Middle English Literature

Middle English Literature refers to the body of written works produced in England from roughly the late 12th century to the late 15th century. This period followed Old English and preceded Early Modern English. Notable for its development of a more accessible English, key works include Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," which uses a variety of characters to explore themes of society, morality, and human nature. This era reflects the complexities of medieval life, incorporating influences from Latin and French literature, and marks the transition from feudal society to the Renaissance, shaping the future of English literature.