Anglo Norman Period or Middle English

Anglo-Norman literature is literature composed in the Anglo-Norman language developed during the period 1066–1204.
The Norman language came over to England with William the Conqueror. Following the Norman conquest, the Norman language became the language of England's nobility.

1. Anglo-Norman Period OR…………. Middle English (1100-1500) Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

2. Karakoram International University Gilgit Prepared by Hajat Hussain Reg No. 2016-kiu-2242 Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

3. List of Topics…….. Background of Normans Norman Conquest Changes in England After Norman Conquest Changes in English Literature After Norman Conquest Changes in English Language After Norman Conquest Literature of Anglo-Norman Period Famous Poets of Middle English Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

4. Background of Normans On the northern coast of France directly across from England is a district extending some seventy-five miles back from the Channel known as Normandy. The Normans King William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxon King Harold at the Battle of Hastings (1066 ) and conquered England. Norman Conquest brought enormous changes in England, English Literature and Linguistics. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

5. Norman Conquest When in 1066 , Edward the Confessor died childless, England was again faced with the choice of a successor. Edward had divided England into a few large districts, each under the control of a powerful earl. The most influential of these nobles was Godwin, earl of the West Saxon earldom. The day after Edward’s death Harold the son of Godwin was elected king. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

6. Cont…….. William, the duke of Normandy at this time, was a second cousin of late king Edward. When Harold did not consider William’s order. Only by force could William hope to obtain the crown. First William landed on the south coast of England, with a formidable force. His landing was unopposed. Harold was occupied in the north of England meeting an invasion by the king of Norway, another claimant to the throne. Harold hardly triumphed in battle. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

7. Cont…….. Harold reached a point between the Norman host and London. He drew up his forces on a broad hill at Senlac, not far from Hastings, and awaited William’s attack. Battle began early in the morning and Englishmen fought bravely till afternoon and then Normans attacked very dangerously. Harold, also apart of the fight, was killed during the battle. According to tradition, he was pierced in the eye by a Norman arrow . Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

8. Cont……… Two of Harold’s brothers had already killed. William had won the battle of Hastings and eliminated his rival. On Christmas Day 1066, William was crowned king of England. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

9. Changes in England After Norman Conquest The Norman Conquest brought changes in the literature as well as political history of England. The Anglo-Saxon authors were then as suddenly and permanently displaced. Many of the English higher class had been killed on the field at Hastings. Those who escaped were treated as traitors. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

10. Cont….. Norman prelates were gradually introduced into all important positions in the church. For 200 years after the Norman Conquest, French remained the language of ordinary intercourse among the upper classes in England. French was used by upper class while English was used by lower class Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

11. Cont…….. Norman introduced a foreign type of literature in the England. French language was used in churches and monasteries. English Language was thrown into background. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

12. Changes in English Literature After Norman Conquest the literature read and written by Englishmen was completely transformed as the sentiments and tastes of English rulers (Normans). Normans imported scholars to revive knowledge, chronicles to record memorable events. This period is also marked by disappearance of Old English poetry. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

13. Cont……. The religious poetry was also disappeared after Norman Conquest. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

14. Changes in English Language The Middle English period was marked by momentous changes in the English language, changes more extensive and fundamental than those that have taken place at any time before or since. English language having been thrown into the background. English was used by lower class. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

15. Cont……… Following are some changes in English grammar Decay of Inflectional Endings The Noun Strong Verbs Became Weak Loss of Grammatical Gender French influence is much more direct and observable upon the vocabulary. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

16. Cont…….. Thousands of French words introduced into English. In changing from French to English they transferred much of their governmental and administrative vocabulary, their ecclesiastical, legal, and military terms, their familiar words of fashion, food, and social life, the vocabulary of art, learning, and medicine. e.g government, tax, crown, religion, proof, prison, bail, warrant, judge, navy, enemy, fashion, dress, frock, blue, brown, roast, fry etc… Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

17. Literature of Anglo-Norman Period The Romances It was most popular form of literature. These are notable for their stories rather than their poetry ( Canterbury Tales) These romances were borrowed from Latin and French. They deal with the stories of King Arthur, The War of Troy and of Alexander the Great. No literary production of the Middle English are so characteristic or of high value. None so perennially (always living) attractive. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

18. Cont……. The Miracle Plays These plays became very popular . From the growth and development of the Bible story, scene by scene, carried to its logical conclusion. This drama developed to a cycle of sacred history, beginning with the creation of man, his fall and banishment from Garden of Eden and matters of Old testament and life of Christ. This kind of drama is called Miracle Plays Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

19. Cont…. Morality Plays In these form of drama uniform theme is the struggle between the powers of good and evil. The personages (famous people) were abstract virtues or vices, each acting and speaking in accordance with his name and the plot was built upon the contrasts and influences on human nature. Allegory is the mark of moral plays. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

20. Famous Poets Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) He was the real founder of English Poetry and called the ‘Father of English Poetry’. Chaucer made a fresh beginning in English Literature. He disregarded the old English tradition. Chaucer poetry has been read and enjoyed continuously from his first day to today. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

21. His works….. Famous work of Chaucer is the Canterbury Tales, which is collection of stories related by the pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury. This is a landmark in the history of English Poetry. These Pilgrims represent different sections of contemporary English society. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

22. Cont……. His work fall into three periods. 1 st period ;- He imitated French poets and long poem Le Roman de la Rose of which he made a translation Romaunt of the Rose . During this period he also wrote the Book of the Duchess , an elegy, which in its form and nature is like Romaunt of the Rose. Complaint unto Pity, a shorter poem. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

23. Cont…… 2 nd period:- In this period he was inspired by Italian writers. In this period he wrote The Parliament of Fowls , which contains very dramatic and satiric dialogues. Troilus and Criseyde , which narrates the story of Trojan prince Troilus and his love for damsel The story of Griselda , in which is given a pitiful picture of womanhood. The House of Fame , a masterpiece of comic fantasy. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

24. Cont…….. 3 rd period:- This period is called English period. In this period he wrote Legend of Good Woman , in heroic couplet. The Canterbury Tales , his greatest achievement. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

25. William Langland (1332-1386) He was one of greatest poets of the Middle ages. His poem ‘ A Vision of Piers and Plowman ’, it is a classical work and a satire on the Corrupt religious practices. Langland is a satiric poet and feudal system is his ideal. He represents lower class in his poetry. Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242

26. References…. A Critical History of English Literature by B.R Mullik History of English Literature By David Daiches Hajat Hussain 2016-Kiu-2242

27. End of Chapter 2 Next Chapter : Renaissance Period Hajat Hussain 2016-KIU-2242