语言文学一章.ppt

Chapter Two The Norman Period (1066 - 1350) Background Knowledge The Norman Period (1066-1350) 1) The Norman conquest in 1066 accelerated the development of feudalism in England. King Barons church knights The all-prevailing influence of the Medieval church ? 1/3 land; ? political power; ? religious authority Social Conflicts serfs and the peasants Vs. feudal lords (the king, the baron, the church) The Middle English ? 1. Latin, the language of the Roman Catholic Church; ? 2. French, the language used in literature and documentation; ? 3. English, spoken language of the majority of mon English people. Religious Literature ? The theme of most of the teachings are concerned with personal salvation, moral and spiritual responsibilities, repentance etc. French Influence and Romance ? the breeding ground: the aristocratic society in France , a type of narrative that developed in 12th-century France. Typical features ? 1. a tale in verse, embodying the life and adventures of knights. ? 2. liberal use of the improbable, of ten of the supernatural; ? 3. romantic love; ? 4. easy and colloquial style. Subject Matters ? 1. the Matter of Britain; ? 2. the Matter of Rome; ? 3. the Matter of France; ? 4. the Matter of England. Etc. Representative Works of Romance ? King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table ; ? Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 《高文爵士和绿骑士》