The primary purpose of literature of the 14th and 15th centuries was to provide entertainment for the upper class. Literature of this time period was often didactic, teaching moral lessons or providing commentary on current events. Authors during this time period were highly esteemed, and their works were often copied and circulated widely. Many of the classics we still read today were written during the 14th and 15th centuries, making this a highly important period in literary history.
Other related questions:
What literary period was the 14th century?
The 14th century was a period of great literary activity in Europe, with many notable authors and works being produced. Some of the most notable authors of the time include Geoffrey Chaucer, John Gower, and William Langland. Many of the works produced during this period are still studied and admired today.
How printing played a role in English literature during 14th and 15th century?
During the 14th and 15th centuries, printing played a significant role in the development of English literature. The first book printed in England was The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye, which was published in 1474. William Caxton, the first English printer, published this work in 1476. Caxton’s press was set up in Westminster Abbey, and he produced a number of other notable works, including Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. The advent of printing made books more widely available, and this had a major impact on the development of English literature.
What are the literary features of the 15th century?
Some literary features of the 15th century include the following:
-The rise of the novel as a literary genre
-The spread of humanism and its impact on literature
-The development of printing technology and its impact on the dissemination of knowledge
-The growth of vernacular literature
-The rise of women writers
What was the 14th century characterized by?
The 14th century was characterized by many things, including the Black Death, the Hundred Years’ War, and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
Bibliography
- Middle English Literature in the 14th and 15th Century
- Middle English literature – Wikipedia
- Medieval and Renaissance Literature – WordPress at UD |
- The later Middle English and early Renaissance periods
- Middle English Life Depicted in 14th and 15th Century Literature
- The Rise of the Vernacular | Western Civilization