...Middle English Essay In the book of Margery Kempe and the general prologue, the audience is given both examples to emulate and also to avoid the journeys undertaken by these pilgrims. In both texts, one can be very jealous of the quest both writers are encountering. On the other hand, the audience believe that they are living in a much warmer, more welcoming society than the hardships portrayed in parts of these texts. Each audience member takes these texts to heart differently. In Margery Kempe’s adventure, she is giving a detailed account of her interactions on her travels to Jerusalem. In contrast, Chaucer in the general prologue, gives us details of many different characters in his quest to the shrine of Thomas a` Becket in Canterbury. In the following paragraphs, different aspects will convey how Margery Kempe and Geoffrey Chaucer make the audience want to emulate or avoid these writers quests. One can easily tell the difference in society is overwhelming comparing to today`s society. In the general prologue it is clearly shown that the society is extremely autocratic. The life of a monk in today`s society is quite different to the life of a monk in medieval times. A monk is meant to be a religious figure in society, however he is conveyed more as a knight in medieval times. This monk is licensed to go outside the monastery at all times “A monk ther was, a fair for the maistre, An outridere, that lovede venerie, Amanlyman, to been an abbot able” (Chaucer,Geoffery 165)...
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...1425 and developed modern forms of verse, prose and of Drama. The conquest of England in 1066 by William of Normandy displaced English as medium of literature. The language of new rulers was French. Saxons dealing with the King had to learn French and French was the language of court and the law for three centuries. Four genres of Middle English are: i. 1. Fabliau 2. Lyric 3. Dream Allegory 4. Ballad Geoffrey Chaucer Chaucer is the best story teller and the narrative poet. Chaucer tells his stories in a most effective way. He has the knack of transforming an old tale into a new one in such a manner that its appeal increases manifold and its human interest becomes perennial (lasting/permanent). An important feature of Chaucer's descriptive power is that his individual portrait also represents the type. Initially perhaps the sketches were devised to provide representatives of the chief classes of English society under the higher nobility. The portraits of the pilgrims are not all drawn in the same way. It is true that Chaucer...
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...the barriers that make studying literature seem daunting, we find that literary works can be entertaining, beautiful, funny, or tragic. They can convey profundity of thought, richness of emotion, and insight into character. They take us beyond our limited experience of life to show us the lives of other people at other times. They stir us intellectually and emotionally, and deepen our understanding of our history, our society, and our own individual lives. In great writing from the past we find the England of our ancestors, and we not only see the country and the people as they were, but we also soak up the climate of the times through the language itself, its vocabulary, grammar, and tone. We would only have to consider the writing of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Boswell, Dickens, and Samuel Beckett side by side to see how the way writers use language embodies the cultural atmosphere of their time. Literature can also give us glimpses of much earlier ages. Glimpses of Celtic Ireland in the poetry of W. B. Yeats, or of the Romans in Shakespeare’s plays, for example, can take us in our imaginations back to the roots of our culture, and the sense of continuity and change we get from surveying our history enhances our understanding of our modern world. Literature can enrich our experience in other ways too. London, for example, is all the more interesting a city when behind...
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...divide history in four categories as old English, middle English, renaissance, modern literature, post modern literature. We have one of the old piece of literature as “ BEOWULF”. King Alfred and Aelfric are the pioneer of literature. Middle English literature is is also res round poetry, the key figure is Chaucer with his famous work “The Canterbury Tales”. William Langland is also contemporary to Chaucer. once we travel to 16th century we find the majestic features of English literature, Christopher Marlow, Sydney, Spencer and Shakespeare, they contributed a lot not only in poetry but also revolution of drama was brought about in the field of literature. History, tragedy, comedy plays were written. The King Lear are the great dramas of the age. Poetry also introduced romantic, classical, natural, metaphysical and super natural in subject; epics are also originated by Dryden and Pope also got popularity in 18th century. Jane Austen and Walter Scot are the prominent figures. Nineteen century brought slight changes. Now women got entered in the writers family. Emily Bronte and Charlotte Bronte also earned the fame. G.B. Shaw and E.M Foster participated in the field of essay writing. Though puritan age is one of the dark age in English history but after the restoration English literature got flourished, female writers left the tradition of pseudonym and the 20th century is bulky with female writers. The realism, romanticism, classical writings, noe-classical literature and after...
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...Министерство образования и науки Республики Казахстан Кокшетауский государственный университет им. Ш. Уалиханова An Outline of British Literature (from tradition to post modernism) Кокшетау 2011 УДК 802.0 – 5:20 ББК 81:432.1-923 № 39 Рекомендовано к печати кафедрой английского языка и МП КГУ им. Ш. Уалиханова, Ученым Советом филологического факультета КГУ им. Ш. Уалиханова, УМС КГУ им. Ш. Уалиханова. Рецензенты: Баяндина С.Ж. доктор филологических наук, профессор, декан филологического факультета КГУ им. Ш. Уалиханова Батаева Ф.А. кандидат филологических наук, доцент кафедры «Переводческое дело» Кокшетауского университета им. А. Мырзахметова Кожанова К.Т. преподаватель английского языка кафедры гуманитарного цикла ИПК и ПРО Акмолинской области An Outline of British Literature from tradition to post modernism (on specialties 050119 – “Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages”, 050205 – “Foreign Philology” and 050207 – “Translation”): Учебное пособие / Сост. Немченко Н.Ф. – Кокшетау: Типография КГУ им. Ш. Уалиханова, 2010 – 170 с. ISBN 9965-19-350-9 Пособие представляет собой краткие очерки, характеризующие английскую литературу Великобритании, ее основные направления и тенденции. Все известные направления в литературе иллюстрированы примерами жизни и творчества авторов, вошедших в мировую литературу благодаря...
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...1. Who used the term 'Old English' for the first time ? 2. What is the name of Bede's history book ? 3. What is the meaning of the Anglo-Saxon word 'scop" ? 4. What is the meaning of Anglo-Saxon word 'Wyrd' ? 5. What is the name of the only Anglo-Saxon historian ? 6. Name the Germanic tribes which formed the Anglo-Saxon race ? 7. Name the manuscripts in which Old English poems are found ? 8. Who is the author of Sermo Lupi ad Anglos ? 9. Who is the author of Lives of the Saints ? 10. Name two Anglo Saxon Christian poets ? 11. Name the 'earliest extant' Anglo-Saxon poem ? 12. When was Beowulf written ? 13. Mention one Christian element in Beowulf ? 14. Refer to one Pagan element in Beowulf ? 15. What is the name of the pleasure hall in Beowulf ? 16. What is the name of Hrothgar's wife ?(the queen) 17. Name the sword of Beowulf with which he killed Grendel ? 18. Which Anglo-Saxon poem records the fight between the English and Danes ? 19. When did the Battle of Maldon take place ? 20. Who is the author of Death Song ? 21. Who is the author of the poem Brut ? how many lines are there in this poem ? 22. Name two battles referred to in the Anglo-Saxon poems ? 23. What is the name of the monster Beowulf killed ? 24. What is the name of Beowulf's father ? 25. What is the name of the king Beowulf helped ? 26. Name two Anglo-Saxon Elegies ? 27. Name the Anglo-Saxon poem written in dream vision ? 28. Who is the author of Beowulf ? 29. When was Thomas...
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...The function of a pardoner in Chaucer’s time was to collect money for charitable purposes and to be the pope’s special agent in dispensing or rewarding contributors with certain pardons as a remission for sins. He could visit churches, receive money in the pope’s name and dispense indulgences. The pardoner’s tale displayed how greed and avarice can only bring treachery and death, the money causes them to behave in ways that lead to their demise. In the prologue, the pardoner admits that he is a fraud and is motivated by greed and avarice and many sins that he himself displays. He preaches that money is the root of all evil but sells relics to others which is supposed to bring them great fortune; he also states that many of his sermons are the product of evil intentions. When asked to tell a tale he agrees only after he has food and wine to eat and drink. He begins his tale about a group of young people who spend most of their time drinking and partying excessively, he names gluttony, drunkenness, gambling and swearing as a few sins they commit. As they drink a coffin passes and they are told its one of their old friends who was killed by the hands of death; the three personified death and decided to search for him and slay him in order to avenge the death of their old buddy. On the search they passed an old man who searched for youth again, he said “death won’t even take him” when he said this the three demanded to be lead to where death resided, the old man told them death...
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...quarrel And the former called the latter “Little Prig” Bun replied “You are doubtless very big; But all sorts of things and weather Must be taken in together To make a year, And a spear, And I think it no disgrace To occupy my place. If I’m not so large as you, You are not so small as I And not half so spry; I’ll not deny you make A very pretty squirrel track. Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; If I cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut.” The Prologue Geoffrey Chaucer When April with its showers sweet, The drought of March has pierced to the root, And bathed every vein in such liquor, Of whose magic engendered is the flower; And the wind with its sweet breath Has touched in every nook and corner The tender crops, and the young sun, Has half of his course run; The small birds make melody, So people long to go on pilgrimages. And especially from every shire Of England to Canterbury they go. The Knight Geoffrey Chaucer A knight there was and that a worthy man, That from the time that he first began To ride out, he loved chivalry, Truth and honor, freedom and courtesy. Full worthy was he in his Lord’s wars And even honored for his worthiness. Full many time at head of board he sat. And even more he earned his sovereign praise. And though he was worthy, he was modest And his bearing as meek as a maid. He never yet no villainy has said. He was very true and gentle perfect knight. Song to Celia Ben Jonson Drink...
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...individual storyteller. But the casually adopted view that Chaucer utilised a separate genre for each of his tales is an over-simplification of a far more subtle overall generic scheme. For a start, Caroline D. Eckhardt explains that up to the twelfth century, Medieval statements about genre, such as those of Isidore of Seville, Bernard of Utrecht, Honorius of Autun and Matthew of Vendome, usually accounted for no more than four identifiable poetic genres. In the thirteenth century, Geoffrey of Vinsauf and John of Garland extended these lists, though not by much. At this time, the concepts of tragedy and comedy had little to do with humour or pathos, but were instead measures of the movement of fortunes of the characters involved, as well as their social status; Geoffrey of Vinsauf describes comedy as "a rustic song dealing with humble persons, beginning in sadness and ending in joy"(CTC 181) and tragedy as a work "showing the misfortunes of grave persons, beginning in joy and ending in grief"(CTC 181). By today's standards, these interpretations of genre seem rather constrictive. In all likelihood Chaucer was of the same opinion - his manipulation of the generic guidelines that he had inherited through the literary tradition is subtle, extensive, and witty. Like a painter who produces a vivid and kaleidoscopic work from a palette of primary colours, in The Canterbury Tales Chaucer continually merges, mixes, adds to and detracts from the standards...
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...The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer talks about a pilgrimage. In this story “a group is gathered at Tabard Inn to go on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas à Becket at Canterbury.” (Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. South Carolina McDougall Little British literature. Ed. Janet Allen et. al. Houghton Mifflin, Co. 2009. p.140 ). The host decided to let the group to tell stories to pass time on their way. In this story there are Chaucer’s saints who are honest, ready to help, faithful and on the other hand, there are scoundrels who are greedy, hypocrites, liars. Chaucer's saints are Knight, Parson, and Plowman, and the rest where bad and good in ways. Every character on this pilgrimage have differences and similarities. Saints and...
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...Geoffrey Chaucer, was written in a time where women were often compelled to servitude for men. This was even prevalent in relationships in which men exerted forceful control over women. Despite societal norms, women still strived for some sort of sovereignty in their relationships, which often went ungranted. This imbalance of power caused unhappiness and serious discontent. Chaucer lived in a world where critics were considered heretical and were at risk of capital punishment, i.e. burning at the stake. This caused many faultfinders to resort towards hiding behind fictional characters in order to safely express their beliefs. Chaucer denounces his society’s common...
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...Corruption of the Church has plagued many Christian societies throughout history as dishonest members misinterpret and misuse the word of God. This is especially true in fifteenth century England. In the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer uses estates satire, ridiculing not only the Clergymen but all three social classes in order to highlight the flaws of society. He uses specifically uses “The Pardoner’s Tale” to highlight the deep-seated corruption of the Church during this particular time. The social commentary is focused around a Pardoner, authorized to grant forgiveness of sins, or indulgences, as a hyperbolic example of the flaws in the Church. Chaucer exposes increasing corruption, issues with clergymen, and the normality of deception...
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...In September 1620, the Mayflower sailed from the shores of Plymouth, England. The Mayflower usually hauled wine and dry goods, but this time the ship was carrying 102 passengers, all leaving to find a new life across the Atlantic. Many were on board specifically to establish a new church in the New World. We often read about these “Pilgrims”, as they were called, but there is another untold story. That is the story of the animals which were on board this great journey. It is reported that at least two dogs are known to have participated in the settling of Plymouth, however, those who are direct descendants and have journals of their forefathers tell another tale. There was, in fact, one dog. His name, as reported in the innards of history, was Larry. His human was none other than John Alden, who was the ship's cooper, responsible for maintaining the ship's barrels. It is in one of these barrels that the “other dog” crossed the Atlantic, for you see, the other dog wasn't a dog at all. He was a stout looking little animal, who waddled like a duck. He was about four feet tall and was a fat little guy. Although it appeared as though he had wings he actually had flippers, and like a bird he had densely packed water-proof feathers. He appeared to be dressed in his Sunday best, and was always spotted wearing a Tuxedo. His name was none other than Spiffy, and yes you guessed it, he was a Penguin. However, on the trip he had to dress in a dog costume, which in itself was bad enough...
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...Geoffrey Chaucer’s view of the monk in the Reformation In “The Monk’s Tale”, Geoffrey Chaucer give his point of view on monks and builds upon the reformation. When one thinks of a monk they think of a very religious and kind man who goes to the extreme to help others. Chaucer however, does not think this way. Chaucer is stating that the girth of the monk is causing corruption. The story shows that the monk focuses on himself even though monks are supposed to give everything to their fellow people and help them as much as they could. Examples of this is that the the tale states that the monk’s boots were soft and his horse of Great Estate. This means that the monk has many excellent horses in his stable, and that his sleeves were made with the finest fur in the land. The monk also owned greyhounds which are pretty expensive animals. Through these examples, Chaucer is saying that monks use extravagance and care for themselves even after taking a vow on putting others before themselves....
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...Did you ever think that you would read a story that involves a hot poker, hanging tubs, and a ton of sensuality? The Miller’s Tale, by Chaucer, is a story filled with many opportunities to interpret the text in a variety of ways. The tale is full of tricks, sex, and a dumb husband. All of these components come together to create a story about a young man and woman playing a trick on the woman’s husband. In the Miller’s Tale written by Chaucer, Chaucer uses symbolism, and imagery in order to demonstrate how simple day-to-day objects can represent much more than what meets the eye. Geoffrey Chaucer uses symbolism quite well in the Miller’s Tale. Throughout the majority of the tale, one can see many different examples of symbolism. For now, let’s look at the scene in the tale where Nicholas tells his plan to John about hanging the tubs from the ceiling. In the tale, John prepares to make tubs to hang from the ceiling after being told about the flood that is bound to hit. John gets the tubs ready for himself, Nicholas and for Alisoun. John goes to get the tubs to hang from the ceiling, “He gooth and geteth hym a knedyng trogh, And after that a tube and a kymelyn” (lines 3620-21). Both...
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