Key Concepts in Old English and Medieval Literature

Beowulf: Plot Summary and Old English Context

The Epic Battles of Beowulf

Hrothgar, King of Denmark, did not know how to deal with a monster called Grendel, so he sought Beowulf's help. Beowulf fought against the monster, and Grendel died. However, the monster was not alone; after his death, his mother appeared. She had more experience fighting due to her age. Finally, Beowulf fought against the monster's mother and won the battle. Nevertheless, Beowulf was later killed in a battle against a dragon.

Themes and Context

The poem emphasizes the close relationship between kinsmen and highlights the importance of the relationship between the warrior and his lord. It was written during the Old English literature period. Old English poetry was characterized by its focus on heroes and battles, exemplified by Beowulf.

Defining a Literary Classic

A classic is considered a valuable work that remains relevant over time and often serves as a model in its genre. It is a book that stays in the public's taste or mind for years. A classic is not considered a boring book; on the contrary, it is precisely why it is called "classic": people are still buying, enjoying, and watching the movies made of it years later.

The Importance of Early Literature

Literature was crucial for preserving the knowledge of the people. Early literature focused on heroic feats and battles; some poems were lyrical.

Geoffrey Chaucer and Medieval Literature

The Wife of Bath's Tale: Summary

Chaucer relates a story about a man who abused a woman. The Queen wanted to execute him but decided to give him an opportunity, provided he could answer a crucial question: What do women truly desire? He had twelve months and one day to find the answer. An old woman appeared one day, claiming she knew the answer. She offered it to him on the condition that he marry her, and he agreed. The answer presented to the Queen was that women want to govern and be sovereign. He saved his life and married the old woman.

Moral Lesson of the Tale

The moral lesson (enseñanza) is that women should be obeyed in all things by their husbands.

The Canterbury Tales: Context

By the English Renaissance, poetry critic George Puttenham had identified Chaucer as the father of the English literary canon. The format of The Canterbury Tales, and the intense realism of its characters, were virtually unknown to readers in the fourteenth century before Chaucer.

Cultural Background of Medieval England

Key Historical and Social Aspects

• The region was conquered by the Romans.
• There was a mixture of languages.
• People worshiped various deities.
• People had to be loyal to their king and God.
• There were separated social classes: the higher class (the Earls) and the lower class (the Churls).

Three Important Cultural Aspects

1. The Church was very important and powerful.
2. Two major universities were founded: Oxford and Cambridge.
3. Twenty-seven cathedrals were built across England.

The Wycliffe Bible

The Wycliffe Bible was important because it was the first translation of the Bible into English. It was written by John Wycliffe, who started the Lollard movement.