The biggest misconception about the Middle Ages is that there was a complete and utter lack of culture in Europe. This is simply untrue, for there was a plethora of literature and lyric poetry during the period lasting from 500 CE to 1500 CE. This period helped shape the form of modern Western culture through the retention of classical works and the conception of new ones. Feudalism, the church, and chivalry, some of the defining social ideas and institutions medieval times, were new and different approaches towards aspects of life. Also, literature and poetry took a lateral step from what had existed only a short while before.

The political situation of the Middle Ages was one of feudalism. According to Adventures in World Literature, "The breakdown of the Roman Empire and the absence of organized national governments left every man at the mercy of his more powerful neighbors."(page 360) This...