The Middle English Period (1066 - 1485)

The Middle English Period (1066 - 1485)

Characteristics of Middle English Period 

The Middle English period, which spanned from 1066 to 1485, was a transformative era in English history and literature. It was marked by significant historical events, linguistic changes, and the emergence of new literary forms. Here are some key characteristics of the Middle English period:

1. Norman Conquest (1066)

2. Anglo-Norman Influence 

3. Language Evolution 

4. Chaucer and The Rise of English Literature 

5. The Great Vowel Shift 

6. Courtly Love and Romance 

7. Moral and Religious Literature 

8. Mystery and Morality Plays 

9. Chivalric Literature 

10. Social and Political Instability 

11. Printing Revolution 

Norman Conquest (1066): The Middle English period began with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when William the Conqueror, a Norman duke, defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. This event had profound political, social, and linguistic consequences for England.

Anglo-Norman Influence: Following the Norman Conquest, the Norman aristocracy established French as the language of the ruling class, leading to a period of bilingualism. Anglo-Norman literature and culture had a significant impact on English language and literature.

Language Evolution: The Middle English period witnessed a transition from Old English to Middle English. The influence of Old Norse (from Viking invasions) and Norman French resulted in changes to English vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. As a result, many Old English texts became difficult to understand, and new works were composed in Middle English.

Chaucer and the Rise of English Literature: Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400) is often referred to as the "Father of English Literature." His most famous work, "The Canterbury Tales," is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims journeying to Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer's use of Middle English marked a significant step in the development of the English language.

The Great Vowel Shift: During this period, there was a notable change in the pronunciation of English vowels, known as the Great Vowel Shift. This linguistic shift had a lasting impact on the pronunciation and phonetics of English.

Courtly Love and Romance: Middle English literature often featured themes of courtly love and romance. Literary works like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, as well as romances such as "Sir Orfeo" and "Layamon's Brut," explored chivalry, heroic quests, and the ideals of love and knighthood.

Moral and Religious Literature: The Middle English period saw the production of a wide range of moral and religious literature, including religious lyrics, devotional texts, and allegorical works. "Piers Plowman" by William Langland is an example of an allegorical poem that reflects religious and moral concerns.

Mystery and Morality Plays: The later part of the Middle English period witnessed the emergence of mystery and morality plays. These plays were performed as part of religious festivals and conveyed moral lessons through allegorical characters and biblical narratives.

Chivalric Literature: The ideals of chivalry, which emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and courtesy, were popular themes in literature of the Middle English period. "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory is a compilation of Arthurian legends that exemplifies this genre.

Social and Political Instability: The Middle English period was marked by social and political turmoil, including the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne. This instability was reflected in literature through themes of conflict, power struggles, and social upheaval.

Printing Revolution: The introduction of the printing press in the late 15th century facilitated the wider distribution of texts and contributed to the spread of literacy and the standardization of the English language.

The Middle English period was a dynamic time of transition and cultural evolution, marked by linguistic changes, the growth of a distinct English literature, and the exploration of various literary genres and themes.

The Middle English Literary Terminologies 

During the Middle English period (1066-1485), the English language underwent significant changes, and various literary terminologies emerged to describe the evolving styles, genres, and techniques of literature. Here are some key literary terms from that period:

1. Chaucerian English 

2. The Great Vowel Shift 

3. Alliterative Revival 

4. Romance 

5. Chivalry

6. Courtly Love 

7. Allegory 

8. Dream Vision 

9. Moral Plays 

10. Mystery Plays 

11. Ballad 

12. Fabliau

13. Bob and Wheel 

Chaucerian English: Refers to the linguistic and stylistic characteristics of Geoffrey Chaucer's writing, which marked a significant development in the transition from Old English to Middle English. Chaucer's use of the London dialect influenced the standardization of English.

The Great Vowel Shift: A major linguistic change during this period that affected the pronunciation of English vowels, altering their phonetic sounds and leading to the pronunciation patterns we recognize today.

Alliterative Revival: A literary movement that revived the use of alliteration as a poetic device, similar to its use in Old English poetry. Poems like "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" feature alliterative lines, emphasizing initial consonant sounds.

Romance: In Middle English literature, "romance" refers to a type of narrative that centers on the adventures of knights, chivalry, love, and heroic quests. Examples include Arthurian romances and chivalric tales.

Chivalry: The knightly code of conduct that emphasized virtues like honor, bravery, courtesy, and loyalty. Chivalry played a significant role in Middle English literature, especially in tales of knighthood.

Courtly Love: A literary and cultural concept involving idealized and often unattainable love between a knight and a noblewoman. Courtly love themes are found in many Middle English romances and lyrics.

Allegory: The use of symbolic characters, events, or elements to represent abstract ideas, moral qualities, or concepts. Allegory was a common technique in religious and moral literature of the Middle English period.

Dream Vision: A literary genre in which the narrator experiences a dream or vision, often serving as a framework for exploring philosophical, allegorical, or moral themes. Chaucer's "The Book of the Duchess" is an example.

Moral Play: A type of drama that presents moral lessons through allegorical characters and situations. Morality plays, popular in the later Middle English period, were often performed during religious festivals.

Mystery Play: A type of medieval drama that depicted biblical stories and events, often presented as a cycle of plays. Mystery plays were performed by trade guilds or communities and were part of religious festivities.

Ballad: A narrative poem or song, often meant to be sung, that tells a story. Middle English ballads covered a range of subjects, from tragic love stories to tales of supernatural encounters.

Fabliau: A humorous and often bawdy narrative genre that originated in France but also found popularity in Middle English literature. Fabliaux often involve witty wordplay, clever tricks, and comic situations.

Bob and Wheel: A specific rhyme scheme and stanza structure commonly used in alliterative poems, especially in the works of the "Pearl Poet." The "bob" is a short line followed by the "wheel," a longer set of lines with a regular rhyme scheme.

These literary terms capture the diverse and evolving nature of Middle English literature, showcasing the range of genres, themes, and techniques employed during this transformative period in English history.

Themes of The Middle English Period 

The Middle English period (1066-1485) was a time of cultural, social, and literary evolution. During this era, literature reflected the changing values, beliefs, and concerns of English society. Here are some key themes that emerged in Middle English literature:

1. Chivalry and Knighthood

2. Courtly Love 

3. Religious Piety and Allegory 

4. Dreams and Visions 

5. Moral Lessons

6. Transience and Mortality 

7. Social Hierarchy and Order 

8. Mystery and Supernatural 

9. Conflict and Struggle 

10. Love and Loyalty 

11. Heroism and Honor N

12. National Identity 

Chivalry and Knighthood: Middle English literature often celebrated the ideals of chivalry, portraying knights as brave and honorable figures who upheld codes of conduct. Stories of heroic quests, jousts, and courtly love exemplified the chivalric ethos.

Courtly Love: The theme of courtly love, characterized by idealized and often unattainable affection between knights and noblewomen, was prominent in romance literature. Poems and tales explored the complexities of love, desire, and the conventions of courtly relationships.

Religious Piety and Allegory: Religious themes and allegory were significant features of Middle English literature. Works often conveyed moral and spiritual lessons through allegorical characters and narratives. Authors used symbolism to explore the relationship between earthly life and divine truths.

Dreams and Visions: Many works of this period featured dream sequences or visionary experiences. Dream visions were used as literary devices to convey philosophical, allegorical, or supernatural elements, allowing authors to explore complex themes and ideas.

Moral Lessons: Literature frequently aimed to impart moral lessons and ethical guidance to readers. Moral themes were often woven into narratives to emphasize the consequences of actions and the importance of virtuous behavior.

Transience and Mortality: The Middle English period was marked by a heightened awareness of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Literary works often contemplated the impermanence of worldly achievements and the inevitability of death.

Social Hierarchy and Order: Middle English literature reflected the hierarchical structure of medieval society. Stories often depicted characters from various social classes, exploring the interactions and conflicts between nobles, commoners, and clergy.

Mystery and Supernatural: Tales of mystery, the supernatural, and the miraculous were popular in Middle English literature. Stories involving saints, miracles, and supernatural encounters captured the imagination of audiences.

Conflict and Struggle: The Wars of the Roses and other conflicts influenced literature, which sometimes portrayed themes of political instability, power struggles, and social unrest.

Love and Loyalty: Themes of loyalty, devotion, and friendship were prevalent in romance literature. Characters often faced tests of their loyalty and love, which provided opportunities for moral reflection and character development.

Heroism and Honor: The concept of heroism extended beyond knights to encompass other figures, like saints and commoners. Themes of heroism and honor were explored through characters' actions and choices.

National Identity: As England went through political and cultural changes, literature played a role in shaping a sense of national identity. Authors sometimes engaged with the idea of what it meant to be English in a changing world.

These themes provide a glimpse into the diverse range of concerns, aspirations, and artistic expressions that characterized Middle English literature. They reflect the social, cultural, and intellectual climate of an era marked by transition and creativity.

The Key Works of The Middle English Period 

The Middle English period (1066-1485) produced a rich array of literary works that reflected the evolving language, culture, and societal concerns of the time. Here are some key works from this period:

1. "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer: 

2. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"

3. "Piers Plowman" by William Langland

4. "The Pearl Poet's Works" ("Pearl," "Sir Orfeo," "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," "Cleanness")

5. "The York Mystery Plays" and "The Wakefield Mystery Plays"

6. "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory

7. "The Book of Margery Kempe"

8. "The Owl and the Nightingale"

9. "Confessio Amantis" by John Gower

10. "The N-Town Plays" (also known as the Ludus Coventriae)

11. "The Siege of Thebes" by John Lydgate

"The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer: This collection of stories, written in Middle English, presents a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. Each pilgrim tells a tale, offering a window into various aspects of medieval life, morality, and human nature.

"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight": An Arthurian romance and one of the finest examples of Middle English literature. The poem follows Sir Gawain's quest to confront the Green Knight, testing his chivalric virtues and moral integrity.

"Piers Plowman" by William Langland: A long allegorical poem that explores the spiritual journey of a character named Piers Plowman. The poem offers social commentary, moral teachings, and reflections on the challenges of maintaining a virtuous life.

"The Pearl Poet's Works" ("Pearl," "Sir Orfeo," "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," "Cleanness"): This anonymous poet is known for several works that include allegorical dream visions, romances, and moral poems. These works reflect themes of chivalry, religious devotion, and the complexities of human experience.

"The York Mystery Plays" and "The Wakefield Mystery Plays": These cycles of medieval mystery plays are dramatic representations of biblical stories and events. Performed by trade guilds, they conveyed religious teachings and engaged audiences in the retelling of important narratives.

"Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory: A compilation of Arthurian legends that narrates the stories of King Arthur, the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail. Malory's work contributes to the enduring popularity of Arthurian mythology.

"The Book of Margery Kempe": An autobiographical text considered one of the earliest examples of English prose writing by a woman. Margery Kempe recounts her religious experiences, travels, and spiritual encounters.

"The Owl and the Nightingale": A debate poem written in the form of a lively dispute between two birds, representing opposing viewpoints. The poem engages in humorous and satirical commentary on various topics, including courtly manners and religious life.

"Confessio Amantis" by John Gower: A long narrative poem in Middle English, offering moral instruction through the tales told by a lover seeking advice from Venus. It touches on themes of love, ethics, and human nature.

"The N-Town Plays" (also known as the Ludus Coventriae): Another cycle of mystery plays that depict biblical stories and events. These plays were performed by a community of actors and reflect the religious and dramatic interests of the time.

"The Siege of Thebes" by John Lydgate: An allegorical and historical poem that draws from classical mythology to reflect on themes of fortune, virtue, and the fall of empires.

These works showcase the diversity of genres, themes, and styles that characterized Middle English literature. They provide valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and intellectual landscape of the medieval period.

Genres of Middle English Period 

The Middle English period (1066-1485) witnessed the emergence and development of various literary genres that reflected the changing culture and society of the time. Here are some of the key genres that were prominent during this period:

1. Romance

2. Mystery Plays and Miracle Plays

3. Morality Plays

4. Dream Visions

5. Lyric Poetry

6. Allegorical Poetry

7. Fabliaux

8. Chronicles and Historical Writing

9. Saints' Lives and Hagiography

10. Arthurian Literature

11. Chivalric Prose

12. Religious and Devotional Literature

Romance: Middle English romances were narratives that often centered around chivalry, heroic quests, and courtly love. These tales of adventure featured knights, damsels in distress, supernatural beings, and quests for honor and glory. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Arthurian legends are examples of Middle English romances.

Mystery Plays and Miracle Plays: These were dramatic presentations of biblical stories and religious events, often performed by trade guilds or communities during religious festivals. Mystery plays depicted biblical narratives, while miracle plays focused on the lives of saints and their miracles.

Morality Plays: Morality plays were allegorical dramas that conveyed moral lessons and ethical principles. Characters often represented virtues, vices, or abstract concepts, and the plays aimed to teach audiences about right and wrong behavior.

Dream Visions: Dream vision poems featured a narrator who experienced a dream or vision, often serving as a framework for exploring philosophical, moral, or allegorical themes. These works often used imaginative and symbolic imagery to convey their messages.

Lyric Poetry: Middle English lyric poetry encompassed a variety of short poems expressing personal emotions, reflections, and observations. Themes ranged from courtly love to religious devotion. "The Pearl Poet" and "The Harley Lyrics" collection are examples of Middle English lyric poetry.

Allegorical Poetry: Allegorical poems used symbolic characters and events to convey abstract ideas or moral lessons. They often employed figurative language to explore deeper meanings. Langland's "Piers Plowman" and Chaucer's "The Parliament of Fowls" include allegorical elements.

Fabliaux: Fabliaux were humorous and often bawdy narrative poems or tales that originated in France but also gained popularity in Middle English literature. They focused on witty wordplay, clever tricks, and comic situations.

Chronicles and Historical Writing: Historical chronicles and narratives documented events, battles, and significant happenings of the time. These writings provided valuable insights into the historical, political, and social aspects of the Middle English period.

Saints' Lives and Hagiography: These were biographical accounts of the lives and deeds of saints. Saints' lives often contained elements of miracle stories, martyrdom, and religious devotion, reflecting the significance of saints in medieval culture.

Arthurian Literature: The Arthurian legends, featuring King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, were a popular and enduring genre during the Middle English period. These tales combined elements of history, mythology, chivalry, and romance.

Chivalric Prose: Prose narratives that expanded on chivalric themes, including Arthurian romances, quests, and tales of knights and their adventures.

Religious and Devotional Literature: The Middle English period produced a variety of religious texts, including sermons, devotional treatises, religious lyrics, and spiritual writings.

These genres represent the diverse literary landscape of the Middle English period, reflecting the cultural, religious, and artistic expressions of the time.

Key Writers of Middle English 

The Middle English period (1066-1485) saw the emergence of several significant writers who contributed to the literary landscape of the time. While many works from this period remain anonymous, some writers are known for their contributions to Middle English literature. Here are some key writers from the Middle English period:

1. Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400)

2. The Pearl Poet (Anonymous)

3. William Langland (c. 1330-1387)

4. Sir Thomas Malory (c. 1415-1471)

5. John Gower (c. 1330-1408)

6. Margery Kempe (c. 1373-1438/9)

7. John Lydgate (c. 1370-1451)

8. Julian of Norwich (c. 1342-c. 1416)

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400): Often referred to as the "Father of English Literature," Chaucer is best known for his masterpiece, "The Canterbury Tales." This collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral showcases Chaucer's skill in capturing different social classes, professions, and personalities of the time.

The Pearl Poet (Anonymous): The Pearl Poet is the name given to the unknown author of a set of poems that includes "Pearl," "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," "Patience," and "Cleanness." These poems exhibit a range of styles and themes, including allegory, chivalry, and religious contemplation.

William Langland (c. 1330-1387): Langland is the presumed author of "Piers Plowman," a long allegorical poem that explores the spiritual journey of Piers Plowman. The poem offers moral and social commentary, religious reflections, and critiques of the society of the time.

Sir Thomas Malory (c. 1415-1471): Malory is known for his work "Le Morte d'Arthur," a compilation of Arthurian legends that narrates the stories of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail. This work played a significant role in popularizing Arthurian mythology.

John Gower (c. 1330-1408): Gower was a poet and contemporary of Chaucer. His major work, "Confessio Amantis," is a long narrative poem that explores themes of love, ethics, and human nature. Gower's writings encompassed a variety of genres, including poetry and prose.

Margery Kempe (c. 1373-1438/9): Margery Kempe is known for her autobiographical work, "The Book of Margery Kempe." This text offers insights into Kempe's religious experiences, spiritual struggles, and travels. It is considered one of the earliest examples of English prose by a woman.

John Lydgate (c. 1370-1451): Lydgate was a prolific poet who wrote a wide range of works, including allegorical poems, historical narratives, and religious verse. He is known for his contributions to courtly and chivalric literature.

Julian of Norwich (c. 1342-c. 1416): Julian of Norwich is the presumed author of "Revelations of Divine Love," a religious text that describes her mystical experiences and insights into divine love and compassion. Her work is one of the earliest known writings in English by a woman.

These writers, among others, played important roles in shaping the literary output of the Middle English period. Their works reflect the diversity of genres, themes, and styles that characterized the literature of this transformative era.