medieval literature was that produced during the Middle Ages (5th and 15th century) until the beginning of the Renaissance.
It was initially marked by the use of Latin and also by religious, historical and love themes.
At that time, poetry and prose texts were produced. Note that in addition to troubadourism (12th to 14th century), the literary and transitional movement of humanism (15th century) is included in medieval literature.
Historical Context
The Middle Ages was a long period of history that was divided into:
- High Middle Ages (5th to 9th century):the main features were:the feudal system; the Byzantine Empire; the expansion of the Germanic and Frankish kingdoms; expansion of Islam; the Medieval Church and the Holy Empire.
- Late Middle Ages (10th to 15th century):the main characteristics were:crisis of the feudal system; expansion of Christianity; the crusades; the urban and commercial renaissance; the formation of national monarchies.
The Middle Ages began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476. This period was marked by religiosity and the concept of theocentrism (God at the center of the world).
Medieval society was rural and self-sufficient, which was based on the feudal system. During this period, the Church had great power over people's lives.
Only members of the Church and a few nobles could read. This factor was decisive for medieval art to be focused on the education of people
The Middle Ages ended with the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.
Want to know more about the Middle Ages? Also read:
- Medieval Culture
- Medieval Church
- Medieval Philosophy
Characteristics of Medieval Literature
Check below each moment of medieval literature and its main characteristics:
Tubadourism
Troubadourism (1189-1418) was a literary movement that prevailed in the Middle Ages. It emerged in the 11th century in the Provence region of France. It later spread across the European continent
Portuguese troubadourism began with the publication of the Canção Ribeirinha , by Paio Soares de Taveiros. The movement gets its name because the troubadour was its main character.
In such a way, the troubadours were the authors of the songs and the minstrels were the singers. In addition to them, minstrels sang and played the songs, which were accompanied by lutes, violas and flutes.
At that time, troubadour songs were the main literary expressions. They were usually accompanied by music and hence the name “cantigas”.
Troubadour poetry was divided into:
- Lyric Poetry :love songs and friend songs. His themes were amorous.
- Satirical Poetry :songs of derision and cursing. His themes were profane, with social criticism.
The prose produced in troubadourism is classified in:
- Chivalry Novels :also called “novels of chivalry”, represents prose texts that reveal the achievements of great medieval knights.
- Chronicles :chronicles of historical value. The chronicles brought together contemporary aspects of medieval history in a chronological manner.
- Hagiographies :texts that portray the life stories (biographies) of saints.
- Nobiliaries :texts that present the genealogical histories of medieval nobles. For this reason, they are also called “lineage books”.
Learn more about Troubadourism:
- Origins of Portuguese Literature
- Characteristics of Troubadourism
- The Language of Troubadourism
- Medieval Prose
Humanism
Literary Humanism represents a transitional phase between troubadourism and classicism. That is, transition from medieval culture to classical culture.
It began with the appointment of Fernão Lopes as chief chronicler of Torre do Tombo, in 1418. It ended in 1527 when the poet Sá de Miranda returned from Italy and presented a new style.
In this period texts in prose, poetry and theater were produced. Worth mentioning:
- Popular Theater :had Gil Vicente as the main figure, being considered the founder of Portuguese theater. The theater created by Gil Vicente is called Teatro Vicentino.
- Palace Poetry:poetry represented in palaces.
- Historiographical Prose:historiographical prose texts. Fernão Lopes was the main figure of this type of text.
Learn more about Humanism:
- Characteristics of Humanism
- The Language of Humanism
- Renaissance Humanism
- Medieval Theater