Medieval Literature (1066-1485) — Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice questions on the Norman Conquest, Romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Morte d'Arthur based on the lecture notes.

What time span does Lecture 2 cover for Medieval Literature?

1066–1485.

Who were the Normans historically classified as?

Norsemen.

Which battle in 1066 ended the Anglo-Saxon dynasty?

Battle of Hastings.

Who began the Norman rule after the Conquest?

William the Conqueror.

Which artifact documents the Norman claim to the throne?

Bayeux Tapestry.

What system did the Norman Conquest establish?

Feudal system.

Name the three rigid social classes in feudal society.

Aristocracy, Clergy, Peasant/ lower class.

What two elements comprised the medieval legal system under feudalism?

Judges and Contracts.

What was required by feudal loyalty?

Loyalty and an unwritten moral code.

What is the most popular medieval literary genre?

Romance.

Romance literature roots originate from which country?

France.

During which years did Romance reach its height?

1100–1300.

Name four elements of Romance literature.

Legendary times; stock characters; the improbable and supernatural; combat.

What is the typical purpose of a quest in Romance?

Adventure; completion of a task; journey ending in itself leading to personal enlightenment.

What social pattern does the Romance quest illustrate?

Integration – Disintegration – Reintegration.

What is the code of the horseman called?

Chivalry.

What are the components of Courtesy in Romance?

Hospitality, Gentility, Civility.

What is 'Courtly Love' in the romance tradition?

Love and institutions, often extramarital but chaste.

Who is the author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

Anonymous.

Approximately when was Sir Gawain and the Green Knight composed?

Circa 1400.

What two verse forms does Sir Gawain and the Green Knight combine?

Alliterative Old English verse and rhyming verse in French.

What are the two interlaced plots in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

Beheading game and Knight’s temptation.

What is a feature of the poem's Gentle Satire?

Criticism of social ills; emphasis on courtesy and chivalry.

How is Gawain characterized in the poem?

Exemplar of chivalry, but imperfect in application.

How is King Arthur depicted in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

Courtly, chivalrous leader; also described with a 'wild brain' or intemperance.

Who is the host who challenges Gawain in the poem?

The Green Knight.

Who is the temptress in the tale?

Lady Bercilak.

What does the Pentangle symbolize, and what is its drawback?

Gawain’s ideal order; it is too rigid.

What does the Green Girdle symbolize?

Lack of structure; provides resilience.

What is the Green Chapel?

A grave—the site of the final challenge.

What is Morte D'Arthur?

The most complete collection of Arthurian legends in English.

How many tales are in Morte d'Arthur?

83.

Who authored Morte d'Arthur?

Thomas Malory.

When did Thomas Malory live?

circa 1405–1471.

In what historical context did Malory serve as a knight?

Wars of the Roses.

What is notable about Malory’s writing style in Morte d'Arthur?

Presented as history; includes multiple quests; graphic; symbolic dream imagery; wheel of fortune; snakes.

Who is Mordred in relation to Arthur?

Embodiment of Arthur’s frailty (antagonist/foil to Arthur).

Who is Bedivere?

An untested knight.

Who is Morgan le Fay?

A supernatural figure.