British Literature

Entry Task: Last week you were introduced to the Middle Ages (1066 – 1485) and took notes on the background. From your reading you learned that . . .

Three distinct social forces shaped England during the Middle Ages: the powerful church, headed by the Pope; the code of chivalry that expresses the values and ideals of conduct for knights; the political and economic system known as feudalism.The feudal system ensured that peasants, despite their large numbers, had very little political power. Yet their struggles and contributions helped build a great nation.

What do you think truly shapes a society?

Learning Goals

• Students will be exposed to other cultures and time periods, quality literature and effective/varied writing styles

• Students will begin to understand key facts that influenced and developed literature

• Students will write effectively in expository mode to examine/analysis a complex idea

Learning Targets For Middle Ages - Students will recognize cultural aspects of the Middle Ages and the corresponding effects on literature (women’s roles/chivalry)- Students will recognize the social influence of the Norman Invasion

(feudalism/Hierarchal society)- Students will recognize the “Great Happenings” and their effects on the

culture and literature (Crusades, Magna Carta, Black Death)- Students will recognize the concept of a pilgrimage- Students will recognize Chaucer’s style: (Frame story; iambic pentameter

& couplets; satire; indirect/direct characterization)- Students will analyze the satire of typical British citizenry in the Middle

Ages: (the church, Lesser nobility, Laborers, dishonest and greedy business people)

Middle Ages NotesRead pages 28 – 37; 140 – 141.Take notes• THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD• I. Historical Context• A. The Monarchy (p. 28)• B. War and Plague (pp. 29)• II. Cultural Influences• A. Feudalism and the Church (pp. 29–30)• B. Chivalry and Courtly Love (p. 30)• III. Literature of the Times• A. The Age of Chaucer (p. 31–32)• B. Medieval Romance (pp. 32–33)• IV. Medieval Narratives

A. The Medieval Reader (p. 140)B. Characteristics of Chaucer’s Style (p.140 – 141)

Middle AgesU:\Senior 1st Semester\middle ages\The Middle Ages.pptx

Introduction into the Canterbury Tales – take notesU:\Canterbury Tales\The Canterbury Tales intro PPT.ppt

Geoffrey Chaucer

One of Chaucer’s most notable quotes “Full wise is he that can himself know.”

(on your entry task paper) What is suggested/stated by this quote? What do you think it infers about Chaucer’s writing?

Exit taskReflect on the learning targets for today. Do you feel you met the targets?• Students will be exposed to other cultures and time periods, quality

literature and effective/varied writing styles• Students will begin to understand key facts that influenced and developed

literature• Students will write effectively in expository mode to examine/analysis a

complex idea

1. What is one thing that you completed or learned today that you found interesting? 2. What is one thing that you feel you can improve in future classes?