History of English literature
Unit - 1 Chaucer to Renaissance :
Class assignment
1. The age of Chaucer: (1340-1400).
2. The Historical Background:
During the Age of Chaucer, England was still a feudal society where the King was the most powerful and owned all the land. The king distributed his land to the lords. This distributed land was known as fiefs
. The nobles who received land from the king became his vassals and in return promised him their loyalty and service. The noblemen and their men at arms were obliged to fight in the King’s army and safeguard the crown. Homage was the process through which the lord or the noblemen became the King’s vassal. The land or fiefs given to the dukes, nobles, and lords were like small communities or villages. The Dukes lived in their manors or castles and kept 40% of the land to themselves. The remaining land was further distributed as fiefs to lords and nobles.
The serf was at the lowest level in the social hierarchy. They were labourers who had no material possessions and survived by working on the land in exchange for protection, safety, and subsistence from their lords. Feudalism gave absolute and hereditary power to the King, Duke,and the landed gentry. In case of a Duke’s or lord’s death, the land went back to the king and here distributed it to other dukes, lords, or nobles.
The feudal society had a permanent class divide between the landowners such as the duke, and the tenants such as the knight and freemen. The Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt caused a historic decline in feudalism
The ‘Hundred Years' War’ was a long and complex conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. These two countries had been fighting over land and power since the Norman conquest in 1066, and the Hundred Years' War had many deep-rooted causes. The war began when King Edward III of England claimed the French throne through his mother’s lineage,which led to a dispute with Philip VI of France. The conflict wasn't continuous but was fought in phases, with periods of peace in between.
Some major battles of the war included:
# Battle of Crécy (1346) – An important victory for England, showcasing the power of the English longbow.
# Battle of Poitiers (1356) – Another significant English victory, where the French king John II was captured.
# Battle of Agincourt (1415) – A famous battle in which the English, led by King Henry V achieved a major victory against a much larger French army.
The Hundred Years' War had profound effects on both nations. In England, it fostered a sense of national pride and helped consolidate English identity. It also led to advancements in military tactics and weaponry, including the use of the longbow. In France, the war devastated the countryside but also led to a rise in nationalism. Ultimately, the war ended with the French regaining most of the territory previously controlled by the English.
The impact of the Hundred Years’ War can be summarized in the following points:
The English lost all the French territories except for Calais.
● The Roman Church was considerably weakened as most of the French and English taxes went to military campaigns. This led to the creation of local churches.
● The landed aristocracy accumulated wealth and became richer, while the English
monarchy suffered a continuous financial crisis.
● The lower sections of the society endured severe economic hardship. This was made worse by several taxes levied throughout the war.
● The wool and wine trade crashed.
● The English Parliament gained prominence in the nation’s political life.
Labor shortages: With so many people dead, there were not enough workers to tend the fields,leading to a rise in wages and the decline of the feudal system.
- Social unrest: The massive loss of life caused social upheaval, contributing to events like the Peasants' Revolt.
- Religious questioning: Many people began to question the Church, as it seemed powerless to stop the spread of the disease.
Home assignment
and the universities. Other regional dialect except for Scottish dialect started to disappear from literature. Additionally, French and English had mixed together to create what we now know as standard English, which was first fully showcased in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer.
3 2. A Modern Spirit in Literature:
A new, more modern way of thinking began to emerge during this period. People were starting to question established ideas and showed more interest in human affairs and individual experiences.
There was a shift from the old romantic stories (which focused on idealized heroes and love) to a more critical and realistic way of telling stories. Chaucer, for example, often poked fun at these
romantic ideals in his works. Another change was that more books and literary works were now being written by identifiable authors, unlike in earlier times when many texts had anonymous writers. For the first time, we see a major literary figure— Chaucer —who had a huge influence on the literary style and themes of the time.
England was transformed, and the effects of these changes would be felt for centuries to come.
The serf was at the lowest level in the social hierarchy. They were labourers who had no material possessions and survived by working on the land in exchange for protection, safety, and subsistence from their lords. Feudalism gave absolute and hereditary power to the King, Duke,and the landed gentry. In case of a Duke’s or lord’s death, the land went back to the king and here distributed it to other dukes, lords, or nobles.
The feudal society had a permanent class divide between the landowners such as the duke, and the tenants such as the knight and freemen. The Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt caused a historic decline in feudalism
The ‘Hundred Years' War’ was a long and complex conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. These two countries had been fighting over land and power since the Norman conquest in 1066, and the Hundred Years' War had many deep-rooted causes. The war began when King Edward III of England claimed the French throne through his mother’s lineage,which led to a dispute with Philip VI of France. The conflict wasn't continuous but was fought in phases, with periods of peace in between.
Some major battles of the war included:
# Battle of Crécy (1346) – An important victory for England, showcasing the power of the English longbow.
# Battle of Poitiers (1356) – Another significant English victory, where the French king John II was captured.
# Battle of Agincourt (1415) – A famous battle in which the English, led by King Henry V achieved a major victory against a much larger French army.
The Hundred Years' War had profound effects on both nations. In England, it fostered a sense of national pride and helped consolidate English identity. It also led to advancements in military tactics and weaponry, including the use of the longbow. In France, the war devastated the countryside but also led to a rise in nationalism. Ultimately, the war ended with the French regaining most of the territory previously controlled by the English.
The impact of the Hundred Years’ War can be summarized in the following points:
The English lost all the French territories except for Calais.
● The Roman Church was considerably weakened as most of the French and English taxes went to military campaigns. This led to the creation of local churches.
● The landed aristocracy accumulated wealth and became richer, while the English
monarchy suffered a continuous financial crisis.
● The lower sections of the society endured severe economic hardship. This was made worse by several taxes levied throughout the war.
● The wool and wine trade crashed.
● The English Parliament gained prominence in the nation’s political life.
2.2 The Black Death:
The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic that broke out in 1348. It wiped out nearly one-third of the English population and significantly damaged the established medieval feudal system. Since most of the English population succumbed to the plague, the demand and value for
workers increased. The mass devastation caused by the plague also impacted the blind faith inthe Church among people. In the longer run, the critical labor shortage and economic collapse that caused a decline in the feudal system resulted in greater freedom and autonomy among the
working class.
workers increased. The mass devastation caused by the plague also impacted the blind faith inthe Church among people. In the longer run, the critical labor shortage and economic collapse that caused a decline in the feudal system resulted in greater freedom and autonomy among the
working class.
The plague had a profound impact on English society:
Labor shortages: With so many people dead, there were not enough workers to tend the fields,leading to a rise in wages and the decline of the feudal system.
- Social unrest: The massive loss of life caused social upheaval, contributing to events like the Peasants' Revolt.
- Religious questioning: Many people began to question the Church, as it seemed powerless to stop the spread of the disease.
2.3 John Wycliffe and the First Bible John's translation :
Wycliffe was a significant figure in the 14th century, known for his early criticisms of the Catholic Church. He is often called the “Morning Star of the Reformation” because his ideas laid the groundwork for later reform movements. One of his most important contributions was his belief that the Bible should be accessible to everyone. At the time, the Bible was only available
in Latin, which few common people could understand. Wycliffe translated the Bible translation into English in the 1380s, making it possible for ordinary people to read the scriptures for themselves.His work challenged the authority of the Church, which had maintained control over religious
texts and interpretation. Wycliffe’s followers, known as “Lollards”, continued to spread his teachings even after his death. His Bible translation had a lasting impact, influencing later translations, including the King James Version.
in Latin, which few common people could understand. Wycliffe translated the Bible translation into English in the 1380s, making it possible for ordinary people to read the scriptures for themselves.His work challenged the authority of the Church, which had maintained control over religious
texts and interpretation. Wycliffe’s followers, known as “Lollards”, continued to spread his teachings even after his death. His Bible translation had a lasting impact, influencing later translations, including the King James Version.
2.4 The Peasants' Revolt (1381):
The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was a major uprising by the lower classes in England. Several factors led to the revolt, including:
- The economic impact of the ‘Black Death’, which had drastically reduced the population,leading to labor shortages.
- The introduction of new taxes, such as the Poll Tax, which was seen as unfair and oppressive.
- Widespread dissatisfaction with the feudal system and the harsh treatment of peasants. The revolt was led by figures like “Wat Tyler” and “John Ball”, who demanded better treatment for peasants and an end to serfdom. The rebels marched on London, and although they initially gained support, the revolt was eventually crushed by the authorities. The Peasants' Revolt highlighted the growing social tensions of the time and was a sign that the old feudal order was beginning to break down.
2.5 The Invention of the Movable-Type Printing Press:
- The economic impact of the ‘Black Death’, which had drastically reduced the population,leading to labor shortages.
- The introduction of new taxes, such as the Poll Tax, which was seen as unfair and oppressive.
- Widespread dissatisfaction with the feudal system and the harsh treatment of peasants. The revolt was led by figures like “Wat Tyler” and “John Ball”, who demanded better treatment for peasants and an end to serfdom. The rebels marched on London, and although they initially gained support, the revolt was eventually crushed by the authorities. The Peasants' Revolt highlighted the growing social tensions of the time and was a sign that the old feudal order was beginning to break down.
2.5 The Invention of the Movable-Type Printing Press:
Geoffrey Chaucer is often referred to as the “Father of English Literature” because he wrote in Middle English, the language spoken by common people, instead of Latin or French, which were the dominant languages of literature at the time.
Chaucer’s most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim tells a
story, and together, these tales give a vivid picture of life in medieval England. Chaucer’s work is notable for its humor, social criticism, and insight into human nature. The characters in ‘The
Canterbury Tales’ come from all walks of life, from knights to peasants, and their stories reflect the diversity of Chaucer' s world.
Chaucer’s most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim tells a
story, and together, these tales give a vivid picture of life in medieval England. Chaucer’s work is notable for its humor, social criticism, and insight into human nature. The characters in ‘The
Canterbury Tales’ come from all walks of life, from knights to peasants, and their stories reflect the diversity of Chaucer' s world.
Home assignment
3. Literary Features Of The Age:
3.1. Standardization of English:
During the Age of Chaucer, the English language was undergoing significant changes. By this time, the different dialects in England had mostly blended together, with the East Midland dialect becoming the standard. This was the dialect spoken in important places like London (the capital)and the universities. Other regional dialect except for Scottish dialect started to disappear from literature. Additionally, French and English had mixed together to create what we now know as standard English, which was first fully showcased in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer.
3 2. A Modern Spirit in Literature:
A new, more modern way of thinking began to emerge during this period. People were starting to question established ideas and showed more interest in human affairs and individual experiences.
There was a shift from the old romantic stories (which focused on idealized heroes and love) to a more critical and realistic way of telling stories. Chaucer, for example, often poked fun at these
romantic ideals in his works. Another change was that more books and literary works were now being written by identifiable authors, unlike in earlier times when many texts had anonymous writers. For the first time, we see a major literary figure— Chaucer —who had a huge influence on the literary style and themes of the time.
3.3 The Development of English Prose:
This era also marked the beginning of a proper English prose style. Earlier prose writing had often been experimental or closely imitated from Latin or French, but now writers like Mandeville and Sir Thomas Malory were creating prose that was original and had its own distinct style. The English language had matured enough to be used effectively in prose. At the same time, Latin and French were becoming less popular as languages for prose writing. The growing demand for an English Bible also encouraged the development of a standard English prose, making it easier for people to read and understandEssay
Characteristics of the Age of Chaucer
1. Introduction:
The Age of Chaucer (1343–1450) is one of the most important periods in English literary history. This era was marked by significant changes in society, politics, religion, and literature, and is known as a time of transition, where medieval traditions were giving way to new, modern ideas.
1.1 An Era of Transition:
The Age of Chaucer was a time of great change. The old ways of the medieval world were slowly being replaced by modern thoughts and ideas. This was the period when John Wycliffe and his followers began challenging the Church, which laid the foundation for the Reformation. People began focusing more on individualism—the idea that individuals and their thoughts were important. At the same time, military conflicts like the Hundred Years' War were increasing national pride and unity. Industrial development, such as the growth of towns and trade, was creating a middle and working class, which contributed to the end of the feudal system, where peasants worked under lords.
1.2 Growth of National Sentiment:
During this time, England was fighting in the Hundred Years' War against France and Scotland. Victories in major battles like Crecy and Poitiers gave people a sense of national pride. Englishmen began feeling more united and proud of their country. This period also saw the end of the divide between the Normans and Saxons, which had existed since the Norman Conquest in
1066. The shared victories and national pride during this time helped to create a stronger sense of English identity.
1.3 The Black Death, Famine, and Social Unrest:
This period was also marked by natural disasters and social unrest. In 1348-49, the Black Death, a devastating plague, wiped out one-third of England's population. It was an epoch of natural calamities which increased the sufferings of the common people. It reappeared in 1362, 1367 and 1370. The plague reappeared several times in the following decades, along with famines, which worsened the lives of the common people. The shortage of labor due to the death toll led to higher taxes, which angered the people and contributed to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. This revolt was a clear sign of the growing dissatisfaction and unrest among the working class.
Conclusion:
The Age of Chaucer was a time of tremendous change in England, marked by wars, social unrest, religious reform, and the beginning of new ways of thinking. From the devastation of the Black Death to the cultural achievements of writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and Thomas Malory, this period laid the groundwork for the Renaissance and the modern world. Through key events like the Hundred Years’ War, the Peasants’ Revolt, and the introduction of the printing press,England was transformed, and the effects of these changes would be felt for centuries to come.
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