Môn học nhằm cung cấp các khái niệm cơ bản về văn học, và các tác phẩm văn học Anh-Mỹ tiêu biểu. Với phương pháp trích giảng, sinh viên vận dụng các kiến thức về lịch sử xã hội Anh-Mỹ đã học vào việc phân tích và cảm nhận tác phẩm. Trong quá trình học sinh viên có cơ hội thể hiện sự hiểu biết của mình về các tác phẩm và tác giả bằng cách tham gia vào các vở kịch, thảo luận, viết bài luận phân tích.
Trang 1HANOI OPEN
UNIVERSITY
MID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
LITERATURE
FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 1)
Subject Code: EN16
Full name:
Date of birth:
Group:
I Answer the following questions: (50 points)
1 What new tendencies were noticeable in the cultural life of England of the 5th century and where did they come from?
2 What can you say about the composition of the Canterbury Tales?
3 What are the characters of the Canterbury Tales?
1
In the 5th century, England experienced significant cultural changes following the Roman withdrawal in 410 AD Some of the noticeable tendencies include:
1 Saxon Influence: With the decline of Roman influence, the Anglo-Saxons, a group of Germanic tribes, migrated to England and rapidly began to dominate the cultural landscape They brought their language, customs, and artistic traditions, significantly shaping the culture of England in this era
2 Conversion to Christianity: The 5th century saw the spread of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms Missionaries from Rome, such as St Augustine, arrived to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons This conversion brought new religious practices, architecture, and religious art
3 Oral Tradition and Poetry: The spread of Christianity brought along the preservation and propagation of oral tradition through the recitation of poems and epics Famous works such as "Beowulf" and "The Dream of the Rood" were composed during this time, reflecting the blending of traditional Germanic pagan themes with Christian elements
4 Burial Mounds and Grave Goods: The Anglo-Saxons had a strong burial tradition They constructed burial mounds for their elite members and furnished
Trang 2these graves with valuable grave goods such as weapons, jewelry, and pottery This practice reflects their belief in an afterlife and the importance of displaying wealth and status
5 Artistic Expression: The 5th century saw the emergence of various artistic forms, including metalwork, illuminated manuscripts, and stone carving Anglo-Saxon craftsmen produced intricate metal jewelry like the Sutton Hoo treasure and created elaborately decorated manuscripts like the Lindisfarne Gospels
These new tendencies in the cultural life of England during the 5th century primarily came from the influence of the migrating Anglo-Saxon tribes who brought their own cultural practices from their continental Germanic origins Additionally, the conversion to Christianity introduced new artistic and religious traditions brought by missionaries from Rome and further influenced the cultural landscape of England
2
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century It is one of the most significant works in English literature and is considered a masterpiece of medieval literature The composition of The Canterbury Tales is notable for several reasons:
1 Frame Story: The collection is framed by a narrative framework, in which a group of pilgrims are traveling together to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Each pilgrim tells a story to pass the time during the journey, resulting
in a diverse range of tales
2 Variety of Genres: The tales cover a wide range of genres, including romance, fabliaux (comic stories), allegorical tales, and moralistic narratives Chaucer's ability to capture different genres within the collection showcases his versatility as
a writer
3 Diverse Characters: The pilgrims from all social classes and professions, creating a diverse range of characters Chaucer gives each character distinct qualities and uses their narratives to critique and satirize different aspects of medieval society
Trang 34 Social Commentary: The stories within The Canterbury Tales serve as a social commentary on various aspects of medieval life, such as class, gender, love, religion, and morality Chaucer's portrayal of both positive and negative characters provides a complex and nuanced understanding of the society he lived in
5 Language and Style: Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales in Middle English, which was the language commonly spoken in England at the time His use of regional dialects and his experimentation with different poetic forms and meters make the work a significant contribution to the development of the English language
Overall, the composition of The Canterbury Tales is remarkable for its narrative structure, diverse characters, social commentary, and linguistic innovation It remains a timeless work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary significance
3
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century It consists of a prologue, in which Chaucer introduces the characters, and various tales told by pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury The characters in The Canterbury Tales include:
1 The Knight: A noble and chivalrous warrior, regarded as the epitome of knightly virtue
2 The Wife of Bath: A bold and outspoken woman with a gap-toothed smile, known for her extensive travels and multiple marriages
3 The Miller: A brawny and boisterous man, known for his strength and ability to cheat customers out of their grain
4 The Pardoner: A corrupt religious official who sells fake relics and pardons to the faithful
5 The Reeve: A shrewd and cunning estate manager, responsible for overseeing the finances and property of his lord
Trang 46 The Nun (Prioress): A graceful and well-mannered lady, accompanied by a group of well-behaved nuns
7 The Franklin: A wealthy landowner and generous host, known for his love of good food and wine
8 The Summoner: A repugnant church official who summons individuals to appear before the ecclesiastical court
9 The Monk: A jovial and indulgent monk, more interested in hunting and fine living than religious devotion
10 The Clerk of Oxford: A serious and scholarly student of philosophy and books
11 The Merchant: A rich businessman involved in trade, with a trendy forked beard
12 The Squire: The Knight's son, a young and aspiring warrior, talented in music and arts
13 The Friar: A corrupt and amiable religious figure who exploits his position for personal gain
14 The Prioress: An elegant and modest nun, known for her compassion towards animals
15 The Cook: A skilled chef and culinary expert, renowned for his ability to create delicious dishes
16 The Nun's Priest: A priest who tells a fable about a rooster named Chanticleer
17 The Man of Law: A knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, skilled in his profession
18 The Parson: A humble and diligent priest, depicted as a model of religious virtue
19 The Yeoman: The Knight's loyal servant and an expert in archery
20 The Manciple: An astute and cunning steward, responsible for purchasing supplies for an institution
21 The Doctor: A well-educated and knowledgeable physician, skilled in the treatment of various diseases
22 The Host: The innkeeper who proposes and oversees the storytelling contest
Trang 5These are just a few examples of the many diverse characters that Chaucer presents
in The Canterbury Tales Each character represents different social classes, occupations, and personalities, providing a vivid portrayal of medieval society
II Comments (50 points)
What are your comments on the contents and significance of the works “The Canterbury Tales”?
"The Canterbury Tales" is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century The work is significant for several reasons Firstly, it marks a shift from Latin and French as the dominant languages of literature to the Middle English vernacular Chaucer's use of English helped establish it as a respectable language for literary expression
The content of "The Canterbury Tales" is also noteworthy It portrays a diverse range of characters from various social classes and professions, showcasing the complexities of medieval society The tales cover a wide range of genres, from romance and comedy to tragedy and moral fables Chaucer's descriptions of the characters, their flaws, and their interactions provide a rich and often satirical commentary on human nature and societal norms
Additionally, the frame narrative of the work, where a group of pilgrims share stories while on a journey to Canterbury, adds depth and structure to the collection
It explores themes such as the power of storytelling, the nature of pilgrimage, and the pursuit of personal and spiritual redemption
"The Canterbury Tales" has had a lasting impact on English literature and is considered a foundational text of the literary canon Its influence can be seen in the works of later writers such as Shakespeare and Milton Its exploration of social commentary, narrative structure, and language continue to be studied and admired
by scholars and readers alike