In the 250 years introduced here, literature reflects key transitions, embedded as it is in far-reaching political, religious and socio-economic transformations. This volume tracks some of the resulting tensions in various genres, especially those that re-integrate or respond to the traditional. Such literature is examined by using the tools of rhetoric and semiotics, interpreting from the author-audience axis and focusing on dissonant markers in canonical as well as in less well-known narratives. SunHee Kim Gertz looks at the history and culture of the era in order to contextualise the work she examines, including Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Book of Margery Kempe, Le Morte D'Arthur and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Offering a refreshing new perspective on a period of rich literary output, that students often find difficult to engage, this will prove a welcome guide and critical companion.