The Middle Ages 1066 1486 The Dark Ages

The Middle Ages 1066 -1486

The Dark Ages? • This era was not actually dark; the era was very vibrant and its people were creative and resilient despite war, the plague, and oppression. • Middle Ages brought us: Universities, governmental forms, concepts of the world and God. • Most narratives of this time reflect the positive aspects of the time

Adventure, Morality, and Life • When you hear medieval what do you think of? • Knights, conquests, & battles were the foundation for the popular romance literature of the era. • Stories are based on love, betrayal, conquest, hope, and desire • Religious narratives were very significant

…Continued • Religious narratives contained entertaining travel adventures with morally instructive religious stories. • Often these stories were allegories – Allegory- stories in which literal elements represent abstract or moral concepts • By using allegories, medieval literature explored cultural ideas, confirmed values and amused audiences.

…. Continued • As the Middle Ages progressed, elements of daily life made way into the stories – I. E. plague and city living

History in Britain • In 1066 William the Conqueror becomes King of England-he reigns for 5 years (French) • The Normans had control in England (heavy French influence) – There is a combo of Anglo. Saxon and Anglo-Norman Tradition • Henry I was the next influential king (1100) – 4 th son of William the Conqueror

• Many wars broke out – Caused by power struggles, religion, and fights over land • Henry II becomes king and begins to take back control of England begins expanding their territory • Richard I becomes king (The Lion Heart)-Made England part of the Holy Roman Empire – Often absent from England

• John-Richard’s younger brother and successor (1212) – Lost much of England’s French territories – Kept close relations with the Pope • He was very unpopular – He raised taxes, getting into wars, conflict with the Pope – Opposed the Magna Carta- conflicts • Henry III becomes king (John’s son) – Unsuccessful

• Henry V becomes king (1413), then dies of dysentery • Henry VI becomes king but goes crazy after losing 100 Year War in 1453 – Lack of control cause civil war (War of Roses) • Edward IV dethroned him and regained control • Richard III becomes king when Edward dies – Ruthless

• Edward I becomes king (1272 -1307) – Regained order and reorganized government • Edward II (his son) was unsuccessful – Lost power when his wife, Queen Isabella and her lover, invaded England (she was French) • Edward III (1327 -1377) – Much more successfulregained government order – Declared himself rightful heir throne (100 year war begins)

The Great Famine and Black Death • Famine: 1315 -1317 • Killed more than 10% of England’s population (roughly 500, 000 people) • The Black Death: The bubonic plague • Killed 1/3 -1/2 of the English population

Geoffrey Chaucer • 1343 -1400 • Father of English Literature • He was a page as a child and young man • He did a little bit of everything and enjoyed experiencing new things • Helped out with the kings doing various jobs

Canterbury Tales • Written in the late 14 th century in Middle English • Written in Iambic Pentameter • Narrator thought to be Chaucer • Collection of stories • Begins with the Prologue – Sets up the framework for the rest of the story – Frame story: a story within a story • The story is about a group of people traveling together and telling their story – They are going to St Thomas Becket’s Shrine in Canterbury

Pilgrimages • Pilgrimage: a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion • Ex-Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands in Israel/Palestine or St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome