Study Terms for British Lit final exam Essay

Submitted By Vana-Westberry
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Geoffrey Chaucer – known as the father of English literature. Widely considered the greatest English poet of the middle ages and was the first poet to be buried in Poet’s corner of westminister Abbey. Born 1343 in London. Died October 25, 1400 London. Spouse was Philippa Roet (1366-1387). Parents were John Chaucer and Agnes Copton.
The Canterbury Tales – Collection of over 20 stories written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century during the time of the Hundred Years’ War. Published 1475 in Middle English.
The General Prologue – First part of TCT. Introduction to the story introducing the characters and the purpose of the pilgrimage.
Gap-toothed – having or showing gaps between the tooth.
Hundred Years War – Series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 (116 years) between the House of Plantagenet, rulers of the Kingdon of England, against the House of Valois of control of the Kingdom of France. Results: Edwardian War (1337-1360)- English Victory. Caroline War (1369-1389)- French victory. Lancastrian War (1415-1453)- French victory. House of Valois maintains the throne of France. England gains Pale of Calais but loses all other continental territory.
Bubonic Plague or Black Death – A zoonotic disease, circulating mainly in fleas on small rodents and is one of the types of bacterial infections caused by Yersinia Pestis (formerly known as Pastereurella pestis) that belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Without treatment the bubonic plague kills about two thirds of infected humans within four days. Black Death swept through Europe in 14th century killing an estimated 25 million people or 30-60% of the European population.
Nicholas – from the Miller’s tale. He was in love with the wife of the carpenter and he wanted to be alone with her so he came up with a flood plan.
Alison – wife of the carpenter. Who loves Nicholas and has Absolon in love with her as well.
John the Carpenter – husband of Alison. Ends up buying into Nicholas lies and breaks his arm. Then turns into a mad man when they deny the flood coming.
Absalon – In love with Alison and ends up kissing her nether eye and burns Nicholas’ butt.
Noah’s flood – Genesis 6-9. Rains for 40 days and 40 nights.
Story of Noah and the flood in Genesis – animals two of each male and female are brought onto the ark that Noah had to build in order to survive the Great Flood.
William Tyndale – English scholar who became a leading figure in Protestant reform in the years leading up to his execution. He is well known for his translation of the Bible into English.
Tyndale Bible – generally refers to the body of biblical translations by William Tyndale. Credited with being the first English translation to work directly from Hebrew and Greek texts.
Geneva Bible – One of the most historically significant translations of the Bible into English preceding with the King James version by 51 years. Primary Bible of the 16th century Protestantism and was the Bible used by William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, John Knox, John Donne, and John Bunyan author of Pilgrim’s Progress.
Douay Reims Bible – translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate into English made by members of the English College, Douai, in the service of the Catholic Church.
King James Bible - The King James Version, commonly known as the Authorized Version or King James Bible, is an English translation of the Christian Bible for the Church of England begun in 1604 and completed in 1611.
Macbeth - Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, and is considered one of his darkest and most powerful works. First performance April 1611.
Banquo - Lord Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, is a character in William Shakespeare's 1606 play Macbeth. In the play, he is at first an ally to Macbeth (both are generals in the King's army) and they are together when they meet the Three Witches. After prophesying that Macbeth will become king, the witches tell Banquo that he will not be king himself, but that his