Contents Contents ?? The Middle (Medieval)English period The Middle (Medieval)English period 1. 1. Historical background Historical background 2. 2. The literary scene of the period The literary scene of the period 3. 3. The formation of Middle English The formation of Middle English ?? Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer 1. 1. Life experience Life experience 2. 2. His literary career His literary career 3. 3. His major works His major works 4. 4. His contributions to English language and poetry His contributions to English language and poetry 5. 5. Analysis and appreciation of Analysis and appreciation of the General Prologue the General Prologue in his in his masterpiece masterpiece The Canterbury Tales The Canterbury Tales Medieval Period(1066-1400) Medieval Period(1066-1400) ?? Historical backgroud Historical backgroud (P7-8) (P7-8) Norman conquest: In 1066, French-speeking Normans Norman conquest: In 1066, French-speeking Normans came under William the Conqueror. came under William the Conqueror. * * The establishment of the feudal system The establishment of the feudal system * * The 1381 peasant uprising The 1381 peasant uprising * * pletion of the pletion of the Doomsday Book Doomsday Book 《《末日审判书末日审判书》》* * The launching of the Crusade The launching of the Crusade * * The siging of the Magna Charter The siging of the Magna Charter 《《大宪章大宪章》》* * The war with France or the 100-year The war with France or the 100-year ’’ s war (1337-1453) s war (1337-1453) ?? The literary scene of the period The literary scene of the period There were mainly two forms of literary writings, There were mainly two forms of literary writings, religious writing and romance religious writing and romance . . ?? The formation of Middle English The formation of Middle English 1. 1. For about 3oo years after 1066, languages spoken in For about 3oo years after 1066, languages spoken in England were confusion. There were Old English, E
