英国文学史知识梳理知识讲解

英 国 文 学 史 知 识 梳 理学习————— 好资料精品资料一、 The Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066) The literature：Two divisions: pagan and Christian The Song of Beowulf：the events which took place on the Continent at the beginning of the 6th Century，The poem tells of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who rids the Danes of the monster Grendel, half man and half fiend, and Grendel's mother, who comes that evening to avenge Grendel's death. Fifty years later Beowulf, now king of his native land, fights a dragon who has devastated his people. Both Beowulf and the dragon are mortally wounded in the fight. The poem ends with Beowulf's funeral. Theme：the primitive people’s struggle against hostile forces of the natural world under a wise and mighty leader. 二、 The Anglo-Norman Period(1066-1350) The Literature：The literature which they brought to England is remarkable for its bright, romantic tales of love and adventure (Romance), in marked contrast with the strength and somberness(朴实无华 )of Anglo-Saxon poetry (Epic). Explanation of Sir Gawain and Green Knight：Two motifs （主题） 1.The test of faith, courage, purity2.The test of human weakness for self-preservation 三、 Geoffrey Chaucer(1340?-1400 ）Characteristics①His allegories and symbols are already tinged with realistic images②Chaucer’s poem is distinguished for its profound delineation of character and truthful description of human relations. The Canterbury Tales：The Host (Harry Baily) proposes a storytelling contest to pass the time; each of the 30 pilgrims (including the poet) is to tell four tales on the round trip. 学习————— 好资料精品资料Major Work:1.The Legend of Good Women 好女人的故事 2.The House of Fame声誉殿堂3.The Canterbury Tales...