Old and Middle English Literature Important Points to Remember

Old and Middle English Literature (Till 1300 AD)

Political, Cultural, and Social Background

Old English Period (450-1066 AD):

1. Anglo-Saxon Invasion (450 AD):

   • Arrival of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in Britain.
   • Formation of several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms (e.g., Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria).

2. Christianization of England (597 AD onwards):

   • Mission of St. Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great.
   • Establishment of monasteries, which became centers of learning and literature.

3. Viking Invasions (8th-11th centuries):

   • Repeated raids and settlements by Norsemen.
   • Political instability but cultural exchange and integration.

4. Norman Conquest (1066 AD):

   • William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings.
   • Introduction of Norman French influence, which began to transform the language and culture.

Middle English Period (1066-1300 AD):

1. Feudal System:

   • Hierarchical social structure imposed by the Normans.
   • Division of land among the nobles, knights, and serfs.

2. The Crusades (1095-1291):

   • Series of religious wars influencing European culture and economy.
   • Increased interaction with the East, bringing new ideas and knowledge.

3. Magna Carta (1215 AD):

   • Document limiting the powers of the king and laying the foundation for constitutional governance.

4. Rise of Towns and Universities:

   • Growth of trade and emergence of urban centers.
   • Establishment of universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, promoting education and scholarship.

Important Writers and Their Works

Old English Literature:

1. Anonymous Poets:

   • Beowulf:
     • Epic poem, the oldest surviving long poem in Old English.
     • Themes: Heroism, fate, and the struggle between good and evil.

2. Caedmon (657-680 AD):

   • Caedmon’s Hymn:
     • Earliest known English religious poem.
     • Themes: Christian praise and worship.

3. Bede (673-735 AD):

   • Ecclesiastical History of the English People:
     • Written in Latin, it contains important historical accounts and the story of Caedmon’s Hymn.

4. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle:

   • Collection of annals in Old English chronicling the history of the Anglo-Saxons.
   • Initiated in the late 9th century under the reign of Alfred the Great.

Middle English Literature:

1. Geoffrey of Monmouth (1100-1155 AD):

   • Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain):
     • Written in Latin, it includes the legendary tales of King Arthur and Merlin.

2. Marie de France (late 12th century):

   • Lais of Marie de France:
     • Collection of short narrative poems in Anglo-Norman.
     • Themes: Love, chivalry, and supernatural events.

3. Layamon (late 12th - early 13th century):

   • Brut:
     • Adaptation of Wace’s Roman de Brut, a chronicle of British history.
     • Themes: Arthurian legends and national identity.

4. The Pearl Poet (14th century, though slightly later than 1300 AD):

   • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:
     • Romance poem, part of the Alliterative Revival.
     • Themes: Chivalry, honor, and the natural and supernatural.

Common Themes in Old and Middle English Works

1. Heroism and Valor:

   • Celebrated in epic tales like "Beowulf" and Arthurian legends.
   • Emphasis on the heroic code, loyalty, and martial prowess.

2. Christianity and Paganism:

   • Interweaving of Christian values with traditional pagan beliefs.
   • Works often reflect the transition from paganism to Christianity (e.g., "Beowulf").

3. Fate and Providence:

   • Concepts of fate (wyrd) in Old English literature.
   • Divine providence and moral lessons in religious texts.

4. Chivalry and Courtly Love:

   • Prominent in Middle English romances and lyrical poetry.
   • Exploration of knightly virtues, courtly behavior, and romantic ideals.

5. Moral and Didactic Themes:

   • Teaching of moral lessons and Christian virtues.
   • Exemplified in religious poetry and allegorical works.

Important Points for Competitive Exams

1. Old English Period:

   • Key texts: "Beowulf," "Caedmon’s Hymn," "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle."
   • Important themes: Heroism, fate, Christianization.
   • Historical context: Anglo-Saxon invasions, Viking invasions, Norman Conquest.

2. Middle English Period:

   • Key texts: "Historia Regum Britanniae," "Lais of Marie de France," "Brut."
   • Important themes: Chivalry, courtly love, Arthurian legends.
   • Historical context: Feudalism, Crusades, Magna Carta.

3. Literary Terms:

   • Understanding of terms such as epic, romance, allegory, and chronicle.
   • Recognition of literary devices: alliteration, symbolism, and foreshadowing.

4. Cultural Influence:

   • Impact of the Norman Conquest on language and literature.
   • Role of monasteries and universities in the preservation and production of literature.

Enroll in our UGC NET English Online Course

Explore all our courses HERE

Follow us:

YouTube: @TheAnkitaJain

Instagram: @theankita.jain

Telegram: The Ankita Jain (for UGC NET English Coaching)

WhatsApp: Ankita Jain