Medieval Era

Introduction

The various names for the period between A.D. 500 and 1500--the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages, and the Medieval Era--all reflect its position between the cultural achievements of the Roman Empire, which fell in A.D. 476, and the flourishing of art and science in the Renaissance, which began around the 1400s. While the accomplishments of this period may not match those of adjacent eras, they nevertheless are significant. In addition to Gothic architecture and influential philosophy, this period produced a number of literary masterpieces, including the epic poems Beowulf and Song of Roland, highly unrealistic romances such as those about King Arthur and his knights, and short, often humorous works by writers such as Geoffrey Chaucer. The dominant religious, political, and cultural force in Western Civilization at this time was the Christian Church, headed by the pope. The Church's monastic orders, including the Franciscans and Dominicans, made a number of important cultural contributions, including Gregorian chants.

Ballads

One of the most important genre of this period is the ballad, a type of poem that was sung.  Click on "ballad" in the list of terms at the right and read the definition.  Then read poems below by clicking on titles.  As you read and study the poems, consider the following questions: What seem to be the distinctive characteristics of ballads?  Consider their use of figurative language, rhyme, alliteration, rhythm, and refrain, as well as their style of narration.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

  1. In his notes on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, J.R.R. Tolkien writes of the poem: "We see the attempt to preserve the graces of 'chivalry and the courtesies, while wedding them, or by wedding them, to Christian morals, to marital fidelity, and indeed married love" (6).  What Christian elements appear in this story?  In particular, how does Gawain's character exemplify Christian values?
    1. Essay by Jerron McDowell
  2. In literary terms, we would call Sir Gawain the "protagonist" of this poem.  Like the protagonists in many modern movies and television shows, Gawain embarks on an adventure and must rise to challenges.  What kind of protagonist is he?  In what ways is he similar to or different from modern protagonists such as Luke Skywalker or Xena, Warrior Princess, or Walker, Texas Ranger?
    1. Essay by Patricia Elaine Miller
  3. Poems, novels, and movies in the romance genre tend to be escapist.  That is, they help us to lose ourselves in other, more exotic worlds.  In what ways does Sir Gawain and the Green Knight help its readers to escape their ordinary lives? 
  4. Literature can be a window on the culture that produced it.  What can we learn about English culture in the medieval era from reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?  What kinds of things did the people of this place and time value? 
    1. Essay by Tracy Newkirk

Bibliography

  • Tolkien, J.R.R., trans.  Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and Sir Orfeo.  New York: Ballantine, 1975.

Literary Figures

Places

Terms

Updated November 23, 2000 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke
© Mark Canada, 2000 | canada@sassette.uncp.edu