Old English Literature
From 450 to 1066 (the period witnessed a transition from tribal society to feudal society; the year of the Norman conquest of England) The Germanic tribes from the Northern Europe brought with them : Anglo-Saxon language, the basis of Modern English and poetic tradition Old English poetry consists of the religious group and the secular one.
Translated text:
Prelude of the Founder of the Danish House LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, we have heard, and what honor the athelings won!
Analysis of the poem
A folk legend---reflecting the features of tribal society of ancient times The artistic features of Beowulf: a. the use of alliteration b. the use of metaphors and understatement “ring-giver”---king; “sea-wood”---ship; “swan’s path” or “whale’s road”---sea; “not troublesome”---very welcome
English literature
An Introduction to Old and Medieval English Literature
History Background
Early inhabitants---Celts---were conquered 3 times: a. Romans b. Anglo-Saxons: Germanic language and culture c. Normans: Mediterranean civilization (Greek culture, Roman law, Christian religion)
Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes,
from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore, awing the earls. Since erst he lay friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him: for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve,
Beowulf
A typical example of Old English poetry, regarded as the national epic of the Anglo-Saxons. Oral form in 6th c.=>Written in 10th c. It contains 3183 lines of alliterational verse It describes the exploits of a Scandinavian hero Three conflicts: a. Beowulf vs Grendel (a monster) b. Beowulf vs Grendel’s revengeful mother c. Beowulf vs fire-breathing dragon It is a mingling of nature myths and heroic legends.
Medieval English Literature
Norman Conquest---changes: 1. Politically: feudalist system 2. Religiously: Rome-based Catholic Church 3. Language: French---official language Latin---principle tongue of church and unuversities Old English--- common English people OE
Original Text:
Hwæt! We Gardena in geardagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon. Oft Scyld Scefing sceaþena þreatum, monegum mægþum, meodosetla ofteah, egsode eorlas.
From 1066 to mid-14th century
Middle English literature deals with a wider range of subjects,greater diversity of styles,tones and genres
till before him the folk, both far and near,
who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate, gave him gifts: a good kingshtml/20110314