The Middle Ages Chaucer Malory
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The Middle Ages lasted from around 500-1500 AD following the fall of Rome. Society was organized around feudalism and the Catholic Church was the main unifying institution. Literature was preserved by monks and courtly traditions like chivalry and courtly love evolved, though these ideals often differed from knights' real lives. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, English culture blended with French influences through borrowed words and legends. Sir Thomas Malory wrote Le Morte d'Arthur in prison, compiling the most popular version of the Arthurian legends. Geoffrey Chaucer was a renowned poet who wrote The Canterbury Tales, capturing a cross-section of medieval English life.
The Middle Ages Chaucer Malory
- 1. The Middle Ages Approximately 500-1500 AD After the fall of Rome/before the Renaissance “ The Dark Ages” No Central Government Church the only unifying element Feudalism Illiteracy Literature preserved by monks
- 2. Courtly Tradition (Chivalry) Courtly Love… NOT to be confused with Courtney Love Nothing to do with marriage Often between a knight and the wife of someone else Is where modern love evolved from
- 3. The Norman Conquest William The Conqueror in 1066 Anglo-Saxons now served the French Thousands of borrowed words from the French (“pork” and “pig”) Shift from Old to Middle English—much less complex Mixed cultures-Folklore and legends of French mixed with English Le Morte D’Arthur incorporated French stories
- 4. Sir Thomas Malory Personal life very different from knightly virtues of works Was frequently in trouble with the Norman authorities Accused of robbery, extortion, attempted murder and rape (of a nun ) Jailed several times. Once broke jail by swimming a moat
- 5. Sir Thomas Malory He was excluded from four general pardons Made powerful enemies by not submitting to Norman rule Wrote Le Morte d’Arthur while in prison Did not write the first King Arthur story, but it’s the most popular Was attempting to create a rallying point for British people Made prose acceptable as an art form
- 6. Courtly Tradition ( Chivalry ) A knight must… Be absolutely loyal to his king Be honorable and courageous Protect the weak and poor Serve his lady
- 7. Geoffrey Chaucer The father of British Literature Wealthy family, but not royalty (“Chaucer” meant “shoemaker” in French) A favorite of the British Court Was a soldier, diplomat, clerk and held other sundry jobs Familiar with all aspects of life
- 8. Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales was written as a “hobby” On of the great masterpieces of British Lit. Picture of medieval life Buried in Westminister Abbey- the first writer to be so honored Section is now called “Poets’ Corner”
- 9. The Pilgrimage Approximately 60 miles