The Influence of Medieval English Literature

The Influence of Medieval English Literature

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain the medieval English literature that is still influential today and why.

Introduce the learning objective of the lesson to the students.

What do you already know about medieval English literature?

Introduction

Medieval English literature refers to works written in England during the Middle Ages. These works have had a lasting impact on English literature and culture.

Introduce the topic of the lesson and its relevance to English literature.

Beowulf

Beowulf is an epic poem written in Old English. It tells the story of a hero who battles monsters and dragons to save his people. Beowulf is still influential today because of its themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.

Discuss the epic poem Beowulf and its significance in medieval English literature.

The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in Middle English. It tells the stories of a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. The Canterbury Tales is still influential today because of its realistic portrayal of medieval life and its use of English vernacular.

Discuss The Canterbury Tales and its significance in medieval English literature.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a poem written in Middle English. It tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight who accepts a challenge from the Green Knight. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is still influential today because of its exploration of chivalry, honor, and the human condition.

Discuss Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and its significance in medieval English literature.

Shakespeare's Influence

Shakespeare was heavily influenced by medieval English literature. He often used themes and characters from medieval works in his plays. Shakespeare's works are still influential today because of their exploration of human nature and their use of language.

Discuss Shakespeare's influence on medieval English literature and his lasting impact on English literature.

Modern Adaptations

Many modern works, such as J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, are heavily influenced by medieval English literature. These works continue to be popular today because of their exploration of themes such as heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.

Discuss modern adaptations of medieval English literature and their continuing influence on contemporary culture.

Summary

Medieval English literature has had a lasting impact on English literature and culture. Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are still influential today because of their exploration of themes such as heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. Modern adaptations of these works continue to be popular today because of their exploration of similar themes.

Summarize the key points of the lesson and emphasize the continuing influence of medieval English literature.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.