The characteristics of the middle ages, according to the professor, include: 1. 500-1500 a.d. 2. The spread of Germanic Culture 3. The spread of Christianity 4. Growth of Islam (Mohammed) in 7th Century 5. Wide range of values, ideas, and social forms 6. Vernacular Literature (National Language) 7. Antiquated, quaint, barbaric 8. Homogeneous (thoughts, behavior much the same yet many different cultures) 9. Cultures oral and literate - Germanic, Latin, Arabic, Jewish, Christian 10. Individual subordinate to community 11. Complexities/Contradictions 12. An Age of Faith - especially in Catholic Commitment 13. Moral, Spiritual issues up to individual - either simply or in organized groups. 14. Religion - Type Characteristics - Greedy - Gluttonous Monk - Lecherous Priest - Wayward Nun. 15. Awareness of the difference in Pagan and Christian doctorine, belief 16. "Age of Chivalry" 17. Expresses values of most powerful members of society, aristocracy 18. Religious crusade (11th Century) 19. Unwavering a. Loyalty to leaders and companion b. Personal honor c. Demeanor 20. Generocity of spirit and material goods & Concern for well being of powerless. (Magna Carta 1215). 21. Contradiction: Demand of religious faith-use of physical force. 22. Unforgettable literary characters 23. Religious truths held to codes of conduct expected & People persuing individual destinies. 1-4 should be combined like #19. Once again this will need to be 10 pages of the fore mentioned information. You will need to pick atleast 3 of the characteristcs from the list and write on them and how they are portrayed in the books. The books are not the full books, so I will give you the books we have read in a list. 1. Beowulf a. Prologue: The rise of the danish nation b. Heorot Is Attacked c. The hero comes to Heorot d. Feast at Heorot e. Celebration at Heorot f. Another Attack g. Beowulf Fights Grenel''s Mother h. Another Celebration at Heorot i. Beowulf Returns Home j. The dragon wakes k. Beowulf Attacks the dragon. l. Beowulf''s Funeral 2. Dante''s Inferno - Full Book 3. The Decameron a. First Day b. First Story - First Day c. The Ninth Story of the Fourth Day d. The Eighth Story of the Fifth Day e. The Tenth Story of the Tenth Day f. The Fourth Story of the Seventh Day g. The Second Story of the Ninth Day. 4. The Canterbury Tales a. General Prologue b. The Miller''s Prologue & Tale c. The Wife of Bath''s Prologue & Tale d. The Pardoner''s Prologue & Tale