Medieval English Literature: Authors and Works
High Medieval Literature (1066-1485)
During the High Middle Ages, literacy was limited, primarily accessible to those connected to the Church or the nobility. The earliest written work is the “Caedmon’s Hymn,” an early poem in Old English. Another notable work from this period is “Beowulf,” classified as an epic. Art, literature, and science flourished within the Christian culture, which preserved and transmitted knowledge. Key characteristics of this era include:
- Most literature was anonymous.
- Originality was not a primary focus.
- Religion played a significant role.
- Works were intended to be heard rather than read.
- Courtly Love and Chivalry were prevalent themes.
Important authors from the 14th century include Geoffrey Chaucer, William Langland, John Gower, the author of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and Julian of Norwich, with the genre of romance gaining prominence.
Geoffrey Chaucer
Considered the first great poet writing in English, Geoffrey Chaucer’s most famous work is “The Canterbury Tales.” Born in London (1340-1345), he served as a page to the Countess of Ulster. In 1366, Chaucer married Phillipa Roet. He was also elected as a member of parliament for Kent, and through his wife, he had connections to royalty. Besides “The Canterbury Tales,” he wrote “The Book of the Duchess” for John of Gaunt and “The Parliament of Fowls,” among others. “The Canterbury Tales” presents stories from the perspectives of 29 pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to venerate the shrine of Thomas Becket. It resembles the Italian Decameron, and its characters reflect a medieval estate satire, embodying stereotypes associated with their social classes. Although only 24 of the intended 120 tales were completed, it provides insight into the social and political structure of medieval England. Written in Middle English, its survival is attributed to its use of the vernacular language rather than Latin or French.
Other Writers
- William Langland, a contemporary of Chaucer, wrote “Piers Plowman,” employing alliteration. This work offers a critical view of British society.
- John Gower wrote “Confessio Amantis,” a novel about a suffering lover.
- “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is a romance novel by an unknown author, known for its narrative style, poetic form, and sophistication.
- Julian of Norwich was the first woman known to write in vernacular English. She wrote in a visionary style, common among women, focusing on her meditations and “showings.”
- John Lydgate, a monk and poet of the 15th century, was a prolific writer, though his quantity surpassed his quality. He imitated Chaucer and was a key figure of his time. He translated the “Troye Book” and “The Siege of Thebes.”
- Margery Kempe was a religious writer known for her visionary writings. She had a vision of Jesus and wrote “The Book of Margery Kempe,” a biography detailing her life from her first pregnancy until her 60s. She used an amanuensis (scribe) to record her story. Kempe was an ordinary middle-class woman.
This period also saw occasional representations of plays, in addition to poetry and narrative written in verses.
Plays
- Mystery Plays: These plays were based on the Bible, though not exclusively. Guilds funded and produced these plays.
- Morality Plays: These plays personified the virtues and vices of human beings and were performed by professional actors.