1. The Middle Ages

2. 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

3. 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

4. …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.

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 ( )
Much more successful-regained government order
Declared himself rightful heir throne (100 year war begins)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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