Medieval Periodaka

The Middle Ages1066-1485

Historical Influences

1066-Norman Conquest1154-End of Norman Rule1215-King John signed the Magna Carta1310-1410-Hundred Years War1348-Black Death – the plague1380-Peasants’ Revolt1476-William Caxton-printing press1455-1485-The War of Roses: House of York vs House of Lancasters

Medieval SocietyVillages were the center of lifeLords protected townspeople and

granted propertyMerchants traded with other

cities/townsBakers, butchers, grocers, millers,

smiths, carpenters, weavers, mason, shoemakers

Peasants/Serfs worked the manors of the kingdoms, exchanged services for protection and substance (Some were free men)

Peasants/Serfs Laboring

Canterbury Cathedral

Daily LivingTrade grew as result of CrusadesMore communication and a spread of knowledge

Development of guilds: craftsmen and merchants gained status

Everyday living focused on agriculture/farming

Many celebrations in town centered around performers (troubadours, acrobats, knights jousting, and merchants selling products)

Love of LiteratureBooks were treasured and kept

protected in libraries Wandering scholars traveled during

Crusades and learned new writing styles

People interested in romantic writing & courtly love

Only rich women were educatedAll knights must read/writeSome went on to universities- (this

lead to the Renaissance- spread of art, literature, human potential)

Sociological InfluencesChristianity

Roman Catholic Church united all of Western Europe

Pervaded daily life and English society

Faith replaced Fate

Philosophical Influences

ChristianityKing is the rule of God on earthAbuses in Catholic Church

Code of ChivalryHonor, truth, courtesy both on and

off the battlefield

Types of Literature

Ballad (recited or sung)

Romance

Short Story (frame story)

Drama

BalladCharacteristics

Incremental repetition (repeat w/variation)

Refrain (repeat in set pattern)Closure (last stanza resolves

narration)Little attention to characterization

or descriptionDialogue (usually colloquial)

BalladForm

Stanza – usually quatrains (4 lines) Rhythm – 8 syllables line 1 & 3

6 syllables line 2 & 4Form of verse to be sung or recited.Characterized by one simple,

exciting episode in narrative form.

Ballad

Themes – domestic topics with common appealLoveUnrequited love/heartbreak Physical strength/Heroic deedsCurrent eventsLost dreamsMurderous acts/desire for revengeJealous lovers

Sir Patrick SpensScottish Ballad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT1r-smQkzQ

Modern Ballads “November Rain”- Guns ‘N Roses “I Can’t Help Falling in Love”- UB40 “Wonderful Tonight” or “Layla”- Eric Clapton “When a Man Loves a Woman” “My Girl”- The Temptations “Every Breath You Take”- The Police “Hey Jude”- The Beatles “Your Song”- Elton John “American Pie”- Don McLean “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”- Aerosmith “Bohemian Rhapsody”- Queen

Ballad Analysis 1. What is the theme of the ballad?

2. Summarize the story told in the song.

3. What is the refrain? What lines repeat? What effect does this have on the song?

4. What is the conflict in the ballad if any?

5. What truths about life are reflected in the story?

Pair-Share!With a partner, make a list of THREE

ballads.

For each ballad, write a brief summary of the “theme”

What is the “refrain” in each song? (What lines are repeated?)

Briefly discuss the story within each of your songs. Is there a lesson or moral? Explain

Medieval RomanceA story that presents remote or

imaginative incidents. Characteristics

Supernatural elements (details involving wizards, potions, mystical interventions of strength, power, etc.

Adventure (deeds of a hero who overcomes great obstacles for love, honor, or another ideal

Themes Love – the reward that requires some accomplishment, or task to be completed to acquire the assurance of that love.

Chivalry – behavior that includes virtues of bravery, honesty, demonstrated for the pleasure of a king or lady in the name of God.

Drama

Miracle/Mystery Play –taught Biblical stories

Morality Plays- taught religious doctrine and emphasized moral struggles of everyday people

Chaucer’s Frame Story

Short Story – A brief work of fiction with a simple plot and setting that reveals a character at a crucial moment.

Exemplum – A special entertaining anecdote (tale) that is intended to illustrate a truth or a moral.

Chaucer’s Literary ContributionRhyme – The repetition of sounds at the

end of words; specifically with Chaucer heroic couplets, two rhymed lines of iambic pentameter.

Characterization – Direct (when a writer explicitly states the

character’s traits)Indirect (when a writer reveals traits by

what a character thinks, says, does, describes)

Chaucer’s Literary Contribution

Short Story – a brief work of fiction with a simple plot and setting that reveals character at a crucial moment.

Satire – Writing that ridicules or holds up to contempt the faults of individuals, groups, or institutions. Although usually humorous, its purpose is to correct the flaws and shortcomings it illuminates.