Anglo-Saxon Literature
Anglo-Saxon Literature
Anglo-Saxon Literature
Britons-original inhabitants of Britain lived there from 55 BC, in 410 AD Germanic group came into
Britain and invited it. Germanic group consisted of Angels(the dominant ones, that’s why we know a
part of GB as England), Saxons, and Jutes. They started living with Britons.
Literary characteristics
Dark age – England was in war with invaders(Vikings). People were so activated in war, they didn’t have
time to write any scientific documents/texts
-little scientific and cultural advancement
-no printing press
-major works have been lost due to oral transmission
Prose
King Alfred
Old English prose: Bade historia ecclestica, The Consolation of Philosophy, The Anglo-Saxon chronicle
William the Conqueror – duke of Normandy(place in France). Defatted the kind of England (Herold) in
the Battle of Hastings(1066 AD). Started Anglo-Norman period.
The Battle of Hastings divided literature in 2 periods: Anglo Saxon(before the battle) and Anglo-
Norman(after the battle)
Language development
Anglo-French become the official language. All the aristocratic people were speaking Franch, Middle
class(and lower classes) were speaking Old English
Literary works
Chanson de Geste – The Bous King Arthur – the knights used to sit in a round table and they all went into
different quests to find Holy Grail
Historical background
* England lost the battle of Hastings, they fought against France to regain their territories back. The
most significant battle - England won by using longbows to defeat the French army.
Geoffrey Chaucer – participated in 100 Years War, knew so many people so was able to look at their
perspective of the world and write about their experience in one of his books. His followers who are
inspired by him and write books based on his books are called Chaucerians.
-Protestant’s revolution
Historical context
-War of Roses – 2 political groups were fighting against one another(House of Lancaster (red rose) and
House of York(white rose))
-Arrival of Printing Press- came to Europe during the age of revival; William Caxton – brought it to
London. Wooden block printing
-Henry the 8 & his 6 Wives- remarried(killed his wives) because he didn't have a male child; started the
Anglican Charge
Writers
-Margery Kempe- The Book of Margery Kempe- started writing down what she is going through, what it
is to be a woman in that time, what it feels like to take care of so many responsibilities
-Julian of Norwich- 16 Revelations of Divine Love- dedicated her life to God