The Medieval Period

The Middle Ages/Middle English1066 - 1485

The Normans(“north men”)

Originally from Northern Europe (like Danes)Settled in NormandyAdopted French waysWm. intros French ways to England 1066 – Old English changes to Middle English!!!

Feudalism

Political & economic systemBased on hierarchy of powerKing owned all land¼ to king¼ to churchRest to loyal nobles (“barons”)in return for pay or warriors (“knights”)

Thus, the social ladder:

KingsBaronsKnights

Serfs – conquered Anglo-Saxons; peasants bound to land they couldn’t own

Protecting Norman interests

Barons build castles to dominate countryside & defend the realmCathedrals & abbeys erected (see pamphlet)

Power struggles

1135 Wm.’s son Henry I diesViolent struggle between daughter Matilda & nephew Stephen1154 – Matilda’s son Henry Plantagenet takes throne (Henry II) – great memorable leader

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Most powerful woman of 12th c.Former French queenVast landholdings in France as part of her dowryBrought to England “chivalry”: code of honor to govern knightly behavior, to honor & protect ladies, & go on holy quests (see purple text p. 209)

Thomas a Becket

Henry II’s friendAppointed to Archbishop of Canterbury Criticized for favoring church interests over crownMurdered by Henry’s knightsHenry proclaims innocence and reconciles w/churchBecket declared a saint, shrine built

Richard the Lion-hearted

Henry II’s sonSpent most of 10-yr. reign fighting in Crusades in FranceBrother John (villain of Robin Hood legends) plotted against himDies and John becomes king

John

Royal treasury goes bankrupt by overseas warfareMust sign the Magna Carta – limits royal authority; gives more power to barons; early step to democracyEventually parliaments are formed – councils of barons but later to include commoners as well

Which Big Hair Band sang it anyway?

“Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing”

-Aerosmith

“Never Say Goodbye”

- Bon Jovi

“Love Bites”

- Def Leppard

“Home Sweet Home”

- Motley Crue

Which Big Hair Band sang it anyway?

“Patience”

- Guns and Roses

“Is This Love?”

- Whitesnake

“Keep on Lovin You”

- REO Speedwagon

“Every Rose Has Its Thorn”

- Poison

Ballads

songs that tell storiesPopular in England & ScotlandLoved by the commoners, particularly the illiterateAbout ordinary peoplePassed on orallyMost were anonymous; not written down ‘til 18th c.

Ballads, cont’d.

Focus on a single incidentPopular subjects: tragic love, domestic conflict, crime, war, & shipwreckSome tragic; others comedicDeal with everyday life & problems

Poetic devices

Stanzas are quatrains (?)Rhyme scheme of abcbRhythm (1st & 3rd lines – 4 stressed syllables; 2nd & 4th – 3 stressed)DialogueRepetition of letters (alliteration), words, & phrases

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

I could’ve spent another night If I’d known what to sayInstead of makin’ loveWe both made our separate ways.