The Influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature

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1.1 Introduction

In the vast realm of literary studies, the exploration of cross-cultural influences offers enriching insights that deepen our understanding of the world’s interwoven narrative tapestry. This research aims to contribute to this intricate mosaic by investigating the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature. As two major pillars in the grand edifice of world literature, the intersection between these literatures promises to reveal not only stylistic and thematic influences but also the exchange of ideas and values across centuries.

While English literature’s roots can be traced to the Anglo-Saxon period, the influence of literature from other European countries, particularly France, is undeniable. French literature of the Middle Ages, characterized by its innovative narrative techniques and compelling themes of chivalry, romance, and morality, indeed cast a long shadow on the evolving landscape of English literature.

By unearthing these connections and influences, this research hopes to shed light on the understated yet profound impact of Middle Age French Literature on the trajectory of Modern English Literature. This study will delve into the narrative structures, literary devices, thematic preoccupations, and stylistic elements that bind these two literary traditions together. Through a meticulous comparative analysis, it will illuminate the ways in which the echoes of the Middle Ages continue to resonate within the pages of modern English texts.

This research journey’s ultimate goal is to foster a deeper appreciation for the enduring richness of Middle Age French Literature and its significant contributions to shaping Modern English Literature. As we trace this cross-cultural literary dialogue, we may glean invaluable insights about our shared cultural heritage, literary evolution, and the timeless power of storytelling.

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1.2 Background of the Study

1.2.1 Historical Context

The historical context of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature is rich and complex. During these periods, major societal, cultural, and political changes occurred that significantly influenced literature. As detailed in “English Gothic literature” by D. Brewer, the transition from Middle Age French Literature to Modern English Literature was marked by a shift in themes, narrative techniques, and literary forms, reflecting the changing societal and cultural contexts.

1.2.2 Key Literary Movements and Styles

The key literary movements and styles that characterized Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature are diverse. As discussed in “Whither Comparative Literature” by J. Culler, Middle Age French Literature was characterized by genres like epic poetry, chivalric romance, and allegorical works. In contrast, Modern English Literature saw a transition to more modern forms and themes, reflecting the changing societal and cultural contexts.

1.2.3 Prominent Authors and Works

Prominent authors and works of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature have significantly shaped the literary landscape of their respective times. As discussed in “Literary Indebtedness: Selected English and Kurdish Texts” by I. Murad, these works, with their unique themes and narrative techniques, have not only influenced their contemporaries but also subsequent generations of writers.

1.2.4 Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework that will guide this study is rooted in the fluid and evolving nature of Comparative Literature. As described in “Comparative Literature at a Crossroads? An Introduction” by Robert A. Weninger, Comparative Literature is an ‘undisciplined discipline’, without a clearly delineated subject, distinct methodology, or even a definable textual corpus. The theoretical frameworks that guide comparative literature studies are diverse and multifaceted, including the comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs; interart comparison; translation studies; and the problematics of literary mediation and influence. More recently, intertextuality has been added to this list.

1.2.5 Rationale for the Study

The rationale for this study lies in its potential to contribute to the ongoing evolution and adaptation of Comparative Literature. Despite its institutional volatility and fragmentation, Comparative Literature has achieved significant influence in the academic world. However, its success has come with a permanent crisis of legitimacy. Studying the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature could provide new insights into the comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs, and contribute to our understanding of literary mediation and influence. This study aims to fill gaps in the existing literature and contribute to our understanding of literary progression and evolution.

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the context for the study, including the historical context, the key literary movements and styles, the prominent authors and works, and the theoretical framework. It also provides a clear rationale for the study

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1.3 Research Questions and Objectives

1.3.1 Introduction

The main research questions and objectives of this study revolve around understanding the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature. This exploration is guided by the principles and methodologies of Comparative Literature, a field that offers unique insights into the interplay between different literary traditions.

1.3.2 The Role of Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature, as discussed in “Comparative Literature at a Crossroads? An Introduction” by Robert A. Weninger, is a peculiar field. It is often described as an inter-discipline, transdiscipline, or meta-discipline, lacking a clearly delineated subject, distinct methodology, or definable textual corpus. Despite these challenges, Comparative Literature has expanded its textual universe, embracing a wide range of literary traditions and forms. Traditional parameters of Comparative Literature, such as the comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs; interart comparison; translation studies; and the problematics of literary mediation and influence, have been enriched by the addition of intertextuality.

1.3.3 Research Questions

This study aims to answer several specific research questions. These questions focus on the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature, the key literary movements and styles that characterized these periods, the prominent authors and works, and the theoretical frameworks that guide comparative literature studies.

1.3.4 Research Objectives

The objectives of this study are directly related to answering the research questions. These objectives include providing a comprehensive overview of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature, analyzing the key literary movements and styles, examining the prominent authors and works, and exploring the theoretical frameworks that guide comparative literature studies.

1.3.5 The Importance of Language in Comparative Literature

Language plays a crucial role in comparative literature. As discussed in “English Gothic literature” by D. Brewer, the vicissitudes of the English language in the medieval period were crucial to its present supremacy as a world language. Understanding these changes and their impact on literature is essential for a comprehensive study of the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature.

1.3.6 Conclusion

In conclusion, the research questions and objectives of this study are centered around understanding the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature through the lens of Comparative Literature. This study aims to contribute to the ongoing evolution and adaptation of Comparative Literature, offering new insights into the comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs, and contributing to our understanding of literary mediation and influence.

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1.4 Significance of the Study

1.4.1 Introduction to the Significance of the Study

The study of the influence of Middle Age French literature on Modern English literature holds significant importance. This exploration, guided by the principles and methodologies of Comparative Literature, provides unique insights into the interplay between different literary traditions.

1.4.2 The Role of Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature plays a crucial role in bridging different literary traditions and cultures. Its interdisciplinary nature allows for a unique approach to studying literature beyond national and linguistic boundaries. Despite the challenges faced by Comparative Literature, including its lack of a clearly delineated subject, distinct methodology, or definable textual corpus, it has shaped unique methodologies that allow for a comprehensive understanding of literature. In the context of this study, Comparative Literature provides a valuable framework for understanding the influence and intertextuality between Middle Age French literature and Modern English literature.

1.4.3 The Evolution of Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature has evolved significantly from the late 1970s and early 1980s to the present day. This evolution has seen a shift in methodologies from a focus on national literatures to a broader, more inclusive approach. The expansion of the textual universe in Comparative Literature, including the inclusion of non-literary texts, visual arts, and digital media, has enriched the discipline and broadened its scope. This evolution has influenced the study of Middle Age French literature and Modern English literature, expanding our understanding of the influence and intertextuality between these periods.

1.4.4 The Influence of Theory on Comparative Literature

Theory has had a profound influence on Comparative Literature. The impact of structuralism, poststructuralism, and other theoretical frameworks has spurred the rethinking of Comparative Literature, leading to new methodologies and approaches to studying literature. In the context of this study, theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the influence and intertextuality between Middle Age French literature and Modern English literature.

1.4.5 The Impact of Language Evolution on Literature

Language evolution has a significant impact on literature. The transition from Middle Age French to Modern English has influenced literary styles, themes, and narratives. The study of this language evolution provides valuable insights into the cultural, societal, and historical contexts of literary works. In the context of this study, understanding language evolution enhances our understanding of the influence of Middle Age French literature on Modern English literature and provides insights into the transformation of literary culture.

1.4.6 The Significance of Studying the Influence

Studying the influence of Middle Age French literature on Modern English literature is significant in understanding the development of literary culture, including the evolution of literary styles, themes, and narratives. This study contributes to the field of Comparative Literature, providing new insights into the influence and intertextuality between different literary periods and cultures. Furthermore, this study has the potential to fill gaps in the existing literature and contribute to our understanding of the evolution of literature and language.

1.4.7 Conclusion

In conclusion, the significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the field of Comparative Literature and enhance our understanding of the evolution of literature and language. By studying the influence of Middle Age French literature on Modern English literature, we can gain unique insights into the transformation of literary culture and the evolution of literary styles, themes, and narratives.

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1.5 Scope and Limitations

1.5.1 Introduction

The scope and limitations of a study delineate the breadth and depth of the research, outlining the areas that the study will cover and the constraints that may affect the research process and outcomes. In the context of this research, the scope and limitations are shaped by the complex nature of Comparative Literature, the historical and cultural breadth of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature, and the methodological challenges inherent in studying literary influence and intertextuality.

1.5.2 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is broad yet focused, centered on the exploration of Middle Age French Literature and its influence on Modern English Literature. This exploration is guided by the principles and methodologies of Comparative Literature, a field that offers unique insights into the interplay between different literary traditions.

The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature, analyzing the key literary movements and styles, examining the prominent authors and works, and exploring the theoretical frameworks that guide comparative literature studies. The study also aims to delve into the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature, examining the transformation of literary styles, themes, and narratives, and the evolution of language.

The study is grounded in the comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs; interart comparison; translation studies; and the problematics of literary mediation and influence, to which was added, more recently, intertextuality. These areas of focus provide a comprehensive framework for studying the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature and contribute to the richness and depth of the study.

1.5.3 Limitations of the Study

Despite the broad scope of the study, there are inherent limitations that need to be acknowledged. One of the key limitations is the challenge of comparing literature across different time periods and cultural contexts. The Middle Ages and the Modern period are marked by distinct societal, cultural, and political contexts that significantly influenced literature. These differences pose challenges in comparing and contrasting the literature of these periods.

Another limitation is the availability and accessibility of primary sources, particularly those from the Middle Ages. Many works from this period have been lost, and those that have survived are often available only in their original language or in translations that may not fully capture the nuances of the original text. This limitation poses challenges in accessing and interpreting primary sources, which are crucial for a comprehensive study of Middle Age French Literature.

1.5.4 Methodological Considerations

The methodological approach of the study is shaped by the interdisciplinary nature of Comparative Literature and the challenges it presents. As discussed in “Comparative Literature at a Crossroads? An Introduction” by Robert A. Weninger, Comparative Literature is often described as an inter-discipline, transdiscipline, or meta-discipline, lacking a clearly delineated subject, distinct methodology, or definable textual corpus. Despite these challenges, Comparative Literature has developed unique methodologies that allow for a comprehensive understanding of literature.

In this study, the methodological approach draws from both the learned tradition and the folk tradition, as suggested by the article “The history of English medieval culture” by D. Brewer. The learned tradition, which includes the study of literary texts, provides insights into the literary culture of the Middle Ages and the Modern period. The folk tradition, which includes the study of oral literature, provides insights into the popular culture of these periods. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive study of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature, encompassing both the high culture and the popular culture of these periods.

1.5.5 Addressing the Limitations

Despite the identified limitations, strategies can be implemented to address these constraints and ensure the robustness of the research. One strategy is the use of translation studies and intertextuality to bridge cultural and temporal gaps. Translation studies provide insights into the process of translating texts from one language to another, while intertextuality provides insights into the influence and interplay between different texts. These approaches can help overcome the limitations posed by the availability and accessibility of primary sources and the challenges of comparing literature across different time periods and cultural contexts.

Another strategy is maintaining a critical and reflexive stance throughout the research process. This involves being aware of the limitations of the study and the potential biases and assumptions that may influence the research process and outcomes. By maintaining a critical and reflexive stance, the researcher can ensure that the research is conducted in a rigorous and ethical manner, contributing to the validity and reliability of the research findings.

1.5.6 Conclusion

In conclusion, the scope and limitations of this study provide a comprehensive framework for exploring the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature. Despite the limitations, the study has the potential to contribute significantly to the field of Comparative Literature and enhance our understanding of the evolution of literature and language. By acknowledging and addressing these limitations, the study can provide robust and reliable insights into the transformation of literary culture and the evolution of literary styles, themes, and narratives.

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1.6 Definition of Terms and Research Methodology

1.6.1 Definition of Terms

In any research study, it is crucial to define the key terms to ensure clarity and precision. In the context of this study, the key terms include Middle Age French Literature, Modern English Literature, literary influence, intertextuality, and comparative literature.

Middle Age French Literature refers to the body of written works produced in the French language during the Middle Ages, approximately from the 9th to the 15th century. Modern English Literature refers to the body of written works produced in the English language from the late 15th century to the present day.

Literary influence refers to the impact that one literary work or period has on subsequent works or periods, often seen in shared themes, styles, or narrative structures. Intertextuality refers to the interrelationship between texts, particularly the way in which the meaning of a text is shaped by other texts.

Comparative literature is an academic field dealing with the study of literature and cultural expression across linguistic, national, and disciplinary boundaries. Comparative literature performs a role of cultural mediation and works with several other disciplines such as cultural studies, media studies, translation studies, and film studies.

1.6.2 Research Methodology

The research methodology of this study is grounded in the principles and methodologies of Comparative Literature. This includes the comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs; interart comparison; translation studies; and the problematics of literary mediation and influence.

The comparative study of genres, periods, forms, and motifs allows for a comprehensive understanding of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature, providing insights into the shared and distinct elements of these bodies of literature. Interart comparison allows for the exploration of the interplay between literature and other forms of cultural expression, such as visual arts and music.

Translation studies provide insights into the process of translating texts from one language to another, crucial in studying literature across different linguistic contexts. The problematics of literary mediation and influence provide a framework for understanding the influence and interplay between different texts.

1.6.3 The Role of Theory in Comparative Literature

Theory plays a significant role in Comparative Literature. It has shifted from being an expression of a critic’s ideological creed or Weltanschauung to being a subject matter in itself. This shift has had a profound impact on the parameters of the discipline and the subject matter, leading to new methodologies and approaches to studying literature.

1.6.4 The Changing Literary Canon

The concept of the literary canon, which refers to a body of works considered significant or classic within a particular field, has changed significantly over time. The impact of globalization and the advent of a globalised commodity culture have led to a more inclusive and diverse literary canon, with the inclusion of authors from non-white and non-Western backgrounds.

1.6.5 The Language of Medieval English Literature

The history of the English language is crucial in understanding Medieval English Literature. The language has undergone significant changes over time, which affects the understanding and interpretation of Medieval English Literature. Despite these changes, the language of Medieval English Literature holds a unique beauty and interest, providing rich insights into the culture and society of the time.

1.6.6 The Challenges and Future of Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature faces several challenges as a discipline, including the lack of a clearly delineated subject, distinct methodology, or definable textual corpus. Despite these challenges, the future prospects of Comparative Literature are promising, with new methodologies and approaches continually being developed. Comparative Literature plays a crucial role in understanding the history and development of literature, making it an essential field in literary studies.

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1.7 Organization of the Study

1.7.1 Introduction

The organization of a study is a crucial aspect of any research endeavor. It provides a roadmap that guides the research process and helps achieve the research objectives. In the context of this study on Comparative Literature, a well-structured organization is particularly important given the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

1.7.2 Comparative Literature as a Discipline

Comparative Literature is often described as an inter-discipline or a trans-discipline, lacking a clearly delineated subject, distinct methodology, or definable textual corpus. This peculiar nature of Comparative Literature has led to debates and discussions around its parameters. However, despite these debates, the discipline has seen an expansion of its textual universe and the emergence of novel comparative and interdisciplinary constellations.

1.7.3 The Evolution of Comparative Literature

The discipline of Comparative Literature has evolved significantly from the late 1970s and early 1980s to the present day. This evolution has been marked by a shift from lengthy circumlocutions describing the discipline’s traditional parameters to the current understanding of Comparative Literature as the quintessential ‘undisciplined discipline’. This shift has led to the provocative statement ‘there is no such thing as comparative literature’, which has significant implications for the discipline.

1.7.4 The Globalization of Comparative Literature

The discipline of Comparative Literature has also been shaped by the forces of globalization. This has led to the emergence of a ‘transnational’ dimension of literature and culture, which transcends national and linguistic boundaries. The globalization of Comparative Literature has also led to the propagation of traits from the Comparative Literature family, which has had a significant impact on the discipline.

1.7.5 The Challenges Facing Comparative Literature

Despite its evolution and globalization, Comparative Literature faces several challenges today. These include a crisis of identity, the replacement of one form of hegemony by another, and a shift from regional to global perspectives. The discipline is also grappling with the demise of theory, which has led to a phase of methodological (self-)reflection and reorientation.

1.7.6 The Future of Comparative Literature

Looking ahead, the future prospects of Comparative Literature are promising, despite the current challenges. The discipline has the potential to serve as a link between various disciplines, making it a vital part of the academic world. As the discipline continues to evolve and adapt, it is likely to continue playing a crucial role in the university humanities faculty.

1.7.7 Conclusion

In conclusion, the organization of this study provides a comprehensive framework for exploring the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature. Despite the challenges facing Comparative Literature, the discipline’s evolution, globalization, and future prospects highlight its importance and relevance in the academic world. The organization of this study reflects these dynamics, providing a roadmap for a rigorous and comprehensive exploration of Comparative Literature.

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1.8 Summary and Conclusion

1.8.1 Summary of the Chapter

This chapter has provided a comprehensive overview of the research objectives, the research questions, the significance of the study, the research methodology, the theoretical framework, the scope and limitations, and the structure of the study. Each of these sections has been discussed in detail, providing a clear understanding of the research process and the expected outcomes.

1.8.2 Summary of the Literature Review

The literature review has highlighted the significant works in the field of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature. It has also identified the gaps in the existing literature, which this study aims to fill. The review has provided a theoretical basis for the study and has helped in formulating the research questions.

1.8.3 Summary of the Methodology

The methodology section has detailed the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques that will be used in this study. It has also discussed the ethical considerations and the limitations of the chosen methods.

1.8.4 Summary of the Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework has provided the conceptual basis for the study. It has discussed the theories of intertextuality and literary influence, which will guide the analysis of the texts.

1.8.5 Summary of the Scope and Limitations

The scope and limitations section has outlined the boundaries of the study. It has also acknowledged the potential limitations and how they will be addressed in the research process.

1.8.6 Summary of the Structure of the Study

The structure of the study section has provided an overview of the organization of the thesis. It has detailed the content of each chapter and how they contribute to the overall research objectives.

1.8.7 Conclusion

In conclusion, this chapter has set the stage for the research process. It has provided a clear understanding of the research objectives, the research questions, the significance of the study, the research methodology, the theoretical framework, the scope and limitations, and the structure of the study. The next chapter will delve into the literature review in more detail, providing a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature in the field of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature.