Topic 43: Orally-transmitted medieval Literature: The Legend of King Arthur. G. Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales Flashcards
What historical event marked the beginning of the Middle English period in 1066?
The Norman Conquest
What were the three main languages used in England during the Middle Ages?
French (ruling class), Latin (church and learning), and English (common speech)
What were the itinerant poets who composed and recited poetry in Old English called?
Scops
Name two main characteristics of Anglo-Saxon poetry.
Alliteration and use of kennings
What is the name of the most famous Anglo-Saxon epic poem and how many lines does it have?
Beowulf, with 3,280 lines
Who composed the first “Hymn” in English literature and what is the legend associated with its composition?
Caedmon. It is said he was a shepherd who heard the voice of God
What type of poem is “The Dream of the Rood” and where is it found?
It’s a dream-vision poem. It’s found in the Vercelli Book and on a stone cross in Ruthwell, Scotland
In what era is the historical King Arthur believed to have possibly existed?
Around 500 AD
Who wrote the first important Latin work about King Arthur and what is its title?
Geoffrey of Monmouth, “Historia Regum Britanniae” (History of the Kings of Britain)
What is the importance of Layamon’s “Brut” in Arthurian literature?
It contains the earliest surviving Arthurian legends in English
Who wrote “Le Morte d’Arthur” and in what year was it printed by Caxton?
Sir Thomas Malory wrote it around 1470 and it was printed by Caxton in 1485
Which 19th-century poet revived interest in Arthurian legends?
Alfred Tennyson
What are the two main genres of Old English poetry?
The pagan epic or traditional Germanic epic, and the Christian
What is a “kenning” in Anglo-Saxon poetry?
A compound expression used to represent an idea, e.g., “sea” as “whale-road”
Who translated Geoffrey of Monmouth’s work into Old English around 1185?
Robert Wace
What is the Exeter Book and why is it important?
It’s a collection of Anglo-Saxon poetry, including works like “The Wanderer” and “The Seafarer”
Who wrote the French Arthurian romances between 1170 and 1190?
Chrétien de Troyes
What is “The Mabinogion”?
A collection of Welsh versions of scenes from Chrétien de Troyes’ works
Which 14th-century Arthurian romance features Sir Gawain as the main hero?
“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
What was the first Arthurian romance by a named author, and who wrote it?
“Launfal Miles” by Thomas Chestre, written around 1430
Who wrote The Canterbury Tales and why is this work significant?
Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales. It’s significant because it’s a major example of the popularization of English vernacular in mainstream literature, as opposed to the prevalent use of Latin at the time.
What is oral literature?
Oral literature is the first and most widespread mode of human communication, including myths, popular tales, legends, and songs, passed down through generations by word of mouth.
What major invention allowed for the preservation of oral literature?
The creation of the printing press around 1436 allowed many legends and tales to be written down and preserved.
Who is Geoffrey Chaucer?
Geoffrey Chaucer is an influential English writer known for his work “The Canterbury Tales” during Medieval times.
What is the focus of Topic 43 in the document?
The focus is on orally-transmitted Medieval literature, specifically the Legend of King Arthur and Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.”
What historical event significantly influenced Medieval literature?
The Norman Conquest in 1066 significantly influenced Medieval literature and the English language.
What languages influenced English literature during the Medieval period?
French and Latin influenced English literature, with French being used by the ruling class and Latin as the language of the church.
What were the two main genres of Old English poetry?
The two genres are the pagan epic (or traditional Germanic epic) and the Christian epic.
