replaced ancient times came to the Middle Ages - an important stage in the spiritual development of the peoples of Western Europe.This time period begins at age 5 and ends in the first half of the 17th century.The contradictions and complexity of the era appeared in the features of its culture.The history of Western European art distinguishes itself during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.The first lasted from the 5th century to the 15th century, and the second - from the 14th century and the first third of the 17th century.
Western European medieval literature and the literature of the Renaissance is traditionally divided into three periods.Chronologically, it is the line of demarcation, made the historic science.It looks periodization follows:
1. Literature early Middle Ages (from the 5th century to 11th century).It was reflected life of the peoples of Europe during the collapse of the communal system and the formation of feudal relations.Her works are mostly oral tradition of Anglo-Saxons, Celts and Scandinavians, as well as the Latin alphabet.
2. References heyday of feudalism (11th century to 15th century).At this time, in parallel with the popular works of increasing development receives creativity of individual authors.In general, the flow of distinguished literary direction, expressing the interests and outlook of the various classes of feudal society.There are works written not only in Latin, but also on living European languages.
3. Literature of the Renaissance (15th century to the first third of the 17th century).This so-called period of the late Middle Ages, when the feudal community is undergoing a crisis and the emerging new economic relations.
identity genres of medieval literature shaped by the peculiar and complicated life of the European peoples during this period.Many of the works have not survived, and those that remain, are of great value for the study of cultural heritage.
medieval literature of the early period divided by the literature written in the Latin language and literature in the languages of indigenous peoples.First the content is divided into clerical and secular.
church literature, of course, inextricably linked to faith in Christ and the Catholic Church.However, it fell and "heretical" ideas, to protest against the oppression of the people of the clergy and the feudal lords.
Literature in Latin poetry submitted Vagant and Chronicle, shows the progress of events and their causes.Latest become a valuable source for historians.
literature in the languages of the indigenous peoples presented by the Irish and Anglo-Saxon epic, as well as the work of a Scandinavian.
Medieval Literature formative period of feudal society is more diverse in content and genre.It is wider and deeper displays morality, ideas, ethics and the life of his time.Interests of the clergy and the feudal class displayed in the clerical and courtly literature.The oral form continues to develop the creativity of the common people, not in possession of a diploma.Since the 12th century, with the emergence of cities there burgher (city) literature.It is characterized by a feudal and democratic orientation.
medieval literature of the Renaissance shows attention to the real world.Its content is becoming a national-historical, it responds to all requests of modern life, boldly displays all of its contradictions.The main object of the image in the works of this period is a person with his world of feelings and thoughts, his actions.It is also significant is the use of his work by the authors in fiction and fantastic elements originating in the folklore.
Renaissance Literature of various countries has common features that are typical of the period.
