Medieval PoetryPresentation

By Blake Hopper

Origins

Poetry of the time medieval times is divided into many time periods and styles, each with its own

beginning:• Patristic Latin, 3rd-6th centuries - This period brought about the

beginning of the Christian poetry and was first inspired by the works of St. Ambrose who wrote poetry for use in the church instead of the public.

• Monastic Period, 7th-10th centuries - The poems in this period did not include much originality. The period continued and increased the desire for Latin poems are ready popular before this time.

• Revival of Latin Literature, 11th-12th centuries - This period brought about secular, Provencal, and new forms of French poetry. Also, epics, satire, epigrams, elegies, and tales in verse became popular in this time period.

• Scholastic Period, 12th-13th century -The increase in education along with the church’s control on the culture of this time allowed the flourishing of religious poems to take place. This period also signified the first appearance of mystical poetry and personal passion.

Characteristics

There are many characteristics of medieval poetry:

• A major style of medieval poetry of the time was the epic style, which was most popular during the Revival period (11th-12th century). Stories about heros and noblemen such as Beowulf and others.

• A important characteristic of the Latin poetry, especially the Christian poems, is that they survived through the fall of the Roman Empire and the attacks by the barbarians.

• The 11th and 12th centuries where also the time when epics, satires, tales, and other forms of poetry became exceedingly popular as a form of entertainment and were sung by bards across the land.

Cultural Impacts

There were many cultural impacts such as:• The newly flourishing poetry made popular in the 11th

and 12th century allowed for the occurrence of bards found singing in rhythm the poetry for anyone who will give them a few pence for their performances.

• The poetry of the early medieval time period was used for religious use; poems where read during church services and described religious points.

• During the late medieval age (10th-13th century) poetry served as a prime form of entertainment as well as a past-time for the scholars of the time

Notable Poets & Works

Beowulf, unknown author

The Song of Roland, unknown French author

 

Many iambic hymns, by St. Ambrose