by Daniel Lane

The plan is to write a comprehensive review/thesis on the topic and spread it over several blog posts. Perhaps one per chapter or maybe each section of a chapter, depending on how long the chapters turn out. Here is the plan at the moment.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

Begin with a brief introduction of the chapter and what it aims to discuss and establish.

1.2 Background

Provide a brief overview of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature, including their origins, significant authors, works, and periods. Introduce the possibility of their interconnectedness.

1.3 Rationale for the Study

Discuss the reason behind the study. Explain the gap in existing literature or the relevance of the research in the contemporary literary world. You may touch upon the necessity of understanding historical literary influence for a comprehensive understanding of modern literature.

1.4 Research Questions

Formulate the main research questions that the study will address. These questions will direct the focus of my research throughout the thesis.

1.5 Objectives of the Study

Enumerate the objectives of the study. What do you intend to find out or prove through my research? Make sure these align with my research questions.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

Define the scope of my study. What aspects of Middle Age French Literature and Modern English Literature will I focus on? Also, acknowledge any limitations that may affect my study.

1.7 Methodology

Briefly outline my research methodology. Will it be primarily qualitative or quantitative? Will I use comparative analysis, critical reading, or another approach?

1.8 Chapter Outline

Provide a brief summary of each chapter that follows, giving readers a roadmap of the thesis structure.

1.9 Conclusion

Conclude the chapter by summarizing the key points discussed in the introduction and emphasizing the significance of the study.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

Begin by giving a brief overview of the chapter’s purpose – to provide a comprehensive survey of the relevant literature on the subject.

2.2 Conceptual Framework

Define key concepts for my research. These might include terms like ‘Middle Age French Literature’, ‘Modern English Literature’, ‘literary influence’, and ‘comparative literature’. This will help to establish a common understanding for the rest of my research.

2.3 Historical Overview of Middle Age French Literature

Review previous studies that discuss the historical aspects of Middle Age French Literature. Highlight key findings, main themes, genres, literary styles, and influential works.

2.4 Historical Overview of Modern English Literature

Similarly, review previous studies about Modern English Literature. Highlight significant findings, prevalent themes, styles, and influential works.

2.5 Examination of the Transition: Middle Ages to Modernity

Present literature that discusses the transition from Middle Ages to modern times, the evolution of literature during this period, and how this change affected both French and English literature.

2.6 Studies on Influences of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature

Review studies that have directly addressed my research question. What have other scholars found about the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature? This will help identify the gaps in existing literature that my research aims to fill.

2.7 Studies on Comparative Literature

Review studies that discuss the method and theory of comparative literature. This literature will form the methodological basis for my research.

2.8 Gaps in Literature

Summarize the gaps or limitations I’ve identified in existing research, justifying the need for my study.

2.9 Conclusion

Summarize the main findings from my literature review, emphasizing its relevance to my research questions and objectives. This is where I reiterate the contribution my study will make to existing knowledge.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Epoch of Middle Age French Literature

3.1 Introduction

Begin the chapter with an overview of the topics to be discussed, summarizing the importance of understanding Middle Age French Literature in the context of my research.

3.2 Historical Background

Present a detailed historical background of Middle Age France. Discuss the significant socio-cultural-political changes and their impact on the literature of the time.

3.3 Overview of Middle Age French Literature

Provide a detailed overview of Middle Age French Literature, addressing the various forms of literary works prevalent during this era, including epic poems, fabliaux, romances, and chansons de geste.

3.4 Key Authors and Works

Discuss the key authors and their significant works of this era. This section should focus on providing an in-depth analysis of a few chosen texts that will later be explored for their influence on Modern English Literature.

3.5 Key Themes, Motifs, and Narrative Styles

Explore the common themes, motifs, and narrative styles in Middle Age French Literature. Discuss their significance in reflecting the societal, cultural, and philosophical values of the Middle Ages.

3.6 Influence within Europe

Discuss how Middle Age French Literature was received and spread throughout Europe during its time. Highlight instances of translations, adaptations, and influences of Middle Age French Literature on other European literatures.

3.7 Conclusion

Summarize the chapter by emphasizing the importance of understanding Middle Age French Literature’s depth and complexity when studying its influences on Modern English Literature.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: From Middle Ages to Modernity: Tracing Literary Progression

4.1 Introduction

Introduce the aim of this chapter, which is to trace the progression of literature from the Middle Ages to modern times, focusing on the transformation of French to English literature.

4.2 Socio-Cultural and Historical Shifts

Discuss the significant socio-cultural and historical shifts that occurred from the Middle Ages to the modern period. Explain how these shifts influenced literary trends and thought in both France and England.

4.3 Evolution of French Literature

Discuss the evolution of French literature after the Middle Ages, considering significant authors, works, and literary movements that bridged the gap to the modern period.

4.4 Emergence and Evolution of English Literature

Similarly, explore the emergence and evolution of English literature from its early beginnings through to the modern period. Discuss how French literature, particularly from the Middle Ages, played a role in shaping this evolution.

4.5 The Transition: Direct and Indirect Influences

Analyze the direct and indirect influences of Middle Age French literature on the evolution of English literature. Consider instances of translations, adaptations, and borrowed themes and styles. Discuss how these influenced the English literary consciousness.

4.6 Comparative Analysis

Carry out a comparative analysis of selected works from both periods to show the literary progression from Middle Age French literature to Modern English literature. This could involve examining the change in narrative structure, themes, or character development.

4.7 Conclusion

Summarize the chapter by highlighting key points made about the literary transition from Middle Ages to Modernity. Reiterate the influence of Middle Age French literature on this progression.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Case Studies: Influential Works and their Impact

5.1 Introduction

Introduce the chapter, its aim, and its importance to the thesis. Explain why certain works were chosen as case studies.

5.2 Criteria for Case Selection

Discuss the criteria I used to select my case studies. Criteria might include the influence of the work, its popularity, or its relevance to the research questions.

5.3 Case Study 1

Start with a detailed analysis of the first case study, which could be a significant work from Middle Age French Literature. Explore its themes, style, narrative, and character development.

5.3.1 Influence on Modern English Literature

Examine how the work has influenced Modern English Literature. This might involve a detailed comparison with one or several English works that show clear signs of influence.

5.4 Case Study 2

Repeat the process with the second case study, providing an in-depth exploration of the work and its influence on Modern English Literature.

5.5 Further Case Studies

If needed, discuss additional case studies following the same structure.

5.6 Case Study Selection Justification

Explain the criteria used to select the case studies. These could be based on the prominence of the works, their influence on future authors, or themes and stylistic elements that have been extensively borrowed in English literature.

5.7 Case Study 1: Work from Middle Age French Literature

5.8 Cross-case Analysis

Conduct a cross-case analysis to identify common trends or patterns in the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature. This could include shared themes, similar narrative structures, or common motifs.

Start with a comprehensive examination of the first selected work from Middle Age French Literature. Discuss its context, plot, themes, style, and cultural impact.

5.9 Influence on Modern English Literature

Analyze how the selected French work influenced a specific aspect of Modern English Literature. This could be through theme, narrative style, or a particular author’s work. Provide textual evidence.

5.10 Case Study 2: Work from Middle Age French Literature

Repeat the process for the second selected work from Middle Age French Literature. Discuss its literary elements and significance.

5.11 Influence on Modern English Literature

Analyze the influence of the second French work on Modern English Literature. Highlight similarities or direct influences on English literary works or authors.

5.12 Further Case Studies

Repeat this pattern for any additional case studies, discussing each Middle Age French work and its influence on Modern English Literature.

5.13 Synthesis of Case Studies

Synthesize the results of the case studies to illustrate the general patterns of influence from Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature.

5.14 Conclusion

Summarize the findings from the case studies, highlighting their significance in understanding the influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature.

Summarize the chapter by highlighting the most important findings from the case studies, reinforcing their contribution to the overall argument of the thesis.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Thematic Parallels and Stylistic Influences

6.1 Introduction

Briefly introduce the chapter and its aim – to explore broader impacts of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English literature through thematic parallels and stylistic influences.

6.2 Methodology

Explain the methodology used to identify and analyze the thematic and stylistic influences.

6.3 Thematic Influences

6.3.1 Identification of Themes

Identify prevalent themes in Middle Age French Literature that have a clear presence in Modern English Literature.

6.3.2 Analysis of Thematic Parallels

Analyze how these themes have been adapted, transformed, or preserved in Modern English Literature. Provide examples from specific texts where possible.

6.4 Stylistic Influences

6.4.1 Identification of Stylistic Elements

Identify key stylistic elements from Middle Age French Literature, such as specific narrative techniques, character archetypes, or genre conventions, that are present in Modern English Literature.

6.4.2 Analysis of Stylistic Parallels

Analyze the stylistic influences, discussing how these elements have been adopted and adapted in Modern English Literature. Again, provide examples from specific texts to support my arguments.

6.5 The Impact on Character Development

Investigate how Middle Age French Literature might have influenced character development in Modern English Literature. Discuss common archetypes, character transformations, or character relationships that appear in both.

6.6 Synthesis of Findings

Synthesize my findings to illustrate general trends of thematic and stylistic influences from Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature.

6.7 Conclusion

Summarize the chapter by highlighting the most significant thematic and stylistic influences and reinforcing how these findings contribute to the overall argument of the thesis.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Conclusion and Future Research

7.1 Introduction

Begin with a brief overview of the chapter, explaining its aim – to summarize the thesis, highlight the key findings, and propose future research directions.

7.2 Recapitulation of Research Objectives and Questions

Recap my original research objectives and questions as stated in Chapter 1.

7.3 Summary of Findings

Present a summary of the findings from each chapter, outlining how they answered my research questions and met the objectives.

7.4 Discussion

Discuss the implications of my findings. How do they contribute to the field of literary studies, specifically to the understanding of Middle Age French Literature’s influence on Modern English Literature?

7.5 Validation of Hypothesis

Discuss the extent to which my initial hypothesis has been validated by my findings.

7.6 Limitations of the Study

Acknowledge the limitations of my research. This could be related to the texts I were able to examine, the time period covered, or the methodologies employed.

7.7 Recommendations for Future Research

Based on my findings and limitations, suggest areas for future research. These recommendations could involve investigating other literary periods, different authors or texts, or applying different theoretical frameworks.

7.8 Conclusion

Provide a final summary of the entire research project, highlighting its key findings and contributions to the field of literary studies. Make a persuasive final statement that reinforces the importance of my research.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Implications for Comparative Literature Studies

8.1 Introduction

Begin with a brief overview of the chapter, emphasizing its significance in understanding the role of comparative literature in a global context.

8.2 Relevance of Comparative Literature Studies

Discuss the relevance of comparative literature studies in the contemporary academic and cultural landscape.

8.3 Reflection on Middle Age French Literature

Reflect on the findings from my examination of Middle Age French literature, discussing its enduring literary value.

8.4 Reflection on Modern English Literature

Similarly, reflect on my analysis of Modern English literature, highlighting its connections to the past.

8.5 Comparative Literature as a Means of Cultural Exchange

Discuss how comparative literature facilitates cultural exchange and enhances understanding of different cultures.

8.6 Impact of Middle Age French Literature on Comparative Literature Studies

Discuss how the influence of Middle Age French literature on Modern English literature has shaped the field of comparative literature.

8.7 Theoretical Implications

Reflect on the theoretical implications of my findings. How do they expand or challenge existing theories in comparative literature?

8.8 Pedagogical Implications

Discuss the pedagogical implications of my research. How might it influence the teaching of literature, particularly in courses that deal with comparative literature?

8.9 Potential for Cross-Disciplinary Studies

Highlight the potential for cross-disciplinary studies based on my findings, particularly within humanities and social sciences.

8.10 Reflection on Research Methodology

Reflect on the research methodology I used. Discuss its effectiveness, its limitations, and potential improvements.

8.11 Future Research Directions in Comparative Literature

Based on my findings and reflection, propose future research directions in comparative literature.

8.12 Summary of the Chapter

Summarize the main points made in the chapter, emphasizing their contribution to the field of comparative literature.

8.13 Conclusion

Conclude by reinforcing the importance of comparative literature studies and the value of my research to this field.

8.14 Closing Remarks

End with a reflection on the research journey, its personal significance to myself, my reading and my personal history, and a final thought on the enduring influence of Middle Age French Literature on Modern English Literature.