En16 văn học anh mỹ bài 13

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.

HANOI 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?

In the 5th century, England underwent significant cultural transformations due to the influx of Anglo-Saxon settlers from Germany and Denmark The arrival

of the Anglo-Saxons brought with them their distinct cultural practices, language (Old English), and artistic traditions They had a strong oral tradition, which encompassed the composition of epic poems like Beowulf and the preservation of historical accounts through storytelling Additionally, the Anglo-Saxons introduced Germanic folklore and mythology, infusing the cultural landscape with mythical figures and tales While the dominant religious beliefs of the time were pagan, the 5th century also witnessed the gradual spread of Christianity through the efforts of Christian missionaries from Rome This process of Christianization would have a profound impact on English culture in the subsequent centuries Overall, the cultural life of England in the 5th century was shaped by the amalgamation of Anglo-Saxon customs and traditions with the existing Romano-British culture, laying the groundwork for the development of the English language and literature

2 What can you say about the composition of the Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century,

is a literary work that consists of a collection of stories framed within a narrative structure The tales are presented as a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, England Each pilgrim tells a story during the journey, resulting in a varied assortment of tales that encompass different genres and perspectives The characters in the tales represent a wide range of social classes and professions, offering a vibrant portrayal of medieval English society Chaucer employs satire and social commentary to critique the flaws and vices of his characters and the society they represent, providing a nuanced reflection of the moral and cultural climate of the time Although the work remains unfinished, with only 24 completed tales out of the intended 120, The Canterbury Tales is hailed as

a literary masterpiece Its narrative complexity, vivid characterizations, and

exploration of various themes have solidified its place as a significant contribution

to English literature and a source of inspiration for generations of writers

3 What are the characters of the Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, presents a captivating array of characters These characters, known as pilgrims, embark on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, England Among the notable figures are the Knight, a noble and chivalrous warrior; the Wife

of Bath, a confident and experienced woman; the Miller, a boisterous and mischievous individual; and the Pardoner, a hypocritical clergyman Other memorable pilgrims include the Nun (Prioress), known for her delicate manners and sentimentality; the Summoner, a hot-tempered church officer; the Merchant, a fashionable businessman facing financial difficulties; and the Franklin, a wealthy landowner with a penchant for indulgence These characters, among others, represent a diverse cross-section of medieval English society, allowing Chaucer to provide insightful and satirical commentary on the social and moral fabric of the time

II Comments (50 points )

What are your comments on the contents and significance of the works “The Canterbury Tales”?

"The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a literary masterpiece with profound significance It is a collection of stories framed within a narrative structure, showcasing a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury The work offers a remarkable depiction of medieval English society, exploring various social classes, professions, and moral dilemmas

One of the notable aspects of "The Canterbury Tales" is its rich characterization Chaucer's pilgrims represent a wide range of personalities, each with their unique traits and flaws Through these characters, Chaucer provides a nuanced examination of human nature, highlighting both the virtues and vices that exist within individuals and society as a whole The tales themselves cover a broad spectrum of genres, including romance, comedy, tragedy, and morality tales Chaucer's skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the narratives to life, captivating the reader and offering insights into the moral, social, and cultural fabric of the time "The Canterbury Tales" also serves as a social critique Chaucer employs satire and irony to expose the hypocrisies, corruption, and shortcomings

of various characters and institutions Through his portrayal of the clergy, the nobility, and the common people, Chaucer critiques the moral and ethical standards prevalent in medieval society

Furthermore, the work reflects the linguistic and literary innovations of its time Chaucer wrote "The Canterbury Tales" in Middle English, a significant departure from the traditional use of Latin and French in literature This choice made the work more accessible to a broader audience and contributed to the

development of the English language as a literary medium The influence of "The Canterbury Tales" on English literature cannot be overstated Chaucer's work set a precedent for the use of vernacular language in literary works and inspired future generations of writers It paved the way for the emergence of the English literary tradition and had a lasting impact on the development of storytelling, characterization, and narrative techniques

In summary, "The Canterbury Tales" is a remarkable work that combines social commentary, diverse storytelling, and linguistic innovation Its enduring significance lies in its portrayal of medieval society, its exploration of human nature, and its contribution to the evolution of English literature