In which year did William of Normandy defeat Harold Godwinson at Hastings?
1066.
What dates conventionally define the English Middle Ages?
1066 to 1485.
How did Middle English differ from Old English in its regional form?
Middle English developed as evolving regional varieties.
Which languages served different functions in medieval England?
English, Anglo-Norman French, and Latin.
Which literary forms appeared in medieval literature?
Oral songs, poems, folk ballads, religious drama, romances, allegorical and alliterative poetry, and didactic writing.
What hidden meaning can allegory convey through symbolic characters and events?
A moral, spiritual, or political meaning.
What two levels does an allegory have?
A literal narrative level and a symbolic level.
What kind of narrative tradition is medieval romance?
A vernacular narrative tradition.
Which ideals do romances often associate with chivalry?
Courage, loyalty, honour, and service.
What lessons could medieval literature aim to teach?
Religious, moral, or practical lessons.
Answer 11 questions on British Medieval Literature.
1. Which feature best characterizes the structure of feudal society?
2. What historical change is traditionally associated with the Battle of Bosworth in 1485?
Go over the full study guide for British Medieval Literature.
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