In-Depth Notes on History of English Literature

History of English Literature

The Middle/Dark Ages Period
  • Timeframe: 5th to 14th century (900 years)
  • Dark Ages: Coined by Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374)
    • Refers to the fall of the Roman Empire in 500 CE
    • Considered a period with a supposed lack of cultural and scientific advancement
  • Comparison with the Classical Era: Rich literary and cultural development in Greek and Roman times
  • Dominant political system: Feudalism
The Norman Conquest
  • Key figure: William, Duke of Normandy
    • Claimed the throne of England based on a promise he received
  • Key event: Visit of King Harold to Normandy (1058)
  • Battle of Hastings:
    • Date: October 14, 1066
    • Led to William's victory over Harold Godwinson
    • Signified a change in power dynamics in Britain
The Battle of Hastings
  • Facts:
    • Date: October 14, 1066
    • Location: Near Hastings, East Sussex, England (from 9 AM to dusk)
    • Spark: Death of King Edward the Confessor in January 1066
    • Harold Godwinson crowned king shortly after Edward’s death; conflict ensued with William
    • William’s win solidified his reign in England
The Reign of William I (The Conqueror)
  • William I:
    • Also known as William the Bastard, reigned 1028-1087
    • Children: Henry I, William II
  • William’s Rule:
    • Enthroned on December 25, 1066
    • Introduced feudalism and demanded Scotland and Wales under his control
    • Distributing land to barons; knights provided military support in return
Living Conditions Under William I
  • William primarily resided in Normandy (15 years)
  • Knight and Baron Dynamics:
    • Land was divided and leased to serfs (bound laborers)
  • Disparity in treatment:
    • Normans treated well, Saxons faced cruelty, taxation, and were treated as second-class citizens
  • Example: Discriminatory legal treatment based on ethnicity (e.g., Saxon vs. Norman)
The Domesday Book
  • Documented the possessions and royal estates in England
  • Functioned similarly to a census, providing data for:
    • Taxation, military strength
  • Detailed records were verified rigorously, hence the nickname "Doomsday"
Effects of the Norman Invasion
  • Altered English history significantly
  • Established a new social hierarchy—Normans as rulers, British as subordinates
  • Emergence of Anglo-Normandy dialect
  • French language became dominant due to Norman influence
William's Death and Succession
  • Death: September 9, 1087
  • Divisions of Rule:
    • Normandy and Maine to son Robert, England to son William Rufus
The Reign of William Rufus
  • Succeeded by William II (1060-1100)
  • Known for high taxes and wealth acquisition, especially from monasteries
  • Unpopular reign, leading to his murder in 1100
Succession Crisis
  • Following William Rufus:
    • Succeeded by brother Henry I
    • His daughter Matilda became a contested heir leading to conflict with cousin Stephen
  • Resulted in chaos and baronial rebellion
New Literary Developments
  • Return of the English language post-Norman reign
  • Prominent authors included Geoffrey Chaucer and William Langland
    • Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales showcased realism and societal critique
  • Translation of significant works into English helped to standardize the language
    • E.g., works by John Wyclif influenced both language and morals
Early Drama and Cultural Shifts
  • Originated in church settings, using English gradually replacing Latin
  • Types of drama included Miracles and Mysteries based on biblical themes
The Black Death
  • Major pandemic occurred 1346-1352, killing a significant portion of Europe’s population
  • Effectively altered social structures and dynamics in England
The Magna Carta
  • Signed by King John on June 15, 1215
  • Significance: Limited royal power, establishing legal rights and procedural norms
  • Led to eventual civil unrest and further conflicts
Conclusion
  • The Middle/Dark Ages shaped modern England through feudal systems, emerging literary forms, and significant historical events.