История английской литературы

1. The Development of the English Language on the British Isles. Beowulf

The early history of Britain played a very important role in the formation of English language and literature. In the 1^st century AD Britain was conquered by the Romans, and Roman rule lasted for almost four centuries. The Romans built roads, towns, and introduced elements of their culture. However, in the 5^th century they left Britain, and soon after that the island was invaded by Germanic tribes – the Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes (they came from Germany and Denmark). These tribes settled in Britain and formed several kingdoms. The Germans believed in mane Gods (pagan – язычники).The Germans formed the foundation of English society, language, and political structure. Their language became known as Old English, and this period is called the Anglo-Saxon period.

Latin, French and English were spoken. French was used by the ruling class, Latin in church and education. English absorbed many French words, especially in law, government, and culture.

Myths are popular because they give continuity and stability to a culture and unite people through shared values and beliefs. They help to explain the unknown and make life’s difficulties easier to understand. Myths are also provide guidelines for behavior and offer role model for people to follow.

Anglo-Saxon society was based on warrior ideas: loyalty, bravery, honor, and the desire for fame. Literature at that time was mostly oral. These poems were passed from generation to generation before they were finally written down.

The greatest poem of Old English literature is Beowulf. It was written in the end of the 10^th century, although the story itself is much older. The author is unknown. The action takes place in Scandinavia which shows the Germanic origins of the Anglo-Saxons. The poem tells the story of a brave warrior Beowulf. He travels to Denmark to help King Hrothgar whose kingdom is attacked be a terrible monster named Grendel. Beowulf defeats Grendel in a fierce battle. Then he also kills Grendel’s mother who wants revenge. Many years later, Beowulf becomes king of the Geats. In the final part if the poem he fights a dragon who threatens his people. He kills the dragon. He is deadly wounded and dies as a hero.

The poem explores themes such as the struggle between good and evil, courage, loyalty, morality, and the desire of eternal glory.

2. Medieval English. Pre-Renaissance England in the 14th century. Geoffrey Chaucer

Middle English developed after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The language evolved from Old English while absorbing many French and Latin words used by the Norman rulers. By the 14^th century it had become the main spoken and written language in England.

Geoffrey Chaucer was born around 1340 and worked as a count official. He traveled a lot and met people from many social classes. This experience helped him accurately describe different types of people in his writings.

Periods of Chaucer’s writings: The French period, The Italian period, and The English period. Chaucer’s earliest poems were written in imitation of the French romances. He translated «The Romans of Rose» from French in 14^th century. He made 3 trips in Italy and this country made a deep impression on him.

He left behind the Italian influence in 1374 and became entirely English as he started writing literary work in the English language. He wrote his masterpiece «Canterbury Tales». This book describes a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Tomas Becket. During this journey they decide to tell stories to entertain each other. Each pilgrims reflect their personality and social background. The Knight tells a fable about a rooster, the Nun tells a moral religious story, The Miller tells a humorous and rather rude story about ordinary people and their tricks. и т.д.

Geoffrey Chaucer is appreciated because he showed the life of medieval English society in a vivid and realistic way. He helped to establish English as a major literary language at a time when French and Latin were dominant.