Middle English Literature Essays - English Reformation, Christianity

Middle English Literature This period significant - because of the considerable change in the structure of society, which paved way for a new society. Society now comprised of Lords (barons knights), the clergymen, peasants and artisans (skilled workers). Sheep farming - large production of wool - and its trade - led to - newly evolved middle class yeoman - who became wealthy. Women were looked down upon, no property right for them Church became a powerful institution - clergymen only literate people and so were chosen as King's advisers. Through the clergy - church influenced the government. Corruption at all levels of church hierarchy. Writers like Wycliff and his followers (called as Lollards) prepared the ground for Reformation. Thus England developed into a nation of universal importance in the 12 th , 13 th the 14th Centuries. Now no longer Franco - Latin - Europe" Age of Chaucer ( 1340 - 1400) ( roughly ) Saw the transition from the medieval to the modern it marks the advent of a new language and literature.