The document discusses the Anglo-Norman period, initiated by the Norman Conquest in 1066, and outlines its historical significance, including the shift in governance and social structure in England following Norman rule. It also highlights the evolution of literature during this time, particularly the emergence of romance literature that combined French and Anglo-Saxon elements, becoming popular among the upper class. Notable literary themes included valor, chivalry, and the legendary characters from British folklore, such as King Arthur and Sir Gawain.

1. The Anglo-Norman Period
Li Zehui/ Chen Yifei/ Zhao Yu

3. Warm-up video
The Hi story of Engl i sh in few minutes

5. Norman Conquest
Social background dur ing theThe Anglo-Norman Per iod

6. The Anglo-Norman period started with a
third invasion to Anglo named Norman Conquest
which followed Roman Conquest and English
Conquest.
The Normanswere originally a hardy race of
sea rovers. In the 10th century they conquered a
part of northern France, which is still called
Normandy, and rapidly adopted Frenchcivilization
and French language. Their conquest of Anglo-
Saxon England underWilliam,Duke ofNormandy,
beganwiththebattle ofHastings in 1066.

7. William's familial relationship with the childless Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor
encouraged William's hopes for the throne. Edward died in January 1066 and was succeeded by
his brother-in-law Harold Godwinson
Edward the Confessor
Cousin Brother-in-law
Duke William of Normandy Harold Godwinson

8. A
B
1066.9.20
Harald Hardrada
defeated Edwin
C
1066.9.25
Harold defeated
and killed Harald
Hardrada
1066.10.14
William' defeated
and killed Harold

9. Elite replacement
Natives were also removed from high
governmental and ecclesiastical office.
After 1075 all earldoms were held by Normans,
and Englishmen were only occasionally
appointed as sheriffs.
1
Consequences
Governmental systems
The sophisticated medieval form of government
was handed over to the Normans .
They kept the framework of government but
made changes in the personne.
By the end of William's reign most of the officials
of government and the royal household were
Normans.
2

10. Romance
Li terature dur ing the The Anglo-Norman Per iod

11. Social background Literature forms
 the establishment of feudalism
in England,Normans—masters
Saxons—servants
 By the end of 14th century,
English and French
intermingled, English was no
more the dominant speech,
but greatly changed.
Common words retained,
French words entered
 There were different
literary forms: romance,
popular literature.
 popular literature like
Robin Hood Ballads，is
for the lower class
 A combination of French
and Anglo—Saxon
elements
The use of words and differences of literature style attributes to the changes of
social background. Literature

12. The “Romance”
• the most prevalent kind of
literature in feudal England,
literature for the upper class.
• a long composition, sometimes
in verse, sometimes in prose
• the life and adventures of a
noble hero—knight.
Hamility、Honor、
Sacrifice、Valor 、
Compassion、Honesty、
Justice、Spirituality、
• Matter of France: Emperor
Charlemagne and his peers
• Matter of Rome: Alexander the
Great, the Fall of Troy and so forth
• Matter of Britain: King Arthur and
his knights of the round table
• a special group of people existed in
the Middle Age in Europe.
• nearly all nobles were knights.
However, nobody was born a knight.
• hard training and then king will give
him knighthood.
A B
C D
Knight
Virtue of knight
The Romance Cycles

13. A legendary British leader, led the defense of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the early
6th century. The details of his story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention,
and his historical existence controversial
round table：a table for 150 people from his father-in-law；a company of
knights that he gathered in his castle at Camelot.
Guinevere (his wife)、Lancelot·Du·Lake (his knight & a rival in love)、Mordred (his
nephew & knight &betrayer)、*Battle of Camlan、Gawaine 、Merlin（tactician）

14. Sir Gawayne
and the Green Knight

15. C
B
A
Part. A
Sir Gawain took the challenge
that given by the Green Knight
during King Arthur’s feast
Part. B
On the way of seeking the Green
Knight, Sir Gawain got acquainted
with a lord of a castle and made a
bargain to him：to exchange at
night what they gained each day
Part. C
The three exchanges between
Gawain and the lord of the
castle
Part. D
Gawain’s experience in the
Green Chapel.

16. Honesty
Chivalry Valor
Courtesy
Loyalty
Honor

17. Thank You
PPTer: Chen Yifei

18. Li Zehui
0121133012
Norman Conquest
Zhao Yu
0121133004
Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight
Chen Yifei
0121133025
Warm-up video & The Romance& PPT making