routledge+history+of+literature+in+english

From anonymity to individualism
25
(one of the two main universities, Cambridge, was also in this region), the
agricultural richness of the region and the presence of major cities, Norwich
and London, contributed much to the increasing standardisation of the
dialect. (See also Language notes, pages 62 and 77.)
FROM ANONYMITY TO INDIVIDUALISM
These are the ground of all my bliss
(Pearl)
Many texts from this period are described as ‘anonymous’, but it often
happens that ‘anon’ has a distinctive voice or style, even though no actual
name can be given to the author: ‘unknown’ might sometimes be a more
precise term than ‘anonymous’, especially in the case of the troubadours.
The anonymous verse characteristic of the beginning of the period shows
some of the concerns which will preoccupy the later ‘named’ writers. The
theme of nature becomes important in The Owl and the Nightingale, which
dates from around 1225. This poem uses the Latin genre of debate (conflictus)
between two sides in a comic way, to show differing attitudes and values,
and uses the English countryside as a setting. The nightingale is described
in a rhyme – which no longer works today – as she
sat upon a fair bough
and there were around blossoms enough [enow]
This kind of debate, between the serious (the owl) and the lighthearted
(the nightingale), can be seen to reflect the period’s concerns; torn, as
it was, between religious issues and the new thoughts of love.
Winner and Waster, from about 1360, uses the debate form in a
more serious way, contrasting the man who wants wealth in society
with the carefree person who spends all his money. This is one of the
first allusions in literature to the importance of money, and contains a
strong element of social criticism: the Pope and his greedy priests are
contrasted with the noble lords and their followers. But, like The Owl
and the Nightingale, no final judgement is given. The reader does not
know who wins the debate, and must decide independently.