Literary Survey

The Middle Ages (450-1500)

Title: Literature Survey of the Middle Ages (450-1500): Exploring Beowulf and Chaucer's
The Canterbury Tales
Introduction: The Middle Ages, spanning from roughly 450 to 1500 AD, is a significant
period in the history of literature. This era saw the emergence of various forms of literary
expression, reflecting the complex tapestry of European culture during a time marked by
significant social, political, and religious transformations. In this lecture, we will delve
into the characteristics of the Middle Ages as a literary period, and then focus on two
iconic works, "Beowulf" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," summarizing
their main themes and contributions to medieval literature.
I. Characteristics of the Middle Ages Literature: A. Religious Influence:
 The Middle Ages were profoundly shaped by Christianity. Most literary works
were religious in nature, serving as a means to express religious beliefs and
teachings.
 Monasteries were the centers of scholarship and scriptoria, where religious texts
were copied and preserved.
B. Oral Tradition:
 Many stories and epics, such as "Beowulf," were initially passed down orally
before being transcribed.
 This oral tradition influenced the use of poetic devices and rhythmic patterns in
literature.
C. Chivalry and Courtly Love:
 The concept of chivalry, emphasizing knights' virtues and duties, played a
significant role in literature.
 Courtly love, a refined and idealized form of romantic love, was a recurring theme.
D. Feudal Society:
 Literature often depicted the hierarchical and stratified nature of feudal society,
with a focus on kings, lords, and peasants.
II. "Beowulf": A. Historical Background:
 "Beowulf" is an Old English epic poem, composed around the 8th-11th centuries.
 It is one of the most significant works in Old English literature.
B. Main Themes:
 Heroism and Valor: "Beowulf" tells the story of the hero Beowulf, who battles
monsters and a dragon to protect his people.
  Good vs. Evil: The poem explores the eternal struggle between good and evil forces,
as embodied by Beowulf and his adversaries.
 Loyalty and Kingship: The poem underscores the importance of loyalty and the
qualities of a good king.
C. Contribution:
 "Beowulf" is an essential piece of early English literature, offering insights into the
heroic values and the oral tradition of the time.
III. Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales": A. Historical Background:
 "The Canterbury Tales" is a collection of stories written in Middle English during
the late 14th century.
 It reflects the transition from Old English to Middle English and the changing
dynamics of the period.
B. Main Themes:
 Pilgrimage and Society: The framing narrative involves a group of pilgrims
traveling to Canterbury. The tales they tell reveal their characters and social
backgrounds.
 Satire and Social Critique: Chaucer satirizes various aspects of medieval society,
such as the clergy, nobility, and commoners.
 Diversity of Narratives: The collection includes a wide range of stories, from
romance to bawdy tales, showcasing the diversity of medieval literature.
C. Contribution:
 "The Canterbury Tales" is a milestone in the development of English literature,
marking the transition from Old English to Middle English. It also offers a rich
portrayal of medieval society and its multifaceted characters.
Conclusion: The Middle Ages, with its strong religious influence, oral tradition, chivalry,
and social hierarchies, gave rise to a wealth of literary works that provide valuable
insights into the period. "Beowulf" and "The Canterbury Tales" stand out as two
significant examples, each contributing in its unique way to the literary legacy of this
fascinating era. While "Beowulf" exemplifies heroic valor and moral struggles, Chaucer's
"The Canterbury Tales" showcases the diversity and social critique that characterized
the Middle Ages. Studying these works allows us to appreciate the rich tapestry of
medieval literature and the enduring impact of this period on the development of English
literature.
The Middle Ages (450-1500) delves into the rich tapestry of literary works that emerged during
this era. This period, often referred to as the medieval period, was characterized by a blend of
historical events, religious influences, and cultural shifts, all of which left a profound impact
on the literature produced during this time.
The literary works of the Middle Ages are marked by several distinctive characteristics,
including a strong focus on religious themes, chivalry, courtly love, and an emphasis on
allegorical storytelling. These works often served multiple purposes, functioning as sources
of entertainment, education, moral instruction, and reflections of the societal values
prevalent at the time.
One of the most prominent literary works from the early Middle Ages is the epic poem
"Beowulf," believed to have been composed between the 8th and 11th centuries. "Beowulf"
embodies the heroic ethos of the time, featuring a blend of pagan and Christian elements.
The poem is centered around the exploits of the hero Beowulf, who battles various
supernatural creatures to protect his people. Notable themes within "Beowulf" include the
concept of heroism, the contrast between good and evil, the transient nature of life, and the
importance of loyalty and kinship. The poem also explores the idea of fate and the
inevitability of mortality, reflecting the cultural and existential concerns of the early
medieval society.
Moving forward to the later Middle Ages, Geoffrey Chaucer's magnum opus, "The
Canterbury Tales," stands as a quintessential representation of the era. Written in the 14th
century, this collection of stories is set within the frame narrative of a group of pilgrims
traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. (Notice the religious Themes)
Chaucer masterfully weaves together various tales told by these pilgrims, showcasing a wide
array of characters from different social classes and walks of life. "The Canterbury Tales"
reflects the societal complexities of the time, addressing themes such as love, deception, social
hierarchy, and the struggles of human nature. Chaucer's work also provides insightful
commentary on the religious, political, and cultural realities of medieval England, offering
a nuanced portrayal of the various facets of human experience.
In summary, the literature of the Middle Ages represents a dynamic fusion of historical context,
religious ideologies, and cultural values. "Beowulf" exemplifies the heroic ideals and moral
dilemmas of early medieval society, while "The Canterbury Tales" offers a nuanced exploration
of human nature and societal complexities during the later Middle Ages. These works, along
with numerous others from the period, continue to serve as invaluable cultural artifacts,
providing profound insights into the beliefs, values, and aspirations of medieval communities.