The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye

Definition

The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye is a prose adaptation of the tales surrounding the Trojan War, translated into English by William Caxton in the late 15th century. This work is significant as it played a crucial role in bringing classical narratives to an English-speaking audience, paving the way for the standardization of the English language and literature during Caxton's time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye was one of the first books printed in English by William Caxton in 1473, marking a pivotal moment in English literature.
2. Caxton's translation from French made the stories accessible to a wider English-speaking audience, which contributed to the rise of vernacular literature in England.
3. The work combines elements of history, mythology, and romance, illustrating the complexity of narrative forms that were emerging during this period.
4. By choosing to publish this work, Caxton helped establish a standard written form of English, influencing subsequent authors and their styles.
5. The themes explored in The Recuyell resonate with ideas of heroism, love, and betrayal, which are central to many works from the medieval literary tradition.

Review Questions

• How did The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye influence the evolution of English literature during its time?
  • The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye significantly influenced English literature by making classical stories accessible through translation. By bringing these narratives into English prose, Caxton set a precedent for future writers to follow suit. This act not only broadened the literary landscape but also encouraged other authors to write in English rather than Latin or French, contributing to the development of a unique English literary identity.
• Discuss how William Caxton's role as a printer impacted the accessibility of literary works like The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye.
  • William Caxton's role as a printer revolutionized access to literary works such as The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye. Before Caxton, books were laboriously copied by hand, making them scarce and expensive. With the advent of printing, works could be reproduced quickly and distributed widely, allowing more people to read and engage with literature. This increased accessibility not only popularized stories like those from Troy but also laid the groundwork for a more literate society.
• Evaluate the impact of The Recuyell's themes on later literary movements or genres that followed in English literature.
  • The themes found in The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye—such as heroism, love, and moral conflict—have had a lasting impact on later literary movements and genres. For instance, these themes paved the way for chivalric romances and later works during the Renaissance that explored complex human emotions and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, they influenced playwrights like Shakespeare who incorporated similar motifs into their plays. The resonance of these themes demonstrates how early works shaped the narrative framework that would continue to evolve in English literature.

Related terms

William Caxton:

A merchant and printer who is credited with introducing the printing press to England and was instrumental in promoting the English language through his printed works.

Prose: A form of written language that follows natural speech patterns, as opposed to verse, which has a structured meter and rhyme.

Chivalric Romance: A literary genre popular in medieval literature, characterized by tales of knights, heroic deeds, and courtly love, often connected to Arthurian legends and other historical narratives.