) who nefariously claimed bsolution from sin) who nefariously claimed to be collecting for St. Mary Rouncesval hosto be collecting for St. Mary Rouncesval hospital in England.pital in England.

*The Canterbury Tales is among the first En*The Canterbury Tales is among the first English literary works to mention glish literary works to mention paperpaper, a rel, a relatively new invention which allowed disseatively new invention which allowed dissemination of the written word never before mination of the written word never before seen in England.seen in England.

* * Political clashes,Political clashes, such as the such as the 1381 Peasant's 1381 Peasant's Revolt and clashes ending in the deposing Revolt and clashes ending in the deposing of King Richard IIof King Richard II, further reveal the comp, further reveal the complex turmoil surrounding Chaucer in the tilex turmoil surrounding Chaucer in the time of the Tales' writing. me of the Tales' writing.

*Many of *Many of his close friendshis close friends were executed an were executed and he himself was forced to move to Kent in d he himself was forced to move to Kent in order to get away from events in London.order to get away from events in London.

Brief introductionBrief introduction TheThe CanterburyCanterbury TalesTales is one of the landmark is one of the landmark

s of English literature, perhaps the greatest s of English literature, perhaps the greatest work produced in Middle English and certaiwork produced in Middle English and certainly among the most ambitious. Chaucer did nly among the most ambitious. Chaucer did not complete the entire not complete the entire CanterburyCanterbury TalesTales as as he designed it. There are altogether 30 travelhe designed it. There are altogether 30 travelers on the pilgrimage to Canterbury. He struers on the pilgrimage to Canterbury. He structured the tales so that each pilgrim would tctured the tales so that each pilgrim would tell four tales on the way there and back, and ell four tales on the way there and back, and that would bring the total up to 120. Howevthat would bring the total up to 120. However, Chaucer only completed 20 complete storer, Chaucer only completed 20 complete stories and 4 fragmentsies and 4 fragments, , not even completing onnot even completing one tale for each pilgrim.e tale for each pilgrim.

The frame work:The frame work: This long poem cThis long poem consists of three parts: The General onsists of three parts: The General Prologue; 20 tales, and four fragmePrologue; 20 tales, and four fragments; and separate prologues to each nts; and separate prologues to each tale.tale.

His gallery of portraits of people:His gallery of portraits of people: comes from all classes of the Englicomes from all classes of the English society of his time, ranging frosh society of his time, ranging from a Knight to a humble Plowman, m a Knight to a humble Plowman, except the royalty and the peasant. except the royalty and the peasant. The Pilgrims are a microcosm of thThe Pilgrims are a microcosm of the 14th century English society.e 14th century English society.

His writing technique:His writing technique: 1.plainly 1.plainly narrativenarrative 2. everything is 2. everything is based on realitybased on reality. The Pr. The Pr

ologue supplies a miniature of the Engologue supplies a miniature of the English society at that time. Chaucer liked lish society at that time. Chaucer liked to use the realistically writing skill to rto use the realistically writing skill to represent the reality.epresent the reality.

3. That is why he is called 3. That is why he is called the “father othe “father of realism”/ master of realismf realism”/ master of realism;; He ap He applies to the work a strong sense of huplies to the work a strong sense of humor and an infinite sense of humanity mor and an infinite sense of humanity

SynopsisSynopsis In April the pleasant showers of rain had pierced the droIn April the pleasant showers of rain had pierced the dro

ught of March to the very root and bathed every plant wiught of March to the very root and bathed every plant with life-giving moisture. The refreshing west wind had quth life-giving moisture. The refreshing west wind had quickened the young shoots in every wood and field. The yickened the young shoots in every wood and field. The young sun had completed its second half course in the zooung sun had completed its second half course in the zodiac sign of the Aries, and the small birds encouraged by diac sign of the Aries, and the small birds encouraged by nature sang melodiously. People longed to go on pilgrimnature sang melodiously. People longed to go on pilgrimages and seek strange shores in this rejuvenating month. ages and seek strange shores in this rejuvenating month. People from every corner of England went to Canterbury People from every corner of England went to Canterbury to seek the holy blessings at the shrine of Saint Thomas to seek the holy blessings at the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Becket.

One spring day at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, while thOne spring day at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, while the narrator (Chaucer) was waiting for the next day to go oe narrator (Chaucer) was waiting for the next day to go on his pilgrimage to Canterbury, a group of twenty-nine pn his pilgrimage to Canterbury, a group of twenty-nine pilgrims arrived at the inn. The narrator was accepted intilgrims arrived at the inn. The narrator was accepted into their company and they decided to rise early next moro their company and they decided to rise early next morning and carry on their journey. The narrator describes ning and carry on their journey. The narrator describes each of these pilgrims and tells the reader about their raeach of these pilgrims and tells the reader about their ranks and the kind of clothes they wore. nks and the kind of clothes they wore.

Anslysis and appreciationAnslysis and appreciation ““When in April" places us immediately in tWhen in April" places us immediately in t

he reverdie tradition -- literally the "re-greenhe reverdie tradition -- literally the "re-greening," a mode in medieval lyric poetry celebraing," a mode in medieval lyric poetry celebrating the revival of spring and all that that entting the revival of spring and all that that entails.ails.

1-18 lines present a unified and ideal organic 1-18 lines present a unified and ideal organic hierarchy -- hierarchy -- a great chain of awakeningsa great chain of awakenings fro from the rain to the roots of the plants to the flom the rain to the roots of the plants to the flowers, the sun to the fields and the birds growwers, the sun to the fields and the birds growing musical and insomniacal, to humans whing musical and insomniacal, to humans who maybe sublimate the same impulses into po maybe sublimate the same impulses into pilgrimages to holy shrines of martyrs. So we ilgrimages to holy shrines of martyrs. So we progress from the natural to the divine, or frprogress from the natural to the divine, or from the natural/divine to the anthropomorphom the natural/divine to the anthropomorphic/sacred.ic/sacred. Memorize these 18 linesMemorize these 18 lines!!

As a tradition,As a tradition, in Middle ages, if a poet began in Middle ages, if a poet began his poem with spring, the reader would learhis poem with spring, the reader would learn that the poet would tell a love story. n that the poet would tell a love story. The GeThe General Prologueneral Prologue begins with the description of begins with the description of Spring characteristic of dream visions of secuSpring characteristic of dream visions of secular love, the same tone, even some of the samlar love, the same tone, even some of the same details in his e details in his Le Roman de la rose. Le Roman de la rose. His audiHis audience may well have thought they were about ence may well have thought they were about to hear another elegant poem on aristocratic to hear another elegant poem on aristocratic love. However,love. However, they hear instead:they hear instead:

Then longen folk to gon on pilgrimages.Then longen folk to gon on pilgrimages. The fThe focus changes from secular love to religion, to ocus changes from secular love to religion, to a pilgrimage, and the texture shifts from the a pilgrimage, and the texture shifts from the elegant abstractions and allegorical personagelegant abstractions and allegorical personages to a very real London in the fourteenth cenes to a very real London in the fourteenth century.tury.

A pilgrimage is a religious journey unA pilgrimage is a religious journey undertaken for penance and grace. It wadertaken for penance and grace. It was very popular in fourteenth-century Es very popular in fourteenth-century England, as the narrator mentions. Pilgngland, as the narrator mentions. Pilgrims traveled to rims traveled to visit the remains of Savisit the remains of Saint Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canint Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterburyterbury, who was murdered in 1170 by , who was murdered in 1170 by knights of King Henry II. Soon after hiknights of King Henry II. Soon after his death, he became the most popular ss death, he became the most popular saint in England. The pilgrimage in Thaint in England. The pilgrimage in The Canterbury Tales should not be thoue Canterbury Tales should not be thought of as an entirely solemn occasion, ght of as an entirely solemn occasion, because it also offered the pilgrims an because it also offered the pilgrims an opportunity to abandon work and take opportunity to abandon work and take a vacation. a vacation.

At line 20, the narrator abandons his uAt line 20, the narrator abandons his unfocused, all-knowing point of view, infocused, all-knowing point of view, identifying himself as an actual person dentifying himself as an actual person for the first time by inserting the first for the first time by inserting the first person—“I”—as he relates how he person—“I”—as he relates how he met the group of pilgrims while stayinmet the group of pilgrims while staying at the Tabard Inn. He emphasizes thg at the Tabard Inn. He emphasizes that this group, which he encountered bat this group, which he encountered by accident, was itself formed quite by y accident, was itself formed quite by chance (25–26). He then shifts into the chance (25–26). He then shifts into the first-person plural, referring to the pilfirst-person plural, referring to the pilgrims as “we” beginning in line 29, grims as “we” beginning in line 29, asserting his status as a member of thasserting his status as a member of the group. e group.

This is a sudden shift. We readers find This is a sudden shift. We readers find ourselves hearing "Bifel," "I," "by aventourselves hearing "Bifel," "I," "by aventure" -- and we're in the realm of chancure" -- and we're in the realm of chance, offhandedness, subjectivity, persone, offhandedness, subjectivity, personal specificity, randomness, the casual. al specificity, randomness, the casual.

A distinction is now required between A distinction is now required between Chaucer-poet and Chaucer-pilgrim. IChaucer-poet and Chaucer-pilgrim. It's the pilgrim giving us the prologue. t's the pilgrim giving us the prologue. Point-of-view is through this puppet's Point-of-view is through this puppet's eyes. So the often ironic poet is using eyes. So the often ironic poet is using a narrator, a persona, through which ta narrator, a persona, through which to speak -- a pretty faux-Chaucer. o speak -- a pretty faux-Chaucer.

The narrator ends the introductory portioThe narrator ends the introductory portion of his prologue by noting that he has “tn of his prologue by noting that he has “tyme and space” to tell his narrative. His cyme and space” to tell his narrative. His comments underscore the fact that he is wromments underscore the fact that he is writing some time after the events of his storiting some time after the events of his story, and that he is describing the characters y, and that he is describing the characters from memory. He has spoken and met witfrom memory. He has spoken and met with these people h these people as also a pilgrimas also a pilgrim, but he h, but he has waited a certain length of time before sias waited a certain length of time before sitting down and describing them tting down and describing them as a poetas a poet. . He positions himself as a mediator betweeHe positions himself as a mediator between two groups: the group of pilgrims of whin two groups: the group of pilgrims of which he was a member of the pilgrims and ch he was a member of the pilgrims and uuss, the audience, whom the narrator explici, the audience, whom the narrator explicitly addresses as tly addresses as “you”“you” in lines 34 and 38. in lines 34 and 38.

On the other hand, the narrator's deOn the other hand, the narrator's declaration that he will tell us about thclaration that he will tell us about the “condicioun,” “degree,” and e “condicioun,” “degree,” and “array” (dress) of each of the pilgr“array” (dress) of each of the pilgrims suggests that his portraits will bims suggests that his portraits will be based on objective facts as well as e based on objective facts as well as his own opinions. his own opinions. (REALISM)(REALISM)

Interpretation of the peculiaritInterpretation of the peculiarity of the opening party of the opening part

The opening part of The opening part of the General Prologuethe General Prologue mix mixes the spiritual with the secular and moves betes the spiritual with the secular and moves between each form with relative ease. ween each form with relative ease.

It sets up imagery of spring and regeneration.It sets up imagery of spring and regeneration. It does not conform to the cliché tradition "in It does not conform to the cliché tradition "in

springtime a young man's fancy turns to love," springtime a young man's fancy turns to love," but veers into more spiritual territory. In spri but veers into more spiritual territory. In springtime these travelers make a religious pilgringtime these travelers make a religious pilgrimage to Canterbury. mage to Canterbury.

It sets the tone and mood of the tales: gay and It sets the tone and mood of the tales: gay and ironic.ironic.

SymbolsSymbols (A literary (A literary term)term)Symbols are objects, characteSymbols are objects, characte

rs, figures, or colors used to represent abstract rs, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.ideas or concepts.

Springtime Springtime The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales opens in April, at the he opens in April, at the he

ight of spring. ight of spring. *The springtime *The springtime symbolizes rebirth and fresh symbolizes rebirth and fresh

beginningsbeginnings, and is thus appropriate for the be, and is thus appropriate for the beginning of Chaucer's text. ginning of Chaucer's text.

*Springtime also *Springtime also evokes erotic love,evokes erotic love, for exampl for example, the Squire is compared to the freshness of te, the Squire is compared to the freshness of the month of May, in his devotion to courtly lohe month of May, in his devotion to courtly love.ve.

ThemesThemes (A literary term)(A literary term)ThemesThemes are the fundam are the fundam

ental and often universal ideas explored ental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work.in a literary work.

"The Canterbury Tales""The Canterbury Tales" has several over has several overlapping themes, which not only enrich tlapping themes, which not only enrich the book’s texture but also lend it some he book’s texture but also lend it some kind of coherence and unity. Most of thkind of coherence and unity. Most of these themes are abstract and cannot be stese themes are abstract and cannot be stated as singular propositions. Nearly all ated as singular propositions. Nearly all the subjects of Chaucer’s most serious the subjects of Chaucer’s most serious contemplation can be found in his magcontemplation can be found in his magnificent epic. nificent epic.

The major themes areThe major themes are: : **critique of the churchcritique of the church*themes of the inherent corruptnes*themes of the inherent corruptnes

s of human nature and decline of s of human nature and decline of moral valuesmoral values

*the problem of the position of wo*the problem of the position of women and marriage relationshipsmen and marriage relationships

*themes of honor and truth*themes of honor and truth*themes of Christian virtue and chiv*themes of Christian virtue and chiv

alry.alry.

Difference from Baccassio’s Difference from Baccassio’s DecameronDecameron

The structure of The structure of The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales is ind is indebted to Boccaccio's ebted to Boccaccio's DecameronDecameron,, in which ten in which ten nobles from Florence, to escape the plague, stnobles from Florence, to escape the plague, stay in a country villa and amuse each other by ay in a country villa and amuse each other by each telling tales. Boccaccio had a significant ieach telling tales. Boccaccio had a significant influence on Chaucer. The Knight's Tale was anfluence on Chaucer. The Knight's Tale was an English version of a tale by Boccaccio, while n English version of a tale by Boccaccio, while six of Chaucer's tales have possible sources in six of Chaucer's tales have possible sources in thethe DecameronDecameron:: the Miller's Tale, the Reeve's, the Miller's Tale, the Reeve's, the Clerk's, the Merchant's, the Franklin's, anthe Clerk's, the Merchant's, the Franklin's, and the Shipman's. However, Chaucer's pilgrims d the Shipman's. However, Chaucer's pilgrims to Canterbury form a wider range of society cto Canterbury form a wider range of society compared to Boccaccio's elite storytellers.ompared to Boccaccio's elite storytellers.

The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales differs from Boccdiffers from Boccaccio'saccio's DecameronDecameron: : the speakers are not the speakers are not from a single social class, but drawn frofrom a single social class, but drawn from a broad range of society, from the nobm a broad range of society, from the noble knight to the drunken rascal of a Millele knight to the drunken rascal of a Miller and the impoverished Parson. Choosinr and the impoverished Parson. Choosing a pilgrimage as the vehicle for the tales g a pilgrimage as the vehicle for the tales was a brilliant move -- a pilgrimage was twas a brilliant move -- a pilgrimage was the one occasion in medieval life when so he one occasion in medieval life when so wide a range of members of society coulwide a range of members of society could plausibly join together on relatively eqd plausibly join together on relatively equal terms, allowing for greater differencual terms, allowing for greater differences in tone and substancees in tone and substance..

It is hot, let me feel the cool It is hot, let me feel the cool snow snow

Coffee,please.Coffee,please.

The Pre-Elizabethan Age: The Pre-Elizabethan Age: Thomas MoThomas Morere

CONTENTSCONTENTS A brief introduction of the historical A brief introduction of the historical

backgroundbackground Literary representatives in pre-ElizabLiterary representatives in pre-Elizab

ethan ageethan age Thomas MoreThomas More

Historical backgroundHistorical background

From 1400 to 1550, significant changes had been From 1400 to 1550, significant changes had been undergoing. Old England was in transition.undergoing. Old England was in transition.

1.1. The wars of Roses (1455-1483):The wars of Roses (1455-1483): Barely at the end Barely at the end of the 100-years War with France, England was agof the 100-years War with France, England was again blown into the whirlwind of civil war. ain blown into the whirlwind of civil war.

2.2. Tudor Dynasty:Tudor Dynasty: Then the King, Henry VII, took t Then the King, Henry VII, took the advantage of this situation, founded Tudor dynhe advantage of this situation, founded Tudor dynasty.asty.

3.3. The religious reformation in England:The religious reformation in England: Then He Then Henry VII’s son, Henry VIII (1509 -1547) succeeded nry VII’s son, Henry VIII (1509 -1547) succeeded the throne. He started the extensive movement agthe throne. He started the extensive movement against the control of the Roman Catholic Church. ainst the control of the Roman Catholic Church.

He declared the break with Rome. This is He declared the break with Rome. This is the Protestant Reformation, which in essthe Protestant Reformation, which in essence a political movement in a religious ence a political movement in a religious disguise, a part of struggle of the newly rdisguise, a part of struggle of the newly rising class for power.ising class for power.

4. 4. The Counter-reformation:The Counter-reformation: The reforma The reformation was closely followed by the Counter tion was closely followed by the Counter –reformation during the reign of Queen –reformation during the reign of Queen Mary (Mary (1553 – 15581553 – 1558), Henry VIII’s daugh), Henry VIII’s daughter. She was a devout Catholic. So many ter. She was a devout Catholic. So many Protestants were burned as heretic. This Protestants were burned as heretic. This religious persecution did not stop until Qreligious persecution did not stop until Queen Elizabethan Age. ueen Elizabethan Age.

5.5. The Enclosure movementThe Enclosure movement and intro and introduction of duction of the printingthe printing

In England the movement for enclosIn England the movement for enclosure began in the 12th century and prure began in the 12th century and proceeded rapidly in the period 1450–1oceeded rapidly in the period 1450–1640, when the purpose was mainly t640, when the purpose was mainly to increase the amount of full-time po increase the amount of full-time pasturage available to manorial lords. asturage available to manorial lords. Much enclosure also occurred in the Much enclosure also occurred in the period from 1750 to 1860, when it waperiod from 1750 to 1860, when it was done for the sake of agricultural efs done for the sake of agricultural efficiency. By the end of the 19th centficiency. By the end of the 19th century the process of the enclosure of cury the process of the enclosure of common lands in England was virtuaommon lands in England was virtually complete.lly complete.

6. The religious Reformation in Europe6. The religious Reformation in Europe The termThe term Reformation Reformation refers in general to the m refers in general to the m

ajor religious changes that swept across Europe ajor religious changes that swept across Europe during the 1500s, transforming worship, politics,during the 1500s, transforming worship, politics, society, and basic cultural patterns. One key di society, and basic cultural patterns. One key dimension was the Protestant Reformation, the mmension was the Protestant Reformation, the movement that began in 1517 with Martin Lutheovement that began in 1517 with Martin Luther's critique of doctrinal principles and church acr's critique of doctrinal principles and church actions in Germany and that led to the establishmtions in Germany and that led to the establishment of new official churches—the Lutheran, the ent of new official churches—the Lutheran, the Reformed or Calvinist, and the Anglican. These Reformed or Calvinist, and the Anglican. These were separate from the Latin Catholic Church in were separate from the Latin Catholic Church in organization and different from it in theology. organization and different from it in theology.

7.7. Renaissance and Humanism (literary termRenaissance and Humanism (literary terms)s)

*Renaissance:*Renaissance: It is a movement of the humanistiIt is a movement of the humanistic revival of classical art, architecture, literatuc revival of classical art, architecture, literature, and learning that originated in Italy in the re, and learning that originated in Italy in the 14th century and later spread throughout Eur14th century and later spread throughout Europe, marking the transition from medieval to ope, marking the transition from medieval to modern times.modern times.

*Humanism*Humanism: : A cultural and intellectual movemeA cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance (14th century to 17th cent of the Renaissance (14th century to 17th century) that emphasized secular concerns, rejntury) that emphasized secular concerns, rejecting religious beliefs and centers on humaecting religious beliefs and centers on humans and their values, capacities, and worth, ans and their values, capacities, and worth, as a result of the re-discovery and study of the s a result of the re-discovery and study of the literature, art, and civilization of ancient Greliterature, art, and civilization of ancient Greece and Rome.ece and Rome.

Humanists argued that man should be given all freedoHumanists argued that man should be given all freedom to enrich their intellectual and emotional life. In rem to enrich their intellectual and emotional life. In religion they demanded the reformation of the church. ligion they demanded the reformation of the church. In art literature, instead of singing praise to God, they In art literature, instead of singing praise to God, they sang in praise of man and of the pursuit of happiness sang in praise of man and of the pursuit of happiness in this life. Humanism shattered the shackles of spiritin this life. Humanism shattered the shackles of spiritual bandage of man’s mind by the Catholic Church aual bandage of man’s mind by the Catholic Church and opened his eyes to “a brave young world” in frond opened his eyes to “a brave young world” in front of him.nt of him.

The English Renaissance can be traced in Chaucer’s The English Renaissance can be traced in Chaucer’s TThe Canterbury Tales. he Canterbury Tales. In the later half of the 14th centIn the later half of the 14th century, Chaucer went to Italy. This trip had a great influeury, Chaucer went to Italy. This trip had a great influence on him. Generally speaking, English literature of nce on him. Generally speaking, English literature of Renaissance may be divided into 3 stages of developmRenaissance may be divided into 3 stages of development. ent. The first stage extends from the end of 15th ceThe first stage extends from the end of 15th century to the last half of the 16th century; The seconntury to the last half of the 16th century; The second stage was just in the Elizabethan age; The third od stage was just in the Elizabethan age; The third one was the Jacobean period. The literary forms werne was the Jacobean period. The literary forms were poetry, prose, fiction and drama.e poetry, prose, fiction and drama.

Representative in pre-Elizabethan Representative in pre-Elizabethan ageage

Thomas More and his masterwork: Thomas More and his masterwork: UtopiaUtopia Sir Thomas MoreSir Thomas More (7 February 1478 – 6 July 1535), a (7 February 1478 – 6 July 1535), a

lso known as lso known as Saint Thomas MoreSaint Thomas More, was an English , was an English lawyerlawyer, author, and statesman who in his lifetime , author, and statesman who in his lifetime gained a reputation as a leading gained a reputation as a leading Renaissance humanistRenaissance humanist scholar, and occupied man scholar, and occupied many public offices, including y public offices, including Lord ChancellorLord Chancellor (1529–1 (1529–1532). More coined the word "532). More coined the word "utopiautopia", a name he ga", a name he gave to the ideal, imaginary island nation whose polive to the ideal, imaginary island nation whose political system he described in tical system he described in UtopiaUtopia, published in 1, published in 1516. He was beheaded in 1535 when he refused to s516. He was beheaded in 1535 when he refused to sign the ign the Act of SupremacyAct of Supremacy that declared King that declared King Henry VIIIHenry VIII Supreme Head of the Supreme Head of the Church of EnglandChurch of England..

The Elizabethan ageThe Elizabethan age Now came the Elizabethan Age in 1558. In Now came the Elizabethan Age in 1558. In

this age, the literature can be divided into this age, the literature can be divided into 3 phase (Read P35 -40); And there appeared 3 phase (Read P35 -40); And there appeared the most famous the most famous the University Witsthe University Wits (P37 - (P37 -38). During her rein, England was not only 38). During her rein, England was not only prosperous in inner economics, powerful iprosperous in inner economics, powerful in expansion abroad and ocean, but also flon expansion abroad and ocean, but also flourised in culture and thoughts, esp, in literurised in culture and thoughts, esp, in literature, such as poetry (sonnets), prose and ature, such as poetry (sonnets), prose and drama. drama.

The three sub-periods in literaThe three sub-periods in literatureture

1st period: 1557-15791st period: 1557-1579*The publication of Edmund Spenser’s *The publication of Edmund Spenser’s The ShThe Sh

epheardes Calendarepheardes Calendar*Thomas Wyatt introduced the sonnet into Engl*Thomas Wyatt introduced the sonnet into Engl

andand*Henry Howard, Earl of Surry brought the the b*Henry Howard, Earl of Surry brought the the b

lank verse into Englandlank verse into England(A literary term) Blank verse: It is Rhyme-less ia(A literary term) Blank verse: It is Rhyme-less ia

mbic pentameter or a line of ten syllables in fimbic pentameter or a line of ten syllables in five iambs, a rhythemic unit of two syllables wive iambs, a rhythemic unit of two syllables with the unstressed followed by the stressed syllth the unstressed followed by the stressed syllable.(Milton is the master of this)able.(Milton is the master of this)

2nd period: 1580-15992nd period: 1580-1599*In poetry, Sperser contibuted his *In poetry, Sperser contibuted his The Faerie QueThe Faerie Que

eneene; ; The epic poem came out unfinished with only thThe epic poem came out unfinished with only th

e first six books in 1596, which was dedicated to e first six books in 1596, which was dedicated to Elizabeth. The excellence of it lies in the compleElizabeth. The excellence of it lies in the complexity and depth of xity and depth of Spenser’s moral visionSpenser’s moral vision and in and in the Spenserian Stanzathe Spenserian Stanza, which Spenser invented , which Spenser invented for his masterpiece.for his masterpiece.

The main ideas The main ideas in this poem:in this poem: NATIONALISM NATIONALISM (c(celebration of Queen Elizabeth); elebration of Queen Elizabeth); HUMANISMHUMANISM (sh (shows strong opposition to Roman Catholicism); ows strong opposition to Roman Catholicism); PPURITANISMURITANISM (shows moral teaching) (shows moral teaching)

Spenserian Stanza (a literary term): Spenserian Stanza (a literary term): It is aIt is a nine-lin nine-line e stanza of 8 lines in iambic pentameter plus an stanza of 8 lines in iambic pentameter plus an iambic hexameter(six-foot line). The rhyme schiambic hexameter(six-foot line). The rhyme scheme is abab bcbc c. It is created by Spenser in hieme is abab bcbc c. It is created by Spenser in his s The Faerie Queene, The Faerie Queene, thus named after him. thus named after him.

Philip Sidney’s sonnet Philip Sidney’s sonnet Astrophel and StellaAstrophel and Stella; The the; The theme, me, heavenly and earthly loveheavenly and earthly love is reflected. is reflected.

Shakespeare’s sonnets.Shakespeare’s sonnets.*In prose, Sidney’s *In prose, Sidney’s Apologie for Poetry; Apologie for Poetry; *In pastoral Romance, here’s Sidney’s *In pastoral Romance, here’s Sidney’s Arcardia. It is Arcardia. It is

pastoral.pastoral.Pastoral poetry (a literary term): Pastoral poetry (a literary term): Poetry that portrays or Poetry that portrays or

evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way. In essays, Francis Bacon published some of his essays.In essays, Francis Bacon published some of his essays.**Another contribution from John Lyly is his Another contribution from John Lyly is his EupheusEupheus..**In drama, there were In drama, there were “the University Wits”“the University Wits” first, incl first, incl

uding Christopher Marlowe, Bobert Greene, George Puding Christopher Marlowe, Bobert Greene, George Peele, Thomas Lodge, Thomas Nash amd Thomas Kyd, eele, Thomas Lodge, Thomas Nash amd Thomas Kyd, who were all graduates from Oxford or Cambridge or who were all graduates from Oxford or Cambridge or both except Thomas Kyd.They paved the way for the rboth except Thomas Kyd.They paved the way for the rise of Shakespeare. And then, Shakespeare’s some 2ise of Shakespeare. And then, Shakespeare’s some 20 of his plays were finished.0 of his plays were finished.

The 3rd period:1599-1625The 3rd period:1599-1625• Shakespeare finished all his later playsShakespeare finished all his later plays• Ben Jonson did almost the whole of his Ben Jonson did almost the whole of his

workwork• Francis bacon did his best work in this Francis bacon did his best work in this

period,dominated English prose literaperiod,dominated English prose literarture for decades.rture for decades.

• The Authorized BibleThe Authorized Bible, , also namedalso named KinKing James Bible g James Bible came into being in 1611. came into being in 1611. It is still the best of its kind today, uneIt is still the best of its kind today, unequaled in precision, beauty and power.qualed in precision, beauty and power.

AssignmentsAssignments Written workWritten work1.1. Define the terms: iambic pentameter, symbols, thDefine the terms: iambic pentameter, symbols, th

emes, Ranaissance, humanism, blank verse, Spenemes, Ranaissance, humanism, blank verse, Spenserian Stanza and pastoral poetry.serian Stanza and pastoral poetry.

2.2. What are Chaucer’s contribution to English poetWhat are Chaucer’s contribution to English poetry and language?ry and language?

3.3. What are peculiar in the opening part of What are peculiar in the opening part of the Genethe General Prologueral Prologue in in Canterbury TalesCanterbury Tales by Chaucer? by Chaucer?

4.4. What is the symbol in What is the symbol in the General Prologuethe General Prologue? What ? What does it symbolize?does it symbolize?

5.5. Who are “the University Wits”?Who are “the University Wits”?6.6. What is Edmund Spenser’s masterpiece? What aWhat is Edmund Spenser’s masterpiece? What a

re the main ideas reflected in it?re the main ideas reflected in it?

Topics for discussionTopics for discussion1.1. How to define Chaucer’s literary career? Why?How to define Chaucer’s literary career? Why?2.2. What kinds of people are included in the gallery of hWhat kinds of people are included in the gallery of h

is character portrait in is character portrait in Canterbury TalesCanterbury Tales by Chaucer? by Chaucer?3.3. Why Chaucer is called “father of realism”?Why Chaucer is called “father of realism”?4.4. How to undrestand the identity of Chaucer as both a How to undrestand the identity of Chaucer as both a

poet and a pilgrim?poet and a pilgrim?5.5. Compare Baccassio’s Decameron and Chaucer’s Compare Baccassio’s Decameron and Chaucer’s

Canterbury Tales to find the difference between theCanterbury Tales to find the difference between them.m.

6.6. Why did literature flourish in Elizabethan age?Why did literature flourish in Elizabethan age?7.7. The formation of English people and Old English lanThe formation of English people and Old English lan

guageguage8.8. The formation of the Middle English LanguageThe formation of the Middle English Language*Oral work:*Oral work: Memorize the first 18 lines in the General Prologue.Memorize the first 18 lines in the General Prologue.

Spring is coming. Let’s go on pilgrimSpring is coming. Let’s go on pilgrimage.age.