Optional English | Class XI | Old English Literature | Chapter 2 Middle English Literature

Chapter 2: Middle English Literature

The period from 1100 up to 1500 is termed as the Middle English period. Since the rulers of England at this period were of French descent, the English language was highly influenced by French literature, vocabulary, forms, and themes. French was seen as the language of the upper class, and Latin continued to be used for scholarly writings. The literary works in this period were religious in theme, mainly influenced by the Bible. These works taught moral lessons and religious ways of life.

Poets / Poetry

1. Geoffrey Chaucer:

Chaucer is often called the "Father of English poetry." He was the son of a wine merchant but later became a duke, diplomat, and the personal attendant of the King. He had wide knowledge of Latin, French, and Italian books. His famous works include: The Canterbury Tales, Troilus and Criseyde, The Legend of Good Women.

2. William Langland:

Not much is known about William Langland, but historians believe he wrote a poem called 'The Vision of Piers the Ploughman.' This poem is a notable example of an old style of verse using alliteration. It addresses the religious, social, and economic issues of Langland's time. The poem, presented as dream visions, talks about the hardships of the poor, the greed of the powerful, and the sinful nature of people.

3. Anonymous Writer:

a) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: The poem unfolds a story that revolves around a brave knight named Sir Gawain, a young member of King Arthur’s court, and his encounter with a mysterious challenge presented by the Green Knight.

Prose

1. Richard Rolle:

Richard Rolle wrote 'The Form of Perfect Living,' a work rich in religious teachings. It provides detailed moral lessons on various aspects of life, including work, dress, conduct, and communication within society.

2. John Wycliffe:

He was a priest who disagreed with many church ideas. He believed people could connect directly with God by reading the Bible. He arranged for an English Bible and translated parts of it. Before, it was only in Latin. After he died, opponents dug up his bones and threw them in the River Avon.

3. Thomas Malory:

Sir Thomas Malory was often in trouble and spent time in prison. While in jail, he wrote "Arthur's Death," a book with stories about King Arthur and his brave knights. They followed the Christian way, fought for justice, and defeated wrongdoers. In the stories, King Arthur's wife, Guinevere, falls in love with Lancelot. Their love affair is the major cause of Arthur's ruin and death. It also contains King Arthur's search for the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.

Dramas

1. Miracle Plays or Mystery Plays:

The subject matter of miracle or mystery plays were the miracles performed by the saints. The stories were mainly from the Bible. They were performed during Easter and other holy days. To teach religious truths to those who couldn't read, the clergy, or religious teachers, organized these plays. They used movable stages that could be wheeled from one place to another. The plays were grouped into four main categories based on the city where they were performed: Chester, Coventry, York, and Wakefield. Often, many miracle plays were acted out simultaneously in different locations.

2. Morality Plays:

Morality plays were famous in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The characters in these plays aren't real people but represent ideas like beauty, strength, sin, and more. They aim to teach about the Christian way of life and how Christians should think about death. The main idea is the struggle between good and bad within a person. These plays always end with the soul being saved, and goodness winning over badness.

The most well-known morality play is “Everyman”, likely adapted from a Dutch story. In “Everyman”, the main character learns that everything he gained in life is left behind as he faces death. When Death comes, characters like Beauty, Knowledge, Strength, and Pride abandon him, but only Good Deeds stay with him.

3. Interludes:

Interludes were brief plays meant to bring laughter between the acts of longer morality plays or during meals. They had only two or three actors and were designed to entertain and relieve boredom. Unlike morality plays, they were not performed in churches but in places like colleges, gardens, and parties. John Heywood wrote interludes like "The Four P's" and "The Play of the Weather."

Features of Middle English Literature

1. The Middle English poetry emphasized rhyme.
2. Most of the prose works and dramas had religious influence.
3. Some of the writers in the Middle English period, like John Wycliffe, raised their voice against religion and religious ideas in their writings.
4. The Middle English literature is highly praised for Miracle and Morality plays.
5. After the inventions of Caxton’s printing press in 1476, most of the major books and manuscripts of the earlier books were printed and distributed in major cities.

Status of English Language during the Middle English Period

During the beginning of the Middle English period, there was the influence of Old English structure and pronunciation in day to day communication. But the Norman Conquest increased the influence of the French language as the language of the upper class people, courts, school, and literature. Side by side Latin maintained its role as the language of learned people in high-level literary works. English remained as the language of the common people. During this period, many of the Old English grammatical features were simplified. Pronunciation changed over. From the 14th century onwards, the London dialect of English became dominant in literature. The Midland dialect was also in practice.