History of English Literature
The History of English literature is a rich and diverse narrative that spans centuries, reflecting the evolution of the English language and the cultural, social, and political changes that have shaped the course of literary expression. Beginning with the earliest Old English writings, such as Beowulf, the roots of English literature can be traced back to the medieval period. The Middle English era saw the emergence of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, a landmark work that showcased the language's flexibility and adaptability.
The Renaissance period marked a significant shift, bringing forth luminaries like William Shakespeare, whose plays and sonnets are timeless masterpieces. The 17th century witnessed the metaphysical poets, including John Donne, exploring complex themes and innovative poetic forms. The Restoration period introduced a new style of drama and satire, exemplified by the works of John Dryden and Aphra Behn.
The 18th century saw the rise of the novel as a dominant literary form, with authors like Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, and Henry Fielding contributing to the genre. The Romantic era that followed celebrated individualism, emotion, and nature, featuring poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron. The Victorian age produced a diverse range of novels, including those by Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters, addressing social issues and the human condition.
In the 20th century, English literature underwent radical transformations with the advent of modernism, witnessed in the works of Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce. Post-war literature brought about diverse voices and perspectives, from the existential angst of Samuel Beckett to the postcolonial narratives of writers like Chinua Achebe and Salman Rushdie.
Contemporary English literature continues to evolve, embracing a globalized world and exploring new forms and themes. The history of English literature is a dynamic tapestry that reflects the ever-changing landscape of human experience, offering insights into culture, society, and the human condition.
Periods of English Literature.pdfDivision of History of English Literature
Anglo-Saxon Period/Old English Period (450-1066)
The concept of “Anglo-Saxon” is a very recent invention. It relates to immigrants to Britain who left the German states of Saxony and Angela following the collapse of the Roman Empire in AD 410. This literature was literary period started in the 7Th century in Anglo-Saxon England and remained a few years after the end of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The oldest poem written in the 7th century is Caedmon’s hymn. The last poem written in the time period is The Grave. This poem is considered the last poem left in the old English style. Beowulf’s poem is considered one of the most popular works of old English literature.
This period begins with the Anglo-Saxon settlement in England and includes works written in Old English (Anglo-Saxon).
Key works include epic poems like "Beowulf" and religious texts such as "The Dream of the Rood."
Anglo-Norman Period/Middle English Period (1066-1500)
The middle English term is used to denote the literature of the 14th century to 1470. During this time period, there was a cultural and language transition in British literature. London-based English became the favourable English language and the printing press also started to print in this language.
The Norman Conquest in 1066 had a significant impact on the English language and culture, leading to the use of Middle English.
Notable works include Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and religious writings.
Renaissance Period (1500-1600)
The Renaissance period in English literature spanned the late 15th century to the early 17th century. This era marked a cultural and intellectual rebirth in Europe, leading to a revival of interest in classical learning, art, and literature. The Renaissance had a profound impact on English literature, influencing the way writers approached themes, styles, and forms of expression.
This period is marked by the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.
William Shakespeare's plays, Christopher Marlowe's works, and the poetry of Edmund Spenser are significant contributions.
Neoclassical Period (1660-1798)
The Neoclassical period in English literature, also known as the Enlightenment or the Age of Reason, spanned roughly from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. This literary era emerged as a reaction against the excesses and perceived disorder of the preceding Renaissance and Baroque periods. Neoclassicism was characterized by a revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman literature, an emphasis on reason and logic, and a preference for order, balance, and restraint in artistic expression.
Rationalism is the main characteristic of the literature written during the Neoclassical age. Writers created work that was based on a rational approach rather than imagination and fantasy. Poetry was more satirical and less imaginative.
Neoclassical period poetry was very different from romantic poetry. Sentiments were replaced with satire, intelligence, and reasoning. Poets emphasise on scientific approach rather than emotions and imagination.
Realism is also the hallmark of Neoclassical poets. They were completely different from the romantic writers who followed imagination more. The poetry of neoclassical poets showcases the harsh reality of society. That is why abstract ideas and imaginative thoughts were missing in their work.
Romantic Period (1785-1832)
The Romantic era’s beginning is highly disputed and ambiguous. Some people think it began shortly after the Age of Sensibility, in 1785. Some people, on the other hand, assert that it began with the French Revolution in 1789. There is another set of people who think that the publication of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s writings in 1798 marked the beginning of the Romantic era.
Imagination and feelings have more importance than rational thinking and logic.
Love towards nature, animals, and landscapes. Realism is no longer in literature.
Nature for romantic poets is like a divine revelation.
Writers are more into medieval past, gothic, and supernatural themes.
Great emphasis on melancholy, psychology, and sadness. Death and mankind’s feelings were the main subjects for the poets.
Victorian Period (1832-1901 or 1837-1901)
The period got its name from the reign of Queen Victoria. In 1837 Queen Victoria came to the throne and thus the Victorian period began. The end of this period was with the death of the queen in 1901. There were many social, religious, intellectual, and economic problems in London.
Modern Period (1900-1945)
The modern Period finds its beginning with the start of World War I. Writers started to experiment with the subject matter and brought different styles of writing. They included verse writing, narrative style, and Drama. Novels like Things Fall Apart indicate modernist concerns.
History of English Literature.pdfLiterary Movements
A literary movement refers to a period of time during which a group of writers, often sharing similar artistic or philosophical goals, produce works that reflect common themes, styles, or ideals. These movements are not strictly defined by chronological dates but rather by a shared sensibility or a reaction against prevailing norms and styles in literature. Literary movements are dynamic and often arise as a response to social, political, cultural, or intellectual changes.
Writers within a movement often explore similar themes, questions, or issues. These thematic concerns may be a response to the cultural or political climate of the time.
Literary movements often exhibit a shared stylistic approach or technique that sets them apart from previous or concurrent movements. This can include specific literary devices, narrative structures, or modes of expression.
Movements are sometimes associated with particular philosophical or intellectual ideas. Writers within a movement may share a common worldview or a reaction against established ideologies.
Many literary movements emerge as a reaction or response to the shortcomings or perceived limitations of earlier literary traditions. This can involve a rejection of established norms or a desire to push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Writers associated with a particular movement often form a community, sharing ideas and influencing each other's work. This sense of community can extend beyond literature to include other arts, philosophy, and cultural movements.
Literary movements leave a lasting impact on the literary landscape. They contribute to the evolution of literary forms, influence subsequent generations of writers, and shape the way literature is understood and studied.
Literary Movements.pdf