MIDDLE ENGLISH PROSE:


v         
v      1) Ancrene Riwle:

* It means ‘Rules for the Anchoresses’.

* It is written probably in 1225 perhaps by Bishop Poore of Salisbury.

* It has come down to us in English French and Latin versions and possibly the English Version is original.

* It is a book of ex excellent religious advice and comfort written for three ladies who wished to live a religious life, without, however, becoming nuns or entering any religious orders.

* It has eight distinct books. They are written in tradition of old English Homiletic prose. They also give some advice on domestic matters relating food, clothing etc.

* The work is remarkable for its proverbial quality its bestiary allusions, its familiar illustrations from everyday life, its common metaphor and above all its humour. 



v            2) The Ayenbite of Inwyt:

* It is written by Dan Michel of Northgate in 1340.

* It is a translation of French work.

* It has no literary value but from the linguistic point of view it is the most important text in South-eastern and more particularly the Kentish dialect.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PRE-SHAKESPEREAN DRAMA OR THE UNIVERSITY WITS:

Image
      The Pre-Shakespearean dramatists are known as the ‘ University Wits’ . They are so called as nearly all of them were closely associated with oxford and Cambridge University . As we know the condition of the drama that preceded them was precarious and chaotic; - “The classicists had form, but not fire; the popular dramatists had interest, but little sense of form”. They tried and were able to unite the classical conception of the drama and enthusiasm and favour of the popular dramatists. They were usually actors and dramatists. Their training began as actors. They revised old plays and finally became independent writers. They all were more or less acquainted with each other, and most of them led irregular Bohemian lives. Their plays had several features in common. Albert sums up- (a)            There was a fondness for heroic themes , such as the lives of great figures like Mohammed and Tamburlaine. (b)            Heroic themes needed heroic treatment: great
Read more

Banalata Sen an analysis

Banalata Sen was a recurrent theme in Jibanananda's creation with its richtapestry of imagery. Was there a Banalata Sen? There is no documentation thatthere was indeed someone by that name in his real life. Expressions suggestingthe end of time, and the use of words like "darkness remains" suggest end oflife themes, that were common in Jibanananda's works related to Banalata Sen,but nothing beyond this is hinted at in these works. Banalata Sen has found her stands with the best of the lady characters of the world. She has been ordained with the characters of the solitary reaper, Lucy, Maria, Phenomenal women and others. Immortal poets like Herman Goering and William Butler Yeats stands as the primal inspiration to the idea of this woman. She stands as a hope, a ray of light among the abyss of darkness, a speck of treasure of happiness in the pool of emptiness. She is the humanity personified; Banalata is the direction of love that resides in the romanticism
Read more

POST SHAKESPEREAN DRAMA OR THE JACOBEAN DRAMATISTS: THE JACOBEAN PERIOD (1603-1625):

Image
  * The death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603 created a situation of utter confusion and turmoil in society which had momentous impact on English literature. James-I ascended the throne in 1603. * The early decades of the 17 th century may be called the age of transition. By this time the Renaissance exuberance and optimism are succeeded by a mood of disillusion . First , there were series of plots to assassinate Elizabeth. There was no heir to the throne. Apprehension of civil war and intervention of foreign powers gripped the mind of the people. The situation reached its crisis in the rebellion of Essex on February 1, 1601 and his execution. A feeling of uncertainty was sharpened with the accession of James I.   * Court standards were lowered. Uncertainty and fears increased with the constant threats to the power of James. The Jesuits plotted against James constantly. * Elizabeth was popular and tactful. She compromised in matters of religion. James was unpopular
Read more