Which period in English literature is often referred to as the Early Middle English Period?

The Early Middle English Period is indeed often referred to as the Anglo-Norman Period. This period, which spans roughly from the end of the 11th century to the mid-13th century, was significantly shaped by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The introduction of Norman French as the language of the ruling class had a profound impact on the English language and literature.

During this time, there was a notable blending of Anglo-Saxon and Norman literary traditions, leading to the emergence of new forms of expression in English. Works from this era, such as those by William Langland and the anonymous authors of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” reflect the transition of English into a more flexible and diverse medium for storytelling.

The other periods listed—Renaissance, Victorian, and Modern—represent distinct phases in English literature that occurred much later. Each of these periods introduced different styles and themes that are separate from the linguistic and cultural developments of the Early Middle English Period. Thus, the Anglo-Norman Period is correctly identified as synonymous with Early Middle English.