英国文学第一册复习.pptVIP

Summary of British Literature Part I Ancient Literature  (before the Middle Ages) Beowulf : 1)Beowulf is a part of the epic tradition 2)It is the national epic of the Anglo-Saxons. 3)It is concerned with human values and moral choices. Artistic features: structural alliteration(头韵）:the use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words that are close together, e.g. sing a song of sixpence Kenning: a metaphors composed of two words, which the formula for a special object, e.g. swan road --the sea the world candle---the sun repetition and variation (more than once ) Part II Medieval Literature Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales 《坎特伯雷故事》 Artistic Features: (1) Messenger of Humanism Affirm mans right to pursue earthly happiness Praise mans energy, intellect, quick wit and love of life Expose and satirize the social vices, including religious abuses (2) The first important realistic writer Present a comprehensive realistic picture of the English society Create a whole gallery of vivid characters from all walks of life Explore the theme of the individuals relation to the society (3) “Father” of English poetry Introduce the rhymed stanzas of various types to English poetry (e.g. heroic couplet) 乔叟的诗行以五步抑扬格为基本节奏，每两行压韵，铿锵有力，被称为 “英雄双韵体”(the heroic couplet)；从乔叟后，它取代了古英语中的头韵alliteration ，为后来的诗人所沿用。Develop his art of poetry Master of the English language Significance of The Canterbury Tales 1. A comprehensive picture of Chaucer’s time wide range of characters typical representative of the class, an individual character 2. Dramatic structure highly commended by critics collection of tales, personalities, links between tales Boccacio The Decameron 3. Chaucer’s humor sympathy and understanding of the lower classes gentle satire and mild irony 4. Chaucer’s contribution to the English language London dialect of his day, beautiful language easily handled to express moo