During which period was literature primarily passed on orally and themes of courtly love and chivalry were prominent?

The Middle English period is characterized by a rich tradition of oral storytelling, where narratives were often conveyed through performances, ballads, and poetry. This era saw the development and popularization of themes such as courtly love and chivalry, which were prevalent in the literature of the time. Notable works, like Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," reflect these themes and the social codes associated with chivalric behavior and romantic ideals.

During this period, literature was not yet widely available in written form for the general populace; instead, it was often shared through oral traditions, especially in communal settings. The focus on courtly love and the ideals of chivalry also aligned with the societal norms and aspirations of the medieval aristocracy. As a result, the Middle English period stands out as a time when these themes flourished alongside the oral transmission of literature.

The other periods mentioned, such as the British Neoclassical, American Naturalistic, and British Romantic periods, each have their unique characteristics and themes but do not reflect the same combination of oral tradition with chivalric and courtly love themes as seen during the Middle English period.