English Language and Literature in the Middle Ages
English Language and Literature in the Middle Ages English Society of the Middle Ages saw many developments and new trends, butnone so plainly as the developments witnessed in the Language and Literature of that time.It began with the Norman Conquest: eloquent french words substituted for the "harsh"saxon equivalents, primarily in the upper levels of society. Literature began to reflect thesechanges in the language, and continued to evolve throughout the Renissance. Together,these aspects helped define the Middle Ages. The Norman Conquest took place in 1066 with the death of King Edward. Williamof Normandy, later to be reffered to as "The Conquerer", fought King Harold in order toclaim the crown in Britian. Succeeding, William integrated Norman life into the OldEnglish culture, concentrating in the higher courts and plitical scene. This integration of
One such invention crucial tothe development of literature and language in general was the printing press. This work satirescorruption among the clergy and the secular authorities, and upholds the dignity and valueof labor, represented by Piers Plowman. Thepoet joins a band of pilgrims, vividly described in the Prologue, who assemble at theTabard Inn outside London for the journey to Canterbury. Le morte d'Arthur was supposedly composed while the authorwas in prison. Guilds then helped bring people with similar talents together,providing the ideal conditions for new inventions to arise. It is believed thathe was an English knight of Warwickshire and spent many years in prison for politicaloffenses and civic crimes. Another glimpse into the life of Middle England was created by William Langland,who was supposedly the author of the religious allegory known as Piers Plowman,considered one of the greatest English poems of medieval times. The developmental trends of the English Language can be clearly seen in theliterature of the time. His worksare followed by John Wycliffe, who gained prominence in 1374 during a prolongeddispute between Edward III, king of England, and the papacy over the payment of acertain papal tribute. Without such developments witnessed in the works of Chaucer, Wycliffe, and Malory, theliterature that followed, such as the works of William Shakespeare, would not have beenpossible. ture then filtered down to the underclass. William Caxton, the first englishman to open a printing press, helpedwith the transmission of new ideas in the Middle Ages, ushering in the Renissance. Developed byJohann Gutenberg of Germany, the printing press allowed works to be copied anddistributed en masse. With towns, society was concentrated, encouraging the spread of the newlanguage and culture. Caxtonwas responsible for the printing of many of the famous works of Middle Age authors,including Sir Thomas Malory's Le morte d'Arthur.
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