Lecture Notes: Old English

Generally, the Middle Ages are split into two sections: Old English and Middle English. However, that segmentation seems a bit complicated, and it easier, I think, to divide the eras into "Old English" (pre-Norman Conquest) and "Middle English" (1066 - post-Norman Conquest).

As you will read, your text offers a complete history of this time period. Don't get bogged down with this information. Here are some important highlights:

1. There were two worlds colliding; there were "Pagan" cultures interfused with "Christian" culture. This is important; often, the texts of the period speak to trying to better one over the other. Since monks usually were the only people "writing" down these stories, it is pretty obvious which side they supported. Poets explored the tension between the two groups.

2. Texts weren't readily accessible to the people, so many of the stories were passed down through an oral tradition. This means that we may never know the true origin of certain works (like Beowulf).

3. There are two primary poetic modes: heroic and elegiac. Beowulf is cnsidered an example of the heroic mode because it illustrates bravery, loyalty, vengence, and desire for treasure. The elegiac mode illustrates the loss of those concepts (the loss of treasure, for example). There is some debate, however, about the definition of Beowulf. Some will argue that it is elegiac.