Anglo-
French/Medieval
English Literature
Catarroja, Bernalisa F.
Anglo-French Literature
During the 11th to 14th centuries,
Old Norman or Old French was the
language of the English upper class,
and much of the literature from
that time was written in it.
After The Norman Conquest o f
England In 1066, Norman French
became the language of the ruling
class. Notable works from this
period include chansons de geste
(epic poems), courtly romances, and
other literary forms.
“The Chanson De Roland”
- An Epic Poem about the hero Roland
And His Deeds In The Service Of
Charlemagne.
Medieval English Literature
After the Norman Conquest, Old
English evolved into Middle
English. During the 14th and 15th
centuries, Middle English became
the main language for literature
in England.
•Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales"
•"The Canterbury Tales"
• Sir Gawain And The Green Knight
• "Beowulf"
• Le Morte D' Arthur By Sir Thomas Malory
Medieval English literature often reflects
the cultural and societal changes that
occurred during the middle ages, including
the transition from feudalism to early forms
of capitalism, the influence of christianity,
and the development of chivalric codes of
conduct.
Metrical Tales And Romances
Metrical tales and romances refers to a
category of literary works that includes
poems and narratives written in
metrical and rhymed verse. These
works often tell stories of chivalry, love,
adventure, and heroic deeds. Metrical
tales and romances were particularly
popular in medieval literature and
continued to be influential in later
periods.
Key characteristics of metrical tales and romances include:
•Meter and rhyme : these works are typically written in a
specific metrical pattern with a regular rhyme scheme.
•Narrative structure : metrical tales and romances are
usually structured as narratives, telling a story that can
be epic, romantic, or adventurous in nature.
•Chivalry and heroism : many metrical tales and
romances focus on the ideals of chivalry and heroism.
•Love and romance : love and romance are common
themes in these works, often featuring courtly love,
unrequited love, and the pursuit of a beloved.
•Allegory and symbolism : some metrical tales and
romances incorporate allegorical elements and symbolism
to convey deeper moral or philosophical meanings.
Notable examples of metrical tales and romances:
•"Le Morte D'arthur" By Sir Thomas Malory
• "The Faerie Queene" By Edmund Spenser
•"The Canterbury Tales" By Geoffrey Chaucer
King Arthur and the
Knights of the Round Table
- These literary works provide valuable
insights into the culture, values, and ideals
of the times in which they were written and
continue to be studied and appreciated for
their literary and historical significance.
"King Arthur and the Knights of the Round
Table" is a legendary tale deeply rooted in
Arthurian folklore and medieval literature.
Here's a quick rundown of this legendary story:
•The Birth of Arthur: The story begins with the birth of
Arthur, who is destined to become the future king of
England.
•The Sword in the Stone : Arthur's true identity is
revealed when he successfully withdraws the magical
sword Excalibur from a stone, a feat that only the rightful
king can accomplish.
•Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table : King
Arthur establishes the court of Camelot and institutes the
Round Table, a symbol of equality among his knights.
•The Quest for the Holy Grail : A significant part of the
Arthurian legend involves the quest for the Holy Grail, a
sacred artifact believed to have the power to grant eternal
life.
•The Betrayal of Lancelot and the Fall of Camelot: The
legend is marked by the love affair between Queen
Guinevere and Sir Lancelot, which ultimately leads to the
downfall of Camelot.
•The Final Battle: King Arthur and Mordred engage in a
climactic battle at the Battle of Camlann. Arthur defeats
Mordred but is mortally wounded in the process.
•Arthur's Departure : After his death, Arthur is taken to
the mystical island of Avalon to be healed of his wounds,
with the promise that he will one day return when
England needs him the most.
"King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" has
inspired countless retellings, adaptations, and
reinterpretations over the centuries.
"The Canterbury Tales"
The Canterbury Tales is a classic work of
English literature written by Geoffrey
Chaucer in the late 14th century. It is a
collection of stories framed within a larger
narrative and offers a vivid portrayal of
medieval society. The central premise of the
work is a group of pilgrims traveling to the
shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury,
England.
•Prologue:
The story begins with a prologue in which
Chaucer, who also appears as a character in the
tale, describes a group of 29 pilgrims gathered at
the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London. They are
preparing to embark on a pilgrimage to the shrine
of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
•The Pilgrims:
The pilgrims represent a cross-section of medieval English
society, including a knight, a prioress, a nun, a monk, a friar, a
merchant, a lawyer, a carpenter, a cook, a sailor, a physician, a
miller, a reeve, a summoner, a pardoner, and more.
•The Tales:
As the pilgrims travel to Canterbury, they decide
to pass the time by telling stories. Each pilgrim is
expected to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury
and two on the way back, with the best storyteller
to be rewarded with a free meal upon their
return.
Some of the most famous tales:
•"The Canterbury Tales"
• "The Knight's Tale" • "The Pardoner's Tale"
• "The Miller's Tale" • "The Nun's Priest's Tale"
• "The Wife of Bath's Tale"
Thank you!
