During this time English was called Anglo- Saxon or Old English. In the chronicles of Roman history (composed in Latin) is said that Britain makes its first appearance in written language when Romans invade the England. BEOWULF most important poem, surviving in a 10th-cent manuscript. The historical period of the poem's events can be dated in the 6th to 8th century. Much of the material of the poem is legendary and paralleled in other Germanic historical-mythological literature in Norse, Old English, and German. GEOFFREY CHAUCER (1340-1400) Politician and writer, fought in France during the 100 years war. He visited Genoa and Florence where he became acquainted with Italian literature and in particular with the works of Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio. The French period (up to 1370). early works were based mostly on French models. The Italian period (up to c. 1387). Was influenced by Italian literature, especially Dante and Bocaccio. The English period
History of English literature Periods: 1. Anglo-saxon or early literature (499 - 1066) 2. Second or Norman or late Medieval period (1066 - 13/14 century) 3. Renaissance or Modern period (13-14 century present) Anglo-Saxon period · All of the literature had its roots in folklore · Texts were orally transmitted, the anglosaxons had no written language · Two types of singers: 1) scop (attached to the royal court, wrote poetry and songs, performed them); 2) gleeman (travelled, mostly sang other peoples' songs, not their own songs; performers of scop songs) · The oldest known song Widsith (The Far Traveller/Wonderer); tells of a gleeman who travels in Europe, of his love of noble deeds, speaks of the shortness of life
Literature of the 14th century The highpoint of medieval literature, the best writer of late medieval lived then. William Langland 1332-1376 the last important poet of alliterative verse. His masterpiece "The Vision of Piers Ploughman" how important working hard is, the labour of peasants is the base of the welfare of the people. A passionate protest against social injustice. A time when peasants were slowly rising against their feudal lords. Descriptions of different social classes. Religious mysticism. Two great principles: 1) all men are equal before God; 2) honest labour is dignified
English literature is one of the oldest literatures in Europe; dates back to the 6th century AD. Oral literature, i.e. not written down, spread from person to person. In 449 AD Anglo-‐Saxon tribes invaded England – beginning of the Anglo-‐Saxon period in English literature. The first form of literature was folklore, carried by scops and gleemen, who
Revision questions for the test on Old English and Medieval Literature. 1.) How is literature analysed and studied? What is the difference between the diachronic and synchronic view? Literature is studied and analysed by reading the piece of work profoundly and work on all the aspects of the piece. Diachronic is development in history Synchronic is particular state at any given moment 2.) Give a general overview of Celtic Britain, Roman invasion in 55-54 BC, Anglo-Saxon invasion and the second Roman "invasion" of Great Britain, who were the leaders, what
) · The genius of Chaucer (1340 1400) · The Wars of the Roses (1455 1485) the remaining French-speaking noblemen killed one another off! 1362 English becomes the language of Parliament and the courts of law. · 1485 end of the Wars of the Roses · 1500 turn of the century · 1533 Reformation (Henry VIII) · Individual responsibility before God, no need for the mediation of the (Roman Catholic) Church · Need for religious literature, particularly the Bible, in the vernacular the language of the native speakers (as opposed to Latin as a lingua franca) · Need for general literacy · Renaissance- Need for terminology and new (scientific, philosophical, etc) vocabulary in the vernacular The Great Vowel Shift was a major change in the pronunciation of the English language that took place in the south of England between 1450 and 1750. First studied by Otto Jespersen, who coined the term
He shows a very rich and leisurely portrayal of this Baltic world, providing many customs like the close relationship between lord and man in the war-band and others. All this encouraged the supposition that the unknown author of the poem was himself a bard of the ancient type portrayed within the poem (a lord's scoop). However, many people propose that the author could be Christian poet, perhaps a monk, versed not only in old native traditions, but also in the culture and literature of the Latin Church, and whose purpose of writing was highly moral. For example, the fate is a `providentia' and the monster Grendel is an embodiment of evil fighting against Christian militant. This contrast corresponds to the poem itself. The poet is looking back from his own Christian times to an old society with different customs and beliefs. The poem is set, as it is announced in the very first line: `in days gone by'
Outstanding figures in British literature Eva Martina Põder 11.b British literature Refers to all literature produced by British authors from the United Kingdom, which includes England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man Includes early works written in Gaelic, Welsh, and Latin, works in Old, Middle, and Modern English, each of which represents a different period Full of great works British works in Latin Venerable Bede He lived between 673 and 735 AD The greatest of all the AngloSaxon scholars
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