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Medieval Literature

Medieval Literature. Background Material. Knights of Legend. A Society of Promises: Feudalism was a system of government and of land ownership. In exchange for a nobleman’s oath of loyalty, a king would give him lands.

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Medieval Literature

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  1. Medieval Literature Background Material

  2. Knights of Legend • A Society of Promises: • Feudalism was a system of government and of land ownership. • In exchange for a nobleman’s oath of loyalty, a king would give him lands. • The nobleman ruled these lands, judging legal cases, imposing taxes, and maintaining an army. • These powers were granted him in exhange for his promise of loyalty to his king.

  3. The Code of Chivalry: • An expression of feudal ideals of honor, nobles developed a code of conduct called chivalry. • This code demanded that knights be brave warriors and virtuous Christians who would selflessly fight for justice • Chivalrous knights obeyed certain rules of warfare such as never attacking an unarmed opponent • Additionally, adoring a praticular lady (not necessarily one’s wife) was seen as a means of achieving self-improvement

  4. All You Need Is [Courtly] Love • Courtly Love: • The idea that revering and acting in the name of a lady would make a knight brave and better was central to this aspect of chivalry. • In its ideal form, it is nonsexual. • A knight might wear his lady’s colors in battle • He might glorify her in words and be inspired by her • The lady always remained pure and out of reach; she was “set above” her admirer.

  5. King Arthur and His Knights: • The ideals of chivalry gave rise to legends and songs, such as the tales of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. • In the eleventh century, as feudalism established itself throughout Europe, stories about Arthur’s court became widespread.

  6. Elements of “Romantic” Literature • A near-perfect hero • An evil enemy • A quest • A test of the hero • Supernatural elements • Good vs. evil • Female figures who are usually maidens (in need of rescue), mothers, or crones

  7. Based on “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” • What is the purpose of the “Wife’s Tale”? • Didactic—teaching a moral? • Persuasive? • Simply entertaining? • Which elements define, describe, develop this tale? • Provide two examples and explanations: • Give a statement of the Medieval / Romantic element being used • Give a quote from the “Wife’s Tale” to support the element • Give analysis (how, why, what about the quote proves the useful nature of the element within the story)

  8. Write an essay stating the purpose of the “Wife’s Tale.” • Introduction • Body Paragraph(s) • Conclusion • Typed: double-spaced, 12 pt. font, one-inch margins, MLA formal essay format • Submit to turnitin.com • Class ID: 4223544 • Class Password: tbirds1 • Due on Monday, Oct. 24th

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