Middle English Literature (1100-1500): An Overview

Unit 3: Middle English Literature

3.1 General Characteristics of the Period

The Middle English period spans from 1100 to 1500, although some scholars prefer 1150 as the starting point, particularly regarding literature (the final entry in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is dated to 1154). While 1500 is conventionally used as the closing date, 1547 (the death of Henry VIII) has gained recent traction. The Norman Conquest of 1066 dramatically reshaped English literature and culture during these 400 years. William, the Duke of Normandy's invasion, led to a new French aristocracy, establishing French as the language of the ruling class. While the masses continued speaking English, it was considered uncultivated. However, the influx of French words enriched the English language, making it a more versatile literary medium.

This sociolinguistic context influenced literary production and allows for the identification of distinct periods within Middle English:

1. 1100-1250: English, spoken only by the lower classes, was primarily used for religious writing aimed at instructing the common people.
2. 1250-1350: As the upper classes adopted English, literature diversified, serving both entertainment and educational purposes.
3. 1350-1500: This period, culminating in the Ricardian era, witnessed sophisticated works by Geoffrey Chaucer, William Langland, John Gower, and the Gawain-poet. Caxton's printing press in 1476 further revolutionized literature.

Languages of Middle English Literature

Middle English literature employed three languages: Latin, French, and English. Latin served as the language of learning and scholarship, evidenced by the popularity of works like Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae. French flourished as the language of courtly entertainment, with a significant body of poetry written in England.

Much of Middle English literature was derivative and imitative of French literary themes and styles throughout the 13th and much of the 14th centuries.

Other Features of Middle English Literature

• Impersonality: A significant portion of Middle English literature is anonymous.
• Textual Variation: Scribal practices introduced variations during textual transmission.
• Imitatio: Originality was not a primary concern for medieval authors.
• Orality/Aurality: Much of the literature was intended for listening rather than reading.