Early Middle English Literature

323 Pages·2019·14.192 MB·English

by  R. M. Wilson

ROUTLEDGE LIBRARY EDITIONS:
THE MEDIEVAL WORLD
Volume 53
EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH
LITERATURE

EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH
LITERATURE
R. M. WILSON
Firstpublishedin1939byMethuen&Co.Ltd
Secondeditionpublishedin1951
Thirdeditionpublishedin1968
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Early Middle English
Literature
by
R. M. WILSON
METHUEN & CO. LTD
II NEW FETTER LANE EC4
First published 1939
Second edition 1951
Third edition 1968
© 1968 by R. M. Wilson
SBN 416460801
University Paperback edition 1968
SBN 416 69970 7
Printed and bound in Great Britain
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PREFACE
DURING recent years much important work has been
done on various aspects of early Middle English
literature, and the time seems to have come when some
attempt should be made to present the general results of
this research. In dealing with an early period such as this
it is inevitable that what may seem a disproportionate space
should be devoted to questions of authorship, provenance,
etc., which are still unsettled and for which, in many cases,
it is doubtful whether sufficient evidence will ever be avail-
able for a definite conclusion. It was obviously impossible
to deal in detail with all the theories which have been
brought forward at one time or another. Only those which
have received a support so general that they may be con-
sidered established, together with the more plausible or
more interesting of the remainder, could be dealt with at
all fully; a brief reference is all that has been possible
for the majority. Nor did this seem to be the occasion
on which to bring forward any individual views of the
author for the first time. In a synthesis such as this it
is essential that the theories and opinions included should
have been subjected elsewhere to die approval or criticism
of other workers in the same field.
The period dealt with extends from 1066 to 1300. Not
because either of these dates has a special significance in
literary history; rather because they definitely have none.
In dealing with early Middle English literature it is necessary
to discuss the transition between Old and Middle English,
and 1066 provides a convenient date at which to begin, since
then, so far as we can tell, the traditional forms and subjects
are still in indisputable possession. Since the period dealt
ν
EARLY MIDDLE ENGLISH LITERATURE
with is that in which English is only one of the vernaculars
in use in this country it will naturally close with the begin-
ning of the fourteenth century, at a time when Anglo-French
is beginning to decay and English has once again become
the chief literary language of the country.
A book such as this must necessarily owe much to the
work of other students and scholars on the same subject.
Particular indications of the debt will be found throughout
the book, and more especially in some of the footnotes.
It owes perhaps most to the stimulating and suggestive
work of Professor R. W. Chambers, who, more than any
other scholar, has made clear the importance of this period
in the history of English literature. In common with all
students of Middle English I owe a great debt to the invalu-
able Manual of the Writings in Middle English of Professor
J. E. Wells, which has done much to lighten the unavoidable
drudgery of all mediaeval literary historians; it may be
recommended here to all readers desiring a fuller biblio-
graphy on any of the Middle English texts mentioned in
this work. Finally I have to express my gratitude to various
colleagues and friends who have been kind enough to read
through portions or the whole of the typescript of this book:
to Professor I. D. O. Arnold of Leeds University for
valuable criticism and suggestions on the chapter dealing
with the Anglo-French Background; to Dr A. H. Smith
for his careful guidance and help in preparing the book
for the press ; and above all to Professor Dickins of Leeds
University for his constant kindly encouragement and help.
All who have enjoyed the benefit of his wide learning and
accurate scholarship will easily realize the debt which this
book must owe to his generous assistance. Nevertheless it
must be emphasized that any mistakes, whether of omission or
commission, are the sole responsibility of the author himself.
vi
CONTENTS
CHAP. PAGE
I. THE EFFECTS OF THE CONQUEST 3
II. THE ANGLO-LATIN BACKGROUND 23
III. THE ANGLO-FRENCH BACKGROUND 55
IV. LEGAL AND HISTORICAL SURVIVALS 86
V. THE CONTINUITY OF THE HOMILETIC TRADITION 106
VI. THE ANCREN RIWLE AND ITS INFLUENCE 128
VII. THE OWL AND THE NIGHTINGALE 149
VIII. RELIGIOUS AND DIDACTIC LITERATURE 170
IX. ROMANCE 193
X. TALES AND FABLES 231
XI. LYRIC POETRY 250
XII. THE BEGINNINGS OF THE DRAMA 275
XIII. CONCLUSION 288
INDEX 299
vii