Literature of The Anglo-Norman ( notes)

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Anglo-Norman Literature





The literature of the Anglo-Norman period refers to the literature written in the Anglo-Norman language, which was a variety of Old French that was spoken in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. This period of English literature, which lasted from the 11th to the 13th centuries, is characterized by the influences of French culture and language on English literature.

During the Anglo-Norman period, the language of the English elite, including the ruling class and the Church, was Norman French. This led to a significant amount of French literature being translated into English and a proliferation of French-language literature in England.

One of the most famous works of literature from this period is the Anglo-Norman epic poem "Beowulf", which was written in Old English but contains many elements of French literature, including the use of rhyme and alliteration.

Other notable works of Anglo-Norman literature include "The Song of Roland", a French epic poem that was popular in England, and "The Voyage of Saint Brendan", an Irish tale that was also translated into Anglo-Norman.

In addition to epic poems, the Anglo-Norman period also saw the development of a number of other literary genres, including romance, hagiography (biographies of saints), and legal texts.

The influence of French literature on English literature during the Anglo-Norman period can also be seen in the use of the rhymed couplet, a poetic form that was popular in French poetry and was adopted by English poets during this time.

The end of the Anglo-Norman period marked a significant shift in English literature, as the English language began to reassert itself as the dominant language of the English elite. This shift is often referred to as the "renaissance" of English literature, as it paved the way for the flowering of English literature in the Middle Ages and beyond.

Overall, the literature of the Anglo-Norman period reflects the cultural and linguistic influences of the time and is an important part of the rich history of English literature.

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