BA III Sem Optional English, Veerashaiva College, Ballari

I History of English Literature

English literature has a rich and varied history, spanning over a thousand years. Here is a brief
overview of some of the key periods and writers:

Old English Literature (c. 450-1100): This period saw the emergence of epic poems such as
Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, as well as religious works such as The Dream of the
Rood.

Middle English Literature (c. 1100-1500): The most famous work of this period is undoubtedly
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, but other notable works include Sir Gawain and the
Green Knight and William Langland’s Piers Plowman.

Renaissance Literature (c. 1500-1660): This period saw a flowering of literature, with writers
such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, John Donne, and Edmund Spenser. The
English Bible was also translated during this time.

Restoration and 18th Century Literature (1660-1798): This period saw the rise of the novel,
with writers such as Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, and Henry Fielding. Other notable
writers from this period include John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift.

Romantic Literature (c. 1798-1837): This period is characterized by a focus on emotion and
nature, with writers such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Percy Bysshe
Shelley. Other notable writers include Jane Austen and Mary Shelley.

Victorian Literature (1837-1901): This period saw a continuation of the novel as the dominant
form of literature, with writers such as Charles Dickens, the Bronte sisters, and George Eliot.
Other notable writers include Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Matthew Arnold.

Modern Literature (c. 1900-present): This period is characterized by a diversity of styles and
movements, including modernism, postmodernism, and contemporary literature. Notable
writers from this period include T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, William Faulkner,
Salman Rushdie, and Margaret Atwood.

II The Social Context of Medieval English Literature

Medieval English literature reflects the social context of the period, which spanned from the
5th to the 15th century. During this time, England experienced significant changes in its social
and political structures, as well as in its cultural and religious practices.

One of the most significant social factors in medieval England was the feudal system, which
organized society into a hierarchy of lords, knights, and peasants. This social order was
reflected in literature, which often focused on chivalric ideals, courtly love, and the
relationships between lords and their vassals.

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Religion also played a significant role in medieval English society, and the literature of the
period often reflects this influence. Many works of literature were religious in nature, and the
Christian faith was a central aspect of daily life.

In addition to these social factors, the medieval period was also marked by political upheaval,
including wars, invasions, and the rise and fall of various monarchs. Literature of the period
often reflects these events and the impact they had on society.

Overall, the social context of medieval English literature was complex and multifaceted, with
a range of factors shaping the literature produced during this period. From the feudal system
to religion to political turmoil, these factors influenced the themes, styles, and content of
medieval literature in a variety of ways.

III Renaissance period

The Renaissance period, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century, was a time of great
cultural and intellectual growth in Europe. The period saw significant advancements in
science, art, music, and literature, as well as a renewed interest in classical learning and
humanism.

In literature, the Renaissance period is characterized by a shift away from medieval literary
forms and themes, and a renewed focus on the individual and the human experience. Writers
during this period often explored themes of love, beauty, and the natural world, and their
works were marked by a focus on the individual rather than on religious or societal
institutions.
One of the most important literary movements of the Renaissance period was the emergence
of the sonnet form, which was popularized by Italian poets such as Petrarch and Dante. The
sonnet, which typically consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme, became a
popular form for expressing personal emotions and ideas.

Another important development in Renaissance literature was the rise of the vernacular, or
the use of the local language rather than Latin or Greek. This allowed writers to reach a wider
audience and to explore a range of subjects in a more accessible way.

Some of the most famous writers of the Renaissance period include William Shakespeare,
Christopher Marlowe, and John Milton. Their works, which include plays, poetry, and prose,
continue to be studied and celebrated today for their exploration of human emotion and
experience, their focus on the individual, and their contributions to the development of the
English language.

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IV Elizabethan Poetry

Elizabethan poetry refers to the poetry that was written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth
I (1558-1603) in England. The Elizabethan era was a time of great artistic and cultural
flourishing, and Elizabethan poetry reflects this with its unique style and characteristics. Some
of the key characteristics of Elizabethan poetry include:

Metaphysical conceits: Elizabethan poets often used elaborate metaphors and conceits to
express complex ideas and emotions. They used comparisons and analogies to explore deep
philosophical and spiritual concepts.

Sonnets: The Elizabethan era is particularly famous for the development of the sonnet form,
which was popularized by poets such as William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser. The
sonnet is a fourteen-line poem that typically follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter.

Love and romance: Elizabethan poetry often focused on themes of love and romance,
particularly unrequited love and courtly love. Poets used flowery language and elaborate
imagery to convey the intensity of their emotions.

Nature: Elizabethan poets frequently used nature imagery to explore human emotions and
experiences. They saw the natural world as a reflection of the divine and often used natural
phenomena to symbolize spiritual truths.

Humanism: Elizabethan poetry was influenced by the humanist movement, which placed an
emphasis on individuality and the importance of the human experience. Poets celebrated
human potential and achievement, while also exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

Rhyme and meter: Elizabethan poets used a variety of rhyme schemes and meters in their
poetry, ranging from simple to complex. They often used the iambic pentameter, a metrical
pattern that consists of five stressed and unstressed syllables.

Wit and humor: Elizabethan poets had a great sense of wit and humor, and their poetry often
included clever wordplay and puns. They used humor to explore serious themes and to
challenge social norms.

Overall, Elizabethan poetry is characterized by its elaborate language, complex metaphors,

and exploration of deep philosophical and spiritual themes. It is an important part of the
English literary canon and has had a lasting influence on poetry and literature.
Famous poets emerged during this period, including:

William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, Ben Jonson, John Donne, Sir
Philip Sidney.

V Elizabethan Drama.

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Elizabethan drama is a form of English Renaissance theatre that was popular in the late 16 th
and early 17th centuries during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Some of the characteristics of
Elizabethan drama are:

Historical Plays: One of the most notable features of Elizabethan drama is the tendency to
present historical events or figures on stage, often using a blend of fact and fiction.

Blank Verse: Elizabethan drama is also known for its use of blank verse, a form of poetry that
does not rhyme but follows a set meter. This style of writing gives the plays a lyrical quality
that enhances their emotional impact.

Soliloquies: Another feature of Elizabethan drama is the use of soliloquies, in which a

character speaks their thoughts aloud, often revealing their innermost feelings and
motivations to the audience.

Playhouses: Elizabethan drama was performed in open-air playhouses, which had a stage at
one end and seating on three sides. These playhouses were often rowdy and noisy, with
audiences participating in the performance and engaging with the actors.

Comic Relief: Many Elizabethan plays included comic subplots or characters to provide a break
from the serious themes and tragic events that often dominated the main plot.

Universal Themes: Elizabethan drama explored universal themes such as love, revenge,
jealousy, and betrayal, which still resonate with audiences today.

Complex Characters: Characters in Elizabethan drama were often complex and multifaceted,
with flaws and virtues that made them more human and relatable to the audience.

Spectacle: Elizabethan drama included elaborate costumes, sets, and special effects to create
a sense of spectacle and awe in the audience.

Overall, Elizabethan drama was a vibrant and dynamic form of theatre that reflected the social
and cultural changes of the time, and continues to influence modern theatre today.

Here are some of the most well-known Elizabethan dramatists:

William Shakespeare – Often considered the greatest playwright of all time, Shakespeare
wrote many of his most famous plays during the Elizabethan era, including “Hamlet,”
“Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet.”

Christopher Marlowe – A contemporary of Shakespeare, Marlowe is best known for his plays
“Doctor Faustus” and “Tamburlaine the Great.”

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Ben Jonson – Jonson was a prolific writer and one of the most important dramatists of the
Elizabethan era. He wrote many popular plays, including “Volpone” and “The Alchemist.”

V I Metaphysical Poetry

Metaphysical poetry is a style of poetry that emerged in the 17th century in England,
characterized by its use of complex metaphors, intellectual wit, and a focus on philosophical
and spiritual themes. Here are some of the characteristics of metaphysical poetry:

Use of Conceits: Metaphysical poetry is known for its use of extended metaphors, known as
conceits. These conceits are often elaborate and surprising, drawing unlikely comparisons
between seemingly unrelated things.

Intellectual and Philosophical Themes: Metaphysical poets often explored complex

philosophical and spiritual themes in their work, such as the nature of reality, the relationship
between the physical and the spiritual, and the nature of the human soul.

Use of Paradoxes: Metaphysical poets often used paradoxes, or apparent contradictions, to

explore these themes. For example, John Donne’s famous line “Death, be not proud, though
some have called thee / Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so” uses paradox to explore the
idea of death.

Use of Allusions: Metaphysical poets frequently used allusions to classical literature and
mythology in their work. These allusions were often used to illustrate or reinforce a point, or
to lend weight to an argument.

Poetic Devices: Metaphysical poetry often used poetic devices such as puns, wordplay, and
irony to convey its themes and ideas.

Vivid Imagery: Despite its intellectual nature, metaphysical poetry often featured vivid and
sensory imagery, which helped to bring its complex ideas to life for readers.

The term was coined by Samuel Johnson in his Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-
1781) and was used to describe a group of poets who shared certain characteristics in their
poetry.

The most famous metaphysical poets include John Donne, George Herbert, Richard Crashaw,
Andrew Marvell,

Overall, metaphysical poetry is known for its intellectual depth, its use of complex metaphors,
and its exploration of complex philosophical and spiritual themes.

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VII Restoration Drama

Restoration Drama refers to the theatrical productions that were popular in England during
the Restoration period, which lasted from 1660 to 1710. Here are some of the characteristics
of Restoration Drama:

Wit and Humor: Restoration Drama is characterized by its wit and humor. The plays were full
of clever wordplay, bawdy humor, and sexual innuendo.

Elaborate and ornate language: The language used in Restoration Drama was often complex
and ornate, with characters speaking in verse and using flowery metaphors and allusions.

Intrigue and plot twists: Restoration Drama often featured complicated plot twists, with
characters engaging in intrigue, deception, and manipulation.

Stock characters: Restoration Drama often relied on stock characters, such as the fop, the
rake, and the coquette, who embodied specific traits and behaviors.

Social commentary: Restoration Drama often served as a commentary on contemporary

society, with plays exploring themes such as class, gender, and power.

Musical interludes: Restoration Drama often included musical interludes, with characters
breaking into song and dance.

Spectacle: Restoration Drama was known for its elaborate and visually stunning productions,
with lavish costumes, sets, and special effects.

Restoration of monarchy and aristocracy: The plays of the Restoration period often
celebrated the restoration of the monarchy and the aristocracy, with a focus on courtly
manners, and etiquette

Some of the most famous Restoration dramatists include:

William Congreve (1670-1729): Congreve was one of the leading dramatists of the Restoration
period. His plays include “The Way of the World” (1700), “Love for Love” (1695), and “The
Mourning Bride” (1697).

John Dryden (1631-1700): Dryden was a prolific writer and a key figure in the literary circles
of his time. His plays include “All for Love” (1677), “The Conquest of Granada” (1670), and
“Marriage A-la-Mode” (1672).

Aphra Behn (1640-1689): Behn was one of the first professional female writers in English
literature, and her plays often explored themes of gender and sexuality. Her most famous
plays include “The Rover” (1677) and “The Widow Ranter” (1689).

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VIII Characteristics of 18th Century English Prose

The 18th century was a time of significant development in English prose writing. Some of the
key characteristics of 18th century English prose include:

Clarity and Precision: The 18th century saw a move away from the ornate, complex writing
style of earlier periods. Writers focused on clear, concise prose that was easy to understand.

Rationalism and Empiricism: The Age of Enlightenment, which dominated the 18th century,
placed great emphasis on reason, logic, and empirical evidence. This influenced prose writing,
which became more factual and analytical.

Satire and Irony: Satire and irony were common literary devices used by writers in the 18 th
century to criticize social and political issues. This was a time of great change, and writers
used these tools to highlight the shortcomings of society.

Realism: The 18th century was also a time of realism in literature. Writers sought to depict life
as it really was, rather than romanticizing or idealizing it.

Neoclassicism: The neoclassical movement, which was popular in the 18th century,
emphasized classical ideals of order, balance, and restraint. This influenced prose writing,
which became more structured and formal.

Social Criticism: Many writers in the 18th century used their work to criticize social and
political issues. This was a time of great change, and writers were keen to comment on the
injustices and inequalities of the day.

Moral Purpose: The 18th century was also a time of moral purpose in literature. Many writers
believed that their work should have a moral or ethical message, and they used their writing
to promote virtue and condemn vice.

Some of the most famous 18th century English prose writers include:

Samuel Johnson – author of the first comprehensive English dictionary, as well as several
influential works of prose, including “The Rambler” and “The Lives of the Poets.”

Daniel Defoe – best known for his novel “Robinson Crusoe,” but also wrote many other works
of fiction and non-fiction, including political pamphlets and journalistic essays.

Jonathan Swift – wrote satirical works such as “Gulliver’s Travels” and “A Modest Proposal,”
as well as political pamphlets and essays.

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IX Development of English Novels in 18th Century,

The 18th century marked a significant shift in English literature, particularly in the
development of the novel as a literary form. This period saw the emergence of several notable
novelists who contributed to the growth of the genre and shaped the direction of English
fiction.

One of the most significant developments in the 18th century novel was the rise of the realistic
novel, which portrayed characters and situations that reflected the complexities of everyday
life. This was in contrast to earlier forms of fiction, which tended to be more idealized and
fantastical.

One of the earliest and most influential novelists of the 18th century was Daniel Defoe, whose
novel “Robinson Crusoe” (1719) is often credited with being one of the first true novels in
English. Defoe’s novel tells the story of a shipwrecked sailor who must learn to survive on a
deserted island, and is notable for its detailed descriptions of the character’s daily struggles.

Another significant novelist of the 18th century was Samuel Richardson, who wrote two
epistolary novels, “Pamela” (1740) and “Clarissa” (1748). These novels were written in the
form of letters exchanged between characters and were notable for their psychological depth
and exploration of human relationships.

Other notable novelists of the 18th century include Henry Fielding, who wrote the picaresque
novel “Tom Jones” (1749), and Laurence Sterne, who wrote the experimental novel “Tristram
Shandy” (1759). Fielding’s novel follows the adventures of a young man as he navigates the
social and sexual mores of 18th century England, while Sterne’s novel is notable for its complex
narrative structure and use of digressions and metafictional devices.

Overall, the 18th century saw the emergence of the novel as a major literary form in English
literature, and laid the groundwork for the development of the novel as we know it today.

Characterstics of 18th century novels

The 18th century saw a rise in popularity of the novel as a literary form. Some of the chief
characteristics of novels in this period include:

Realism: Novels in the 18th century aimed to portray life as it was, often using realistic
characters and situations. This focus on realism was a reaction against the more idealized and
fantastical works of previous eras.

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Satire: Many 18th century novels used satire to criticize societal institutions and norms. This
was often done through the use of humor and irony.

Epistolary form: The epistolary form, in which the story is told through letters between
characters, was popular in the 18th century. This allowed for a more intimate and personal
narrative.

Morality: Many novels in this period had a strong moral message, often focusing on the
virtues of hard work, honesty, and social responsibility.

Focus on individual experience: The rise of the novel coincided with a growing interest in
individualism and the inner lives of people. Many

X Neoclassical poetry

Neoclassical poetry is a literary movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries and is
characterized by a revival of classical forms and ideals. Some of the characteristics of
neoclassical poetry include:

Imitation of classical models: Neoclassical poets imitated the forms and structures of classical
poetry, such as the sonnet and the epic, as well as the ideals of balance, order, and harmony.

Use of heroic couplets: The neoclassical poets favored the use of heroic couplets, which
consist of two rhyming lines of iambic pentameter, as a way to create a sense of formality and
decorum in their poetry.

Emphasis on reason and logic: Neoclassical poetry often emphasized reason and logic over
emotion and imagination. The poets sought to use language in a precise and controlled
manner to convey their ideas.

Use of satire and wit: Neoclassical poets often used satire and wit to criticize and mock the
vices and follies of society. This was seen as a way to promote moral and social improvement.

Emphasis on moral values: Neoclassical poets often emphasized moral values such as duty,
honor, and virtue. They believed that poetry should be instructive and should promote the
values of the society.

Use of classical allusions: Neoclassical poets often used classical allusions and references to
ancient mythology and literature in their poetry. This was seen as a way to elevate the status
of their poetry and to connect it to the great literary traditions of the past.

Here are some famous Neoclassical poets:

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Alexander Pope – He is considered one of the greatest Neoclassical poets of all time. Some of
his most famous works include “An Essay on Criticism,” “The Rape of the Lock,” and “An Essay
on Man.”

John Dryden – He was a prominent figure in the Restoration era and is known for his heroic
couplets and translations of classical works such as Virgil’s “Aeneid.”

Samuel Johnson – He was a poet, essayist, and lexicographer who is known for his moral
writings and for editing the first comprehensive English dictionary.

Thomas Gray – He is best known for his poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” which
reflects the Neoclassical emphasis on reason, order, and classical themes.

XI Transitional poetry

The Period of Transitional Poetry refers to a time in English literary history that spanned the
late 16th century and the early 17th century. This period is considered transitional because it
marked a shift from the Renaissance period to the Metaphysical period, and poets during this
time experimented with new forms and themes.

Some of the key poets of this period include Edmund Spenser, Sir Philip Sidney, Samuel Daniel,
and Michael Drayton. These poets wrote in a variety of styles and genres, including sonnets,
pastoral poetry, and epic poetry.

One of the most significant works of transitional poetry is Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene,” an
epic poem that combines elements of romance, allegory, and chivalry. The poem was highly
influential and helped to establish the heroic couplet as a dominant form of English poetry in
the 17th century.

Here are some famous transitional poets:

John Donne (1572-1631): He is considered the foremost metaphysical poet of the 17th century
and was a transitional poet between the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.

John Milton (1608-1674): He is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language
and was a transitional poet between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): He is known for his satirical and moralistic poetry and was a
transitional poet between the Restoration and the Augustan eras.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850): He is one of the founders of English Romanticism and was
a transitional poet between the Enlightenment and the Romantic era.

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Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834): He is known for his poetry and critical work and was a
transitional poet between the Romantic and Victorian eras.

Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892): He is known for his narrative poetry and was a transitional
poet between the Romantic and Victorian eras.

Robert Browning (1812-1889): He is known for his dramatic monologues and was a
transitional poet between the Romantic and Victorian eras.

Overall, the period of transitional poetry was a time of experimentation and innovation in
English literature, and it paved the way for the emergence of the Metaphysical poets who
followed.

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