...What was the impact of the Norman Conquest? With the Norman Conquest there certainly came change, impacting certain areas of government and society, some clear and some more superficial, yet despite this there was underlying continuity from the Anglo Saxon era in other areas. There was clear change in areas such as the military, geopolitics, land tenure and social life under the Normans took on a different pattern. The underlying continuity can be seen in the administration system, justice and religion. Indeed it could be argued that this underlying continuity ensured that the potentially revolutionary change remained evolutionary. The social life of the vast majority of the English population changed quite considerably under the new “Conqueror King”. William was much more ruthless than previous Kings, with many contemporary commentators noting that he was “stronger” than any past kings. This ruthless nature was shown in his savage policy of wasting where many villages were burnt to the ground. This is especially seen in the “Harrying of the North”. These were a series of campaigns undertaken by William in the 1069-70 Winter to bring the rebellious North to tow. A previously independent part of the country was now subjugated under Norman rule, and this wide spread destruction dealt with the previously ever lingering problem of the North being separate from the rest of the country. This savage way of dealing with rebellions set a precedent for the rest of the country...
Words: 2489 - Pages: 10
...in their calculation of Easter. One of the earliest examples of this conflict came when St. Augustine met the British bishops in 603. Here, he succeeded in offending the British by refusing to rise upon their entrance, showing that he did not think of his Celtic counterparts as equals. The Easter discrepancy was addressed at the Synod of Whitby in 664. King Oswy of Bernicia, the bretwalda of Northumbria, is reported to have declared that “he would rather be on the side of St. Peter, who held the keys to heaven, than that of St. Columba”. His decision at the synod to accept the Roman method of calculating the feast of Easter marked an end to the rival Celtic tradition. It brought the Church in England closer together by accepting Roman organisation. Despite the advent of the Synod of Whitby, the triumph of the Roman tradition of Christianity did not simply transpire by coincidence. The acceptance of Roman organisation occurred for a variety of reasons. In exploring these, it is useful to focus on the role of several key institutions and individuals. Firstly, the institution of marriage was an important factor throughout Anglo-Saxon history in the transmission of Christianity and significantly the Roman brand...
Words: 2193 - Pages: 9
...Something worth fighting for: (Motivations of Beowulf in the epic poem, Beowulf) Heroes fight for something. From classic literature to new releases in the cinema, conflict is explained, and the protagonist fights for something. It can be for personal honor, a duty, or even to protect a girl or his family. Sometimes the motivation of the hero aren’t so honorable. Pride, revenge, and other things can drive a character to fight. Regardless, motivation exists for a conflict in any story. From a psychological aspect, one could argue that there isn’t a single motivation for any action. The beauty of literature and art, however, is the clarification of elements such as motive, where they are often boiled down to one or two prime influences on action....
Words: 923 - Pages: 4
...are a part of the Indo-European family. English is in the Germanic group of languages; West Germanic is the ancestor of modern Dutch, German, Flemish, Frisian and English. The Gaelic-speaking Celts were one of the earliest people to migrate westward and they were natives of the British Isles long before the English (McCrum 48). “The Celtic Britons had the misfortune to inhabit an island that was highly desirable for both its agriculture and for its minerals.”(p.52) The Angles, Saxons and the Jutes were the first invaders of the British Isles and they caused the Britons to flee to the west. The Angles, Saxons and the jutes mixed their different Germanic dialects and formed what linguists now refer to as Old English or Anglo-Saxon. “Englisc’ was Old English for English, and it comes from the name of the Angles. “The basic building blocks of an English sentence- the, is, you and- are Anglo-Saxon. It is impossible to write a modern sentence without using a feast of Anglo-Saxon words.”(p.58) The Anglo-Saxons were the first speakers of English, but the English they spoke is very much different from what we speak today and it is unintelligible to modern ears. This is an indication that along English’s journey through the years, there were events that occurred to change the language from what it was then to what it is now. The arrival of Christianity in England,Viking invasions and Alfred the Great, the Norman Conquest, the industrial revolution and rise of the technological society,...
Words: 2061 - Pages: 9
...epic “Beowulf” tells of a courageous Geat warrior who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, King of the Danes, when his people are plagued by two demons from the Cain ancestry line. With his courage and strength, Beowulf defeats the two evils that cause terror and destruction among the townspeople. Several years later, Beowulf, now king of his people, must put an end to the fire-spewing dragon that has taken refuge on his land. The intense battle between Beowulf and the dragon end in the death of both opponents. Beowulf left behind a long and great legacy that leaves his people speechless and heart-broken for their fallen hero. Even though this Anglo-Saxon epic was written between the fifth and seventh century, it carries many similarities to modern day society. The similarities can be seen in modern literature and pop culture, the comitatus, the various struggles that occur, and the qualities that make up a great leader. The poem epic has left a huge print on modern day writers and pop culture. Its influence can be seen in many modern fantasies from J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy “Lord of the Rings” and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. J. R. R. has been known to be one of the few scholars that have seriously contributed his works to Beowulf. In “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” he states how Anglo-Saxon literature had a long-lasting effect on present thoughts. Similarities between the Anglo-Saxon themes and ideas can be found throughout the trilogy along with the Old English...
Words: 399 - Pages: 2
...1. The phrase ‘Anglo-Saxon’ England refers to what what era? What are the characteristics of this period? - The Anglo-Saxon era lasted for 600 years, from 410 to 1066, and in that time Britain's political landscape underwent many changes. - Characteristics of this period they believed in the importance of loyalty to a leader and to the tribe. Admired men for outstanding courage. 2. What was the consequences of the end of Roman occupation of the island of Britain - The year 383 marks the end of Roman rule in northern and western Britain. In that year, Roman troops were withdrawn from those regions of Britain for the last time. 3. Who was William the Conqueror? What did he accomplish? Why was William significant - William the Conqueror was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death in 1087. - When he was eight he became duke of Normandy. Violence plagued his early reign. in 1052 he married Matilda of Flanders. William and Matilda had six daughters and four sons. Crowned king of England in 1066. - William the conqueror shifted the culture of England itself to one much more recognizable as the modern nation-state. Change the language we are formally use to. 4. Briefly describe the invasion of England. - Basically started a new era in British history. It happened with 7000 troops and calvary marched to Hastings. After and all day battle King Harold II was killed shot in the eye with an arrow. 5. What were 3 major...
Words: 457 - Pages: 2
...What defines a king as being successful is a matter subject to opinion, making it considerably difficult to determine success objectively. However, if one focuses upon the stability of the kingdom alongside its progression during a king’s reign then a sense of general success is being obtained. Being a military leader was a significant quality as it is often depicted as being a central factor of both Carolingian and Anglo-Saxon kingship. Whether it was the most important quality for a successful king to possess in Western Europe c.600 to c.900 is debatable. Other factors such as the relationship with the papacy, religion in its own right, and reforms are also significant in enabling a king to be successful. Yet, with careful consideration...
Words: 1424 - Pages: 6
...and religious change, and that different areas were affected by different factors. Introduction This dissertation will assess the extent to which ancient beliefs and practices survived the introduction of Christianity and their subsequent development in England. This will be achieved through the study of visual culture; the survival of ancient practices; and an investigation into superstition and the changing acceptance of witchcraft. Visual Culture will be used to group together several different areas, for instance knot work and grotesques in architecture and manuscripts. Other artefacts such as The Franks Casket will also be investigated. Ancient culture will be defined as an umbrella term covering everything from pagan or Anglo-Saxon festivals to...
Words: 17040 - Pages: 69
...ENGLISH LITERATURE ITS HISTORY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE LIFE OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD A TEXT-BOOK FOR SCHOOLS BY WILLIAM J. LONG, PH.D. (Heidelberg) TO MY FRIEND C H T IN GRATITUDE FOR HIS CONTINUED HELP IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS BOOK CANTERBURY PILGRIMS From Royal MS., 18 D.ii, in the British Museum PREFACE This book, which presents the whole splendid history of English literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the close of the Victorian Era, has three specific aims. The first is to create or to encourage in every student the desire to read the best books, and to know literature itself rather than what has been written about literature. The second is to interpret literature both personally and historically, that is, to show how a great book generally reflects not only the author's life and thought but also the spirit of the age and the ideals of the nation's history. The third aim is to show, by a study of each successive period, how our literature has steadily developed from its first simple songs and stories to its present complexity in prose and poetry. To carry out these aims we have introduced the following features: (1) A brief, accurate summary of historical events and social conditions in each period, and a consideration of the ideals which stirred the whole nation, as in the days of Elizabeth, before they found expression in literature. (2) A study of the various literary epochs in turn, showing what each gained from...
Words: 16972 - Pages: 68
...”borrowing” a lot from the greeks and the romans. Milton is desperate to make english latin. We have got to be latin, if it’s not latin it’s not literature. The language comes really late into the game. English always tries to catch up. Languages comes from a conquerer taking a country and forcing his language onto the native language. English is a mishmash language. Grammar is also merged. The vikings/barbarians invaded England, and beat down all culture/cities/religion. They wiped out the latin culture. And settled. Anglo-saxon 450-550 AD. Britain becomes a series of tribal bands. Britain becomes ”aengland”. Britain becomes a country under a german people. G.M- Trevelyans comment on the Anglo-Saxons: In many respects the life resembles that of Homer’s day. Each was a free Heroic Age, wherein the warrior chief played his part unshackled. Even when Christianity and territorial feudalism were beinning to lay new restraints on the individual, Anglo-Saxon society had in it much...
Words: 1264 - Pages: 6
...The medieval and middle literature periods included writings in old english, and Anglo-Norman through middle English, the increasing length of poetry and prose, with strong religious influences during times of change. The Medieval time period is between the fifth and fifteenth century. At the start of this era was the falling of the great Roman Empire and it continued into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Germanic tribes took over. The classic Beowulf was written during the rising of the Germanic tribes and is still read by many today. Following the Germans was the Vikings. Then finally in 1066, the Norman Conquest happened. The Duke of Normandy invaded Britain and took the Anglo-Saxons’ land...
Words: 1718 - Pages: 7
...The key character in the poem Beowulf, is a heroic and a legendary character whose actions are embodied to the Anglo-Saxon culture. As a hero he has the accepted and the most ideal characteristics that are accepted in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The tale revolves around these characteristics to make up an epic tale. Beowulf is moulded to possess the virtues, traits and beliefs that were highly respected and requires in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Therefore, is displayed to have these virtues in his own actions and words during different circumstances in the tale. Reading Beowulf brings out lots of similarities with many pieces of literature from the Ancient Greek and the Modern literature. The Beowulf carries is similar to many Greek dramas that focused on a protagonist who was turned out to be a tragic hero. There was an element of belief in the gods who had super- human powers and had unique and ultimate special skills of their own, and overcame unsurmountable problems. However, in Beowulf, there is no Greek or Roman gods, but there are other supernatural beings defined as monsters that exist and are difficult to win over. Beowulf is extra-ordinarily strong, agile, and super intelligent. He is portrayed as one who overcomes many obstacles and was able to kill Grendel and his mother and the others in the sea. In addition, the wide character list and meaningful names is similar to those of other types of literature of the early eras. The story of Paradise lost opens in hell. Satan...
Words: 2659 - Pages: 11
...& Devon, 1068-9 Fenland’s boggy isle of Ely Fenland’s boggy isle of Ely Date Geography Date Geography Pure Saxon revolt. Earl Morcar expected help from the Danes. Pure Saxon revolt. Earl Morcar expected help from the Danes. Edgar Atheling of Wessex. King Malcolm. King Swegn Viking army Supported by native Anglo Scandinavians Northumbrian aristocracy. Welsh Edgar Atheling of Wessex. King Malcolm. King Swegn Viking army Supported by native Anglo Scandinavians Northumbrian aristocracy. Welsh (1)Edwin + Morcar allied with Welsh princes (2)Thegn - Eadric the ‘wild’ the Welsh princes rising put down fitzOsbern. (1)Edwin + Morcar allied with Welsh princes (2)Thegn - Eadric the ‘wild’ the Welsh princes rising put down fitzOsbern. 3 of Harold’s sons came of over from Ireland. 3 of Harold’s sons came of over from Ireland. Foreign – Eustace of Boulogne. Foreign – Eustace of Boulogne. Nature of Leader ship Nature of Leader ship Lack of royal authority. Anti-Norman. Lack of royal authority. Anti-Norman. North had been semi-dependant of south before 1066. Northern earls didn’t try to save Godwin (1051) or Edward (1052) and ejected Tostig (1065). Lack of royal authority + monastic influence. Allowed...
Words: 1411 - Pages: 6
...through battle, and also the rood to be warrior of status equivalent to the heroes of Anglo-Saxon. Pagan culture seems to prevail through the animistic features of the rood endowed by a living spirit. The concept of personification seem to resemble beliefs of the ancient Celts whereby nature was considered as to be living, a feeling and conscious unit. This is described through "entirely cased in gold; the beautiful gems stood/ at the corners of the earth" (6-8). The narrator later asserts that it is by "the means of the rood each soul/ who thinks to dwell with the Ruler/ must seek the kingdom from the earthy way/ I prayed to the three with a happy spirit then" (199-122). The letter shows an entirely empathy pagan...
Words: 908 - Pages: 4
...CONTENTS INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………3 CHAPTER 1. LINGUISTIC SITUATION IN OLD ENGLISH AND MIDDLE ENGLISH PERIOD……………………………………………………………..5 1.1 THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTHARK……………………………………5 1.1.1 THE RUNIC ALPHABET AS AN OLD GERMANIC WRITING TRADITION……………………………………………………………………6 1.1.2 OLD ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE PERIOD OF ANGLO-SAXON ETHNIC EXTENSION…………………………………………………………7 1.2 LINGUISTIC SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE ENGLISH………………..11 1.2.1 LINGUISTIC SITUATION IN MEDIEVAL ENGLAND AFTER THE NORMAN CONQUEST……………………………………………….……….11 1.2.2 DIALECTAL DIVERSITY IN THE MIDDLE ENGLISH PERIOD.…...13 1.3 THE MIDDLE ENGLISH CORPUS……………………………………….15 1.3.1 GEOFFREY CHAUCER AND HIS LENDING SUPPORT OF THE LONDON STANDARD’S DIFFUSION……………………………………….17 1.3.2 THE ROLE OF THE PRINTING IN THE FORMATION OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE………………………………………………….…….19 1.3.3 PRINCIPAL MIDDLE ENGLISH WRITTEN RECORDS AS A REFLECTION OF ONGOING CHANGES IN STANDARDIZATION………25 CONCLUSION…………………………………………………….…………....28 REFERENCES………………………………………………………………….30 APPENDIX 1……………………………………………………………………33 INTODUCTION linguistic history english language The English language has had a remarkable history. When we first catch it in historical records, it is a language of none-too-civilized tribes on the continent of Europe along the North Sea. From those murky and undistinguished beginnings, English has become the most widespread language in the world, used by more peoples for more purposes than any language on...
Words: 9916 - Pages: 40
