Highlights of Middle English Period of English Literature (1066-1500)

The Middle English period (1066-1500) was a transitional era that saw the development of English as a literary language, largely influenced by French and Latin. Key features include strong religious and moral themes, the rise of secular literature like romance and satire, and the use of the vernacular language. The era ended with the introduction of the printing press, which helped standardize the language. 

Special Features of Middle English Literature

·        Language Shift: English evolved from Old English, incorporating thousands of words from Anglo-Norman French and Latin, moving towards a structure more akin to Modern English grammar.

·        Anonymity and Derivative Stories: Many works were anonymous, and originality was not a primary concern; authors often translated or adapted existing French and Latin sources.

·        Oral Tradition: Much of the literature was intended to be recited or performed, leading to an emphasis on memorable forms like alliterative verse and songs.

·        Dominant Themes:

o   Religion/Morality: Works often taught Christian lessons, with abstract qualities (like sins or virtues) personified in morality plays (e.g., Everyman).

o   Chivalry and Courtly Love: Romances exploring the heroic deeds, honor code, and ideal love of knights were highly popular (e.g., Arthurian legends).

o   Social Commentary: Writers often critiqued social injustices and corruption within society and the Church. 

Major Writers and Their Works

Writer	Major Works	Special Features
Geoffrey Chaucer	The Canterbury Tales, Troilus and Criseyde	"Father of English poetry"; used the London dialect, which became the standard; employed humor, satire, and vivid characterization to depict a cross-section of medieval society.
William Langland	Piers Plowman	Wrote a political and religious allegory in alliterative verse that critiques social injustice and religious corruption through a series of dream visions.
The Gawain Poet (Anonymous)	Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl	Masterful use of complex alliterative verse and intricate stanza forms; explored themes of honor, temptation, and Christian morality within the chivalric romance tradition.
John Gower	Confessio Amantis, Vox Clamantis	A contemporary and friend of Chaucer who wrote in three languages (English, French, and Latin); his works often focus on moral and political commentary.
Sir Thomas Malory	Le Morte d'Arthur	Compiled and reworked French and English Arthurian legends into the first major English prose version of the tales, a cornerstone of the King Arthur mythology.
Julian of Norwich	Revelations of Divine Love	A mystic who wrote one of the earliest surviving works by a woman in English, detailing her spiritual visions and theological meditations.
Margery Kempe	The Book of Margery Kempe	Credited with writing the first autobiography in English, offering a candid account of her religious experiences and extensive pilgrimages.