Medieval English Literature includes the European writings from 500AD which marked the fall of Roman civilization to the 15th century [when the Renaissance started]. Medieval writers were hardly original. The reason behind this was that Catholic Church was the hub of learning at that time. Therefore, the works of the clerics dominated literature during that period. They retold the stories of the classical writers and fathers to warn the people and encourage them to adopt a pious life. They used symbols in their writings intensely because they thought that everything in this world was a sign of God. Therefore by concentrating on these symbols they could come closer to Him.
While talking about medieval literature it is impossible that we don't mention Geoffrey Chaucer. His Canterbury Tales depict the medieval society in a very picturesque and critical manner. People during the middle ages were extremely uncivilized and selfish. They were given to war and height of instability.
Moreover, medieval literature very realistically portrays the role of women in the society at that time. Women were not given much importance during the early medieval period. They were confined to their houses. Gradually women started struggling to get a place for themselves in the society. However, medieval literature showed such a woman a serious threat to the society. Works like Beowulf and The Book of Margery Kempre tried to establish that a woman's real place was her home and she should be restricted there.
Thus, medieval literature touches almost every topic from the religious to the secular. It marks the confusion and chaos of a society where it was impossible to differentiate between the right and the wrong. It holds a mirror to us and we can learn many lessons from it.
While talking about medieval literature it is impossible that we don't mention Geoffrey Chaucer. His Canterbury Tales depict the medieval society in a very picturesque and critical manner. People during the middle ages were extremely uncivilized and selfish. They were given to war and height of instability.
Moreover, medieval literature very realistically portrays the role of women in the society at that time. Women were not given much importance during the early medieval period. They were confined to their houses. Gradually women started struggling to get a place for themselves in the society. However, medieval literature showed such a woman a serious threat to the society. Works like Beowulf and The Book of Margery Kempre tried to establish that a woman's real place was her home and she should be restricted there.
Thus, medieval literature touches almost every topic from the religious to the secular. It marks the confusion and chaos of a society where it was impossible to differentiate between the right and the wrong. It holds a mirror to us and we can learn many lessons from it.
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