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British Literature I
Table of Contents
Unit 5 Overview: Medieval Romance: Sir Gawain & Green Knight
5.1 Characteristics of Medieval Romance
5.2 Arthurian Legend in Medieval Literature
5.3 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Plot, Themes, and Symbolism
5.4 Alliterative Revival and Poetic Form

The 14th century saw a revival of alliterative verse in England, harking back to Old English poetic traditions. This resurgence, centered in the North and West Midlands, produced works like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Piers Plowman.

Alliterative verse used stress-based meter with four stressed syllables per line and a medial pause. It emphasized internal sound patterns through alliteration, enhancing musicality and rhythm while allowing flexibility in line length.

Alliterative Revival in Middle English Poetry

Concept of alliterative revival

  • Resurgence of alliterative verse in 14th century revived Old English poetic traditions reacted against French and Latin influences
  • Concentrated geographically in North and West Midlands of England (York, Lancashire)
  • Notable works included Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Piers Plowman, and Pearl
  • Coexisted with rhymed poetry exemplified by Chaucer's works in same period (The Canterbury Tales)

Features of alliterative verse

  • Stress-based meter employed four stressed syllables per line with variable unstressed syllables
  • Caesura created medial pause dividing each line into two half-lines
  • Alliteration pattern featured three or more stressed syllables sharing same initial sound (sea, sand, shore)
  • Lacked end rhyme focused on internal sound patterns instead
  • Impact on poetic form:
    1. Allowed greater flexibility in line length
    2. Enhanced musicality and rhythm
    3. Emphasized oral performance and memorization techniques

Analysis of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Poetic elements in Sir Gawain

  • Alliteration consistently used throughout poem often linking key words or concepts ("Gawain the good")
  • Meter structured long alliterative lines with four stressed syllables and irregular unstressed syllables
  • Bob and wheel structure marked end of each stanza:
    • Short line (bob) followed by four rhyming lines (wheel)
  • Rhyme limited to wheel section created distinct rhythm and sound pattern

Sir Gawain vs other Middle English poems

  • Similarities with Piers Plowman used alliterative long lines lacked end rhyme in main body of text
  • Differences from The Canterbury Tales contrasted Chaucer's rhyming couplets and regular syllabic meter
  • Comparison with Pearl both used alliteration but Pearl employed more complex rhyme schemes
  • Contrast with Troilus and Criseyde which used rhyme royal stanza form while Sir Gawain maintained stricter alliterative patterns

Key Terms to Review (16)

Stress Patterns: Stress patterns refer to the rhythm and emphasis placed on certain syllables within words and across lines of poetry. This concept is essential in understanding how poets structure their verses, creating musicality and emotional resonance. In poetic forms, particularly during the Alliterative Revival, the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables helps to establish the meter, contributing to the overall flow and meaning of the poem.
Pearl: In literature, a pearl symbolizes purity, beauty, and wisdom, often representing something precious and valuable. It frequently appears in poetic contexts as a metaphor for the ideal or the sublime, linking to themes of transformation and enlightenment in alliterative poetry, which is characterized by its emphasis on sound and rhythm.
Middle English Literature: Middle English literature refers to the body of works produced in England during the period from approximately 1150 to 1500, characterized by the use of Middle English, a language that evolved from Old English and was heavily influenced by Norman French. This era saw a rich diversity of literary forms, including poetry, prose, and drama, with themes often centered around chivalry, religion, and social commentary.
Pearl Poet: The Pearl Poet is an anonymous 14th-century English poet known for their unique contribution to the alliterative revival, particularly through the poem 'Pearl' and other works such as 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.' This poet's style is characterized by the use of alliteration, intricate symbolism, and an emphasis on moral and spiritual themes, which reflects the broader poetic trends of the time.
Iambic pentameter: Iambic pentameter is a metrical line in poetry consisting of five iambs, which are metrical feet made up of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This rhythmic structure is foundational to much of English poetry, particularly in the works of notable playwrights and poets, serving to create a natural flow and musical quality in language. Its frequent use in dramatic and narrative poetry helps to enhance the emotional resonance and dramatic tension within the text.
Intertextuality: Intertextuality is the relationship between texts, where one text references or is influenced by another, creating layers of meaning. This concept highlights how literature is not created in a vacuum but is instead shaped by existing works and cultural contexts. Intertextuality can take many forms, including allusions, quotations, and stylistic elements that connect different texts.
Narrative structure: Narrative structure refers to the organized framework that dictates how a story unfolds, including the sequence of events, the arrangement of themes, and the development of characters. This structure shapes the way the audience engages with the story, guiding them through the plot and influencing their emotional responses. It often includes elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which help create a coherent and compelling narrative experience.
Alliterative revival: The alliterative revival refers to a resurgence of alliterative verse in English poetry during the 14th century, characterized by the use of alliteration as a principal structuring device rather than rhyme. This movement is significant as it marked a return to traditional Anglo-Saxon poetic forms, influencing the way poets expressed themes of chivalry, heroism, and moral lessons through a distinctive rhythm and sound.
Allegory: Allegory is a literary device where characters, events, and details symbolize deeper meanings and abstract ideas, often conveying moral, social, or political messages. This technique allows writers to express complex themes in a more relatable way, using stories as vehicles to discuss broader concepts such as morality, human nature, and societal issues.
Piers Plowman: Piers Plowman is an allegorical narrative poem written by William Langland in the 14th century, known for its exploration of social and spiritual themes through dream visions. This work reflects the historical context of medieval England by addressing the moral and social issues of the time, while also being significant in the alliterative revival, showcasing a distinct poetic form that blends elements of allegory and social commentary.
William Langland: William Langland was a 14th-century English poet best known for his allegorical poem 'Piers Plowman,' which reflects the social, political, and religious issues of medieval England. His work is significant in the context of the historical backdrop of the time, the development of the Middle English language, and the alliterative revival that marked a change in poetic forms during this period.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a 14th-century Middle English chivalric romance that tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who accepts a challenge from a mysterious Green Knight. This poem reflects the cultural values of medieval England, including honor, bravery, and the quest for identity, while also showcasing the development of Middle English literature and the characteristics of medieval romance. Its connection to the Arthurian legends and alliterative verse highlights its significance in both literary and historical contexts.
Chivalry: Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious codes that emphasized values such as bravery, honor, and respect for women and the weak. It plays a crucial role in shaping the ideals of heroism and noble behavior in medieval literature and society.
Caesura: Caesura is a rhythmic pause or break in a line of poetry, often used to create a sense of natural speech and enhance the emotional impact of the verse. It plays a significant role in various forms of poetry, influencing the flow, rhythm, and overall meaning of the text.
Anglo-Saxon Culture: Anglo-Saxon culture refers to the social, political, and artistic practices that developed in England from the 5th to the 12th century, characterized by a blend of Germanic traditions and Christian influences. This culture is essential for understanding the Old English language and literature, as well as the epic narratives that emerged during this period, notably exemplified by works like Beowulf, which showcase thematic elements of heroism and societal values. Additionally, it influenced poetic forms such as alliterative verse, foundational to the literary revival that occurred in medieval England.
Alliterative Verse: Alliterative verse is a poetic form that relies on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words within a line, often creating a rhythmic and musical quality. This technique was prominent in Old English poetry and influenced later Middle English works, playing a significant role in the evolution of poetic forms during the medieval period.