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English Literature: Medieval Literature

A guide for academic English Literature and related literatures.

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What is Medieval Literature?

Medieval Literature is defined broadly as any work written in Latin or the vernacular between c. 476-1500, including philosophy, religious treatises, legal texts, as well as works of the imagination. More narrowly, however, the term applies to literary works of poetry, drama, romance, epic prose, and histories written in the vernacular, though some histories were in Latin.

While it may seem odd to find histories included with forms of fiction, it should be remembered that many 'histories' of the Middle Ages contain elements of myth, fable, and legend and, in some cases, were largely the creations of imaginative writers.

Works Cited

Mark, Joshua J.. "Medieval Literature." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 20 Mar 2019. Web. 09 Nov 2024.

Adjective. Entered 1817–

1.a. Of or relating to a period of time intervening between (periods designated as) ancient and modern; spec. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Middle Ages. Also, of art, religion, etc.: resembling or imitative of that of the Middle Ages.

Works Cited

“Medieval, Adj., Sense 1.a.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, March 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/4179793158

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