【正文】 s nameBritain (the land of Britons). The Britons were a primitive people, a bronzeage people entering upon an age of iron. 2. The Roman Conquest (1st invasion) In 55 B. C. Britain was invaded by the Roman general Julius Caesar. The Britons fought bitterly against the Roman conquerors (for about 100 years) and was not pletely subjugated to the Roman Empire until 78 A. D. With the Roman Conquest, the Roman mode of life and civilization came across to Britain also. The Roman Conquest ended in 410 A. D. Influence: Christianity was introduced to Britain. 3. The AngloSaxon Invasion (2nd invasion) ? In the mid 5th century, Britain was invaded by three Germanic tribesthe Angles, the Saxons, and the Jutes, from the Northeast of Europe, fierce Germanic tribes in late stages of tribal society ? established small kingdoms in Britain ? by the 7th century bined into a united kingdom called Englaland ( the land of Angles ). ? people called the English. ? three dialects spoken by them grew into a single language called AngloSaxon, or Old English, a derivative of Low German. 4. The Christianization of the AngloSaxons ? In 597 St. Augustine and his monks landed in Kent. Heathen England was Christianized part by part in the following century. Monasteries were built all over the country. It was in these monasteries that the earliest English books were written down because at that time few except monks could read and write. ? The literature falls into two divisions,pagan and Christian. (Christianity: ① a new life and leader for England。s mother ? the mortal bat with the Fire Dragon 3. Social Significance of Beowulf A. provides insight into the best qualities of the newer culture they were building in England and mirrors their ideals (reflection of the features of the tribal society of ancient times) B. reflects the typical tone of their literature, with its emphasis on the darker emotions, its grim scenery, its vigorous portrayal of the sea and of battle. C. its chief significance lies in the vivid portrayal of a great national hero 4. Three Features of Beowulf 1) the most striking feature: the use of alliteration, which is characteristic of all Old English verse. Example of Alliteration from Beowulf Of Men was the mildest and most beloved Of his kin the kindest, keenest for praise. 2) the use of metaphors and understatements – many pound words used in the poem to serve as indirect metaphors that are sometimes very picturesque. – understatement is characteristic of the English people and their language 3) the mixture of pagan and Christian elements 2. AngloSaxon Prose 1. Bede (the Venerable Bede) – Father of English History – Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum (631) – later translated from Latin into AngloSaxon by King Alfred as The Ecclesiastical History of the English People in 891 – covers from the Roman Invasion of Britain to AD731, 4 years before the author?s death 2. King Alfred‘s contributions to English literature – Translations from Latin, including Bede?s History – his free way of translation helped him to write in a natural style in English, his contribution to the development of English prose – launching the AngloSaxon Chronicle (also known as Old English Chronicle), a historical register of national events from dim past to his own age. This work was continued by monks long after his death. 3. Homework ? Get the Ss. to read and appreciation the selected parts in History and Anthology of English Literature (P717) ? Review the value of Beowulf。 2. Romance and Ballads。 4. The Canterbury Tales 5. Appreciation. I. Historical Background 1. Norman Conquest—marks the establishment of feudalism in England Time: 1066 A. D. William the Conqueror (Hasting Battle: Harold) Influence: ① the bringing of Roman civilization to England。 peasant heavily taxed。 ② The King of England assumed great power than before. Henry VII (1485—1509), taking advantage of this situation, founded the Tudor Dynasty. (1485—1603). II. Literature 1. Introduction ? The literature which the Normans brought to England is remarkable for its bright, romantic tales of love and adventure, in marked contrast with the strength and somberness of AngloSaxon poetry. (English literature is a bination of French and Saxon elements.) ? The Subject Matters in this Period: 6. Romance and Ballads ① Chivalry: the spirit of knights Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (hero Arthur) ② Ballads A ballad is a story told in song, usually in 4line stanzas, with the second and fourth lines rhymed. They are mainly the literature of the peasants and reflex the outlook of the English mon people in feudal society. Robin Hood Ballads: royal plex 7. Geoffrey Chaucer (?1340—1400) a) Life ? Geoffrey Chaucer, the founder of English poetry, was born, about 1340, in London. (Son of a wine merchant who had connections with the Court.) ? He served as page to Elizabeth, Countess of Ulster. ? He went to France in 1359 on one of the campaigns of the Hundred Years‘ War, and was taken prisoner. On his return, he married Philippa, a maid of honor to the queen and relative of John Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. ? Several times he was sent to the Continent on diplomatic missions, two of which took him to Italy. (King Edward III) ? In 1373 , he received the post of a Comptroller of Customs in the port of London. ? He was . for Kent in 1386. ? He died on the 25th of October 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, thus founding the ―Poets? Corner.‖ ? Works He was a great humanist and realist. (―inparable observer of human nature and teller of tales.‖) His works include: 1) works translated from French。 3) purely English works Some people say that Geoffrey Chaucer is a mixture of old and new. He adopted an attitude of opposition against