The Middle Ages 1066-1486

The Dark Ages? This era was not actually dark; the era was very vibrant and its people were creative and resilient despite war, the plague, and oppression. Middle Ages brought us: Universities, governmental forms, concepts of the world and God. Most narratives of this time reflect the positive aspects of the time

Adventure, Morality, and Life When you hear medieval what do you think of? Knights, conquests, & battles were the foundation for the popular romance literature of the era. Stories are based on love, betrayal, conquest, hope, and desire Religious narratives were very significant

…Continued Religious narratives contained entertaining travel adventures with morally instructive religious stories. Often these stories were allegories Allegory- stories in which literal elements represent abstract or moral concepts By using allegories, medieval literature explored cultural ideas, confirmed values and amused audiences.

….Continued As the Middle Ages progressed, elements of daily life made way into the stories I.E. plague and city living

History in Britain In 1066 William the Conqueror becomes King of England-he reigns for 5 years (French) The Normans had control in England (heavy French influence) There is a combo of Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman Tradition Henry I was the next influential king (1100) 4th son of William the Conqueror

Many wars broke out Caused by power struggles, religion, and fights over land Henry II becomes king and begins to take back control of England and begins expanding their territory Richard I becomes king (The Lion Heart)-Made England part of the Holy Roman Empire Often absent from England

John-Richard’s younger brother and successor (1212) Lost much of England’s French territories Kept close relations with the Pope He was very unpopular He raised taxes, getting into wars, conflict with the Pope Opposed the Magna Carta- conflicts Henry III becomes king (John’s son) Unsuccessful

Henry V becomes king (1413), then dies of dysentery Henry VI becomes king but goes crazy after losing 100 Year War in 1453 Lack of control cause civil war (War of Roses) Edward IV dethroned him and regained control Richard III becomes king when Edward dies Ruthless

Edward I becomes king (1272-1307) Regained order and re-organized government Edward II (his son) was unsuccessful Lost power when his wife, Queen Isabella and her lover, invaded England (she was French) Edward III (1327-1377) Much more successful-regained government order Declared himself rightful heir throne (100 year war begins)

The Great Famine and Black Death Killed more than 10% of England’s population (roughly 500,000 people) The Black Death: The bubonic plague Killed 1/3-1/2 of the English population

Geoffrey Chaucer 1343-1400 Father of English Literature He was a page as a child and young man He did a little bit of everything and enjoyed experiencing new things Helped out with the kings doing various jobs

Canterbury Tales Written in the late 14th century in Middle English Written in Iambic Pentameter Narrator thought to be Chaucer Collection of stories Begins with the Prologue Sets up the framework for the rest of the story Frame story: a story within a story The story is about a group of people traveling together and telling their story They are going to St Thomas Becket’s Shrine in Canterbury

Pilgrimages Pilgrimage: a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion Ex-Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands in Israel/Palestine or St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome