English Language and Literature in the Middle Ages

A detailed Summary of English Language and Literature in the Middle Ages

English Society of the Middle Ages saw many developments and new trends, but

none so plainly as the developments witnessed in the Language and Literature of that time.

It began with the Norman Conquest: eloquent french words substituted for the "harsh"

saxon equivalents, primarily in the upper levels of society. Literature began to reflect these

changes in the language, and continued to evolve throughout the Renissance. Together,

these aspects helped define the Middle Ages.

The Norman Conquest took place in 1066 with the death of King Edward. William

of Normandy, later to be reffered to as "The Conquerer", fought King Harold in order to

claim the crown in Britian. Succeeding, William integrated Norman life into the Old

English culture, concentrating in the higher courts and plitical scene. This integration of

considered one of the greatest English poems of medieval times. This work satires

offenses and civic crimes. Le morte d'Arthur was supposedly composed while the author

corruption among the clergy and the secular authorities, and upholds the dignity and value

poet joins a band of pilgrims, vividly described in the Prologue, who assemble at the

The developmental trends of the English Language can be clearly seen in the

Johann Gutenberg of Germany, the printing press allowed works to be copied and

Approximate Word count = 603
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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