Literary Periods and Movements

Overview of History of English Literature

OLD ENGLISH / ANGLO SAXON PERIOD (450-1066)

The Anglo-Saxon period refers to the era of English history between the 5th and 11th centuries, following the departure of
the Romans from Britain and preceding the Norman Conquest.
The Anglo-Saxon period in literature is primarily known for its oral tradition and the development of epic poetry.
Here are some key literary characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon period:-

1.Oral Tradition

2.Heroic Poetry: Heroic poetry was a dominant form of literature during this period.

3. Alliteration

4. Kenning: Kennings were poetic devices used in Anglo-Saxon poetry to create vivid and imaginative descriptions. They
involved using compound metaphors or figurative language to describe something in a unique and indirect way. For
example, using "whale-road" to refer to the sea or "battle-sweat" to describe blood.

5. Elegies:-
The Wanderer" and "The Seafarer" are examples of notable elegies from this period.

6. Emphasis on Fate and Wyrd Despite the limited surviving texts, the literature of this period provides valuable insights
into the cultural, historical, and linguistic development of the English language.
MIDDLE AGES/ ANGLO-NORMAN (1066-1500)
The Anglo-Norman period refers to the time between the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the end of the 14th
century.
During this period, literature in England underwent significant changes, blending elements of the French and English
languages, cultures, and literary traditions.

Here are some key characteristics of the literature of the Anglo-Norman period:
1.Bilingualism
2. Courtly Romances:-These romances depicted the adventures of knights, damsels in distress, and quests for honor. Famous
examples include "Tristan and Iseult" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.“
3. Religious Literature
4. Religious Literature:
5. Arthurian Legends

THE RENAISSANCE /EARLY MODERNS (1500- 1660)

The term "Renaissance" means "rebirth" in French, and it represents a time of renewed interest in the arts, sciences, and
intellectual pursuits. It was a period of great cultural and intellectual change that marked the transition from the medieval
period to the early modern era.

Here are some key literary characteristics of this period:

1.Humanism:
Humanism played a significant role during the English Renaissance. Humanist ideals emphasized the potential of human
beings and celebrated their achievements, exploring themes such as individualism, human potential, and the importance of
reason.

The main elements of Renaissance humanism include:

A. an interest in studying literature and art from antiquity
B. an interest in the eloquent use of Latin and philology RH
C. a belief in the importance and power of education to create useful citizens
D. the promotion of private and civic virtue
E. a rejection of scholasticism
F. the encouragement of non-religious studies g. an emphasis on the individual and their moral autonomy
G. a belief in the importance of observation, critical analysis, and creativity
H. a belief that poets, writers, and artists can lead humanity to a better way
I. an interest in the question 'what does it mean to be human'?

2. Rebirth of Classical Influences:

Renaissance writers sought inspiration from classical literature, art, and culture. They emulated the works of ancient Greek
and Roman authors such as Homer, Virgil, and Ovid.

3. Sonnet Form:
The sonnet, a highly structured fourteen-line poem, gained popularity during the English Renaissance. It was imported from
Italy, where it had been perfected by poets like Petrarch. English poets like Sir Philip Sidney, Edmund Spenser, and William
Shakespeare contributed to the development of the English sonnet, adapting it to their own language and themes.
4. Metaphysical Poetry:
The Metaphysical poets emerged during the late Renaissance, known for their intellectual and philosophical exploration.
They often employed intricate metaphors, complex imagery, and unconventional poetic devices to explore deep
philosophical questions about love, religion, and the nature of existence. John Donne, Andrew Marvell, and George Herbert
were prominent figures in this movement.
5. Drama and Theater:
The period witnessed the rise of the public theaters, where plays were performed for a wide audience. aspects of drama and
theater during the Renaissance:
Revival of Ancient Greek and Roman Drama:
❖ Commedia dell'arte
❖ Humanism and Tragedy
❖ Playwrights and Playwriting

The Globe Theatre:

The Globe Theatre, located in London, was a prominent theater associated with the Renaissance period. It was built in 1599
and was the primary venue for performances of Shakespeare's plays.
Theatrical Techniques and Staging

6. Courtly Literature:
The English Renaissance was characterized by a close connection between literature and the royal court.

7. Exploration of New Worlds:

The English Renaissance coincided with the age of exploration and discovery. As a result, there was a fascination with travel
literature and accounts of explorers who ventured into the New World. Writers like Sir Walter Raleigh and Thomas More
contributed to this genre by documenting their experiences and promoting new perspectives on culture, geography, and
society.

THE PRINTING PRESS :-

William Caxtone. 1422 c. 1491) was an English merchant, diplomat, writer and printer. He is thought to be the first
Englishman to introduce a printing press into England in 1476. These changes affected the literary ideals in a great deal.
One could easily find references of these discoveries in the works of Shakespeare, Donne and Milton.

English Renaissance can be divided as:-

Early Tudor Period (1485-1558)
Elizabethan Period (1558-1603)
Jacobean Period (1603-1625)
Caroline Age (1625-1649)
Commonwealth Period/Puritan Interregnum (1649-1660)

The beginning of the Tudor dynasty coincided with the first dissemination of printed matter.
William Caxton's press was established in 1476. Humanism became the most important force in
English literary and intellectual life, both in its narrow sense—the study and imitation of the
Latin classics—and in its broad sense—the affirmation of the secular, in addition to the
otherworldly, concerns of people.
Roger Ascham (1515-1568),
a famous classical scholar, who published a book called Toxophilus (School of Shooting) in 1545 The two greatest books
which appeared in England during this period are undoubtedly Erasmus’s[108] Praise of Folly (Encomium Moriae) and
More’s Utopia, the famous “Kingdom of Nowhere.”

Tyndale’s New Testament (1525)

Tyndale made his translation from the original Greek, and later translated parts of the Old
Testament from the Hebrew.

Wyatt and Surrey

In 1557 appeared probably the first printed collection of miscellaneous English poems, known
as Tottel’s Miscellany. The chief literary work of these two men, therefore, is to introduce the sonnet and the blank verse

Malory’s Morte d’Arthur

The Morte d’Arthur, a collection of the Arthurian romances told in simple and vivid prose.
Le Morte D’ Arthur is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, beginning with Arthur’s conception and
birth, and concluding with his death at the hands of his bastard son, Mordred.

Malory’s Morte d’Arthur

The Morte d’Arthur, a collection of the Arthurian romances told in simple and vivid prose.
Le Morte D’ Arthur is the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, beginning with Arthur’s conception and
birth, and concluding with his death at the hands of his bastard son, Mordred.

Total's Miscellany
• Original title: Songs and Sonnets (5 June 1557, 1st edition 271 poems)
• First anthology to be published in English
• Established the Petrarchan sonnet-form
• Bears the cultural impact of English Reformation. Poems have references to
both Catholicism and Protestantism
• Only one poet mentioned in title page
– The Right Honourable Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
• Contents (Total no of poems in 1557 edition – 271)

Some important facts to be noted

1) Steel Glass (1576) of Gascoigne was the first verse Satire.
2) Sackville's "The Induction" was the first single poem of worth attention.
3) The first English tragedy. Gorboduc (1561), by Thomas Sackville and Thomas Norton is a chain of slaughter and
revenge written in direct imitation of Seneca.
4) Ralph Roister Doister is a sixteenth-century play by Nicholas Udall, which was once regarded as the first comedy to be
written in the English language.

The Elizabethan Age (1558- 1603)

This era is considered one of the most significant and culturally rich periods in English history. It was characterized by great
advancements in literature, exploration, arts, and sciences.
Elizabethan age
The Golden Age of England
• The Renaissance
• The Shakespearean Age
• The 1st great age of Drama & the 2nd great age of Poetry

Why was the Elizabethan age called the Golden age of literature?
Queen Elizabeth’s reign became the golden era for production of literary works because she herself was a great patron of art
and literature. During her reign, some new forms of poetry were introduced, first English essays and novels were written
and dramas saw a surge of a huge production.

The reign of Queen Elizabeth proved to be a rich flowering season for literature. There were various reasons for this
high rate of productivity:

1. Renaissance spirit: The general atmosphere of the nation was charged with the spirit of new learning. "Every breeze was
dusty with a pollen of Greece, Rome and Italy” and it stimulated the intellectual and aesthetic faculties of the people.
2. Reformation:
The English Bible was adopted and Anglican Church became a reality. The Reformation awakened the spiritual nature
of the people andindependent theological enquiry resulted in greater moral earnestness.

3.Social and Political peace:

Queen Elizabeth's wise policy of mode ration resulted in social and political peace. Queen Elizabeth was a true child of the
Renaissance and the people worshipped her for they "rightly saw in her the incarnate spirit of the nation and the age".

4. Intense Patriotism:
There was an upsurge of patriotism which sprang from England's growing consciousness of her strength, her pride of
prosperity and the spirit of adventure. The English considered themselves to be the chosen people of God and "the living
God is only the English God" became the popular belief. Elizabethan love of letters had its beginning in patriotic pride.

5. Imperialism:
England emerged as a naval power and there was an upsurge of maritime activity. The exploits of John Hawkins, Walter
Raleigh and Francis Drake fired the imagination of the people. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 made England
the supreme naval power in Europe. The East India Company was founded in 1600 and thus were sown
the seeds of British imperialism. In the 16th century the British began to establish overseas colonies
Several literary forms and genres emerged or gained prominence during the Elizabethan Age. Here are some of the
notable ones:
1.Drama
2. Sonnets
3. Pastoral Poetry:
Pastoral poetry celebrated an idealized, rural way of life. It portrayed shepherds and shepherdesses in idyllic settings, often
exploring themes of love, nature, and the contrast between rural simplicity and courtly life. Edmund Spenser's "The She
pheardes Calender" is an example of pastoral poetry from this era.

4. Prose Fiction:
hile drama and poetry took center stage, prose fiction also started to gain prominence during the Elizabethan Age. Popular
forms of prose fiction included romances, picaresque novels, and works of travel and exploration. Sir Philip Sidney's
"Arcadia" and Thomas Nashe's "The Unfortunate Traveller" are examples of prose fiction from this period.

5. Essays:
The Elizabethan Age saw the rise of the essay as a literary form. Influenced by the French essayist Michel de Montaigne,
English writers like Francis Bacon and Robert Burton began to write essays on various subjects, including philosophy,
morality, politics, and human nature. Bacon's "Essays" and Burton's "The Anatomy of Melancholy" are notable examples.

6. Metaphysical Poetry:
Metaphysical poetry, characterized by its intellectual and complex style, emerged during the late Elizabethan period and
flourished in the following Jacobean era.

Major writers of Elizabethan age :-

The University Wits were a group of English playwrights and poets who were active in the late 16th century, primarily
during the Elizabethan era. These University Wits played a crucial role in the development of English drama, paving the
way for the great playwrights of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, such as William Shakespeare.

The university wits include-

Christopher Marlowe Robert Greene, and Thomas Nashe (all graduates of Cambridge)
John Lyly, Thomas Lodge and George Peele (from Oxford).Another of the wits, though not university-trained, was Thomas
Kyd
Christopher Marlowe:-
Notable Works: "Tamburlaine the Great," "Doctor Faustus," "The Jew of Malta. "Writing Style: Marlowe's writing was
characterized by its grandeur, blank verse, and powerful use of language. He was known for his use of heroic and epic
themes, as well as his portrayal of ambitious and tragic protagonists.
Thomas Kyd:
Notable Work: "The Spanish Tragedy.

Writing Style: Kyd is considered one of the pioneers of Elizabethan revenge tragedy.
John Lyly:

Notable Works: "Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit," "Gallathea," "Endymion.

"Writing Style: Lyly is famous for his euphuistic prose style, which was characterized by its ornate language, elaborate
wordplay, and extensive use of rhetorical devices.
Thomas Nashe:
Nashe was known for his satirical and witty works. His notable plays include "The Isle of Dogs" (co-written with Ben
Jonson) and "Summer's Last Will and Testament."

Robert Greene:
His plays include "Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay" and "The Scottish History of James IV."

George Peele:
Notable Works:
"The Battle of Alcazar," "Edward I," various masques and pageants
William Shakespeare:-
often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, left a profound impact on literature and drama. His works
encompass a wide range of genres, including tragedies, comedies, histories, and romances.
Shakespeare wrote a vast body of work including plays, sonnets, and narrative poems. Shakespeare's writing style is
characterized by several key elements:- Poetic Language, Rich Characters, Exploration of Themes (human emotions &
condition, moral dilemmas, the consequences of actions and the complexities of life).

Notable works by William Shakespeare include:

Drama-

Tragedies: "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Othello," "King Lear," "Julius Caesar.“

Comedies: "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Twelfth Night," "The Taming of the Shrew.“

Histories: "Richard III," "Henry V," "Richard II," "Henry IV" (Parts 1 and 2).

Romances: "The Tempest," "The Winter's Tale," "Pericles," "Cymbeline."

Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets published in his 'quarto' in 1609. Shakespeare published two long poems, among his earliest
successes: Venus and Adonis in 1593 and The Rape of Lucrece in 1594. These poems were dedicated to his patron the Earl
of Southampton.

Ben Jonson: Jonson was a playwright, poet, and critic who is often considered the second most important playwright of the
era after Shakespeare. His notable plays include "Volpone," "The Alchemist," and "Every Man in His Humour." Ben JOnson
is known for his "Comedy of Humors".
Edmund Spenser: Spenser is best known for his epic poem "The Faerie Queene." This allegorical work, dedicated to
Queen Elizabeth I, explores themes of chivalry, virtue, and the idealized Tudor monarchy.

Sir Philip Sidney: Sidney was a poet, courtier, and soldier who wrote both poetry and prose. His works include the sonnet
sequence- 108 SONNETS "Astrophil and Stella" (1591) and the prose romance "The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia"
(1590). Critical work- The Defence of Poesy" (1595)

George Chapman: Chapman was a poet and playwright who is best known for his translations of Homer's epic poems,
"The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."

Translations in Elizabethan Age

The Elizabethan age observed several important foreign books translation in the English language. By 1579, many of the
great books of ancient & modern times had been translated into English

Translations also gained popularity: Plutarch's Lives Translation by Sir Thomas North Montaigne's Essais translation by
John Florio
Literary Features of the Elizabethan Age
1. Popularity of Poetry Lyrics, songs, & sonnets were produced in huge amount. England became the nest of the singing
birds. There were notable improvements in versification.

Era of Sonnet
Sonnet was popularized in this period. It was introduced by Thomas Wyatt early in the 16th century. He introduced
Petrarchan sonnet. Shakespeare made changes to the Italian model and introduced his own style, now known as the English
Sonnet or Shakespearean Sonnet.
Prose
For the first time in the history of English literature, prose was of first-rate importance. The heavy burden of the Latin was
disappearing while English prose gained a tradition & universal application. Rapid development during this period was
almost inevitable.

3. Emergence of Renaissance
In the Elizabethan age, there were two potent forces- the Renaissance and the Reformation. Both the forces blended and co-
operated each other. These two movements produced a great uplifting of the spirit.

4. New Classicism
The new passion for classical learning was a rich and worthy enthusiasm

5. Development of Drama
Drama, during the Elizabethan age, made a rapid & glorious leap into maturity. The drama was perfectly molded in the
hands of Shakespeare & Ben Jonson perfectly developed drama

6. Abundance of Output
During the Elizabethan Age, the historical situation encouraged a rich & healthy production of the literature of all kinds. A
lot of interest was shown in literary subjects. Treaties and pamphlets were written freely uplifting the quality of the literary
output.
Translations in Elizabethan Age
The Elizabethan age observed several important foreign books translation in the English language. By 1579, many of the
great books of ancient & modern times had been translated into English
Translations also gained popularity: Plutarch's Lives Translation by Sir Thomas North Montaigne's Essais translation by
John Florio

Spirit of Independence
Even though the writers borrowed literature from abroad, this age depicted an unbound spirit of independence &
creativeness. Shakespeare openly borrowed literature, but with his splendid creative imaginations, he transformed
everything into gold. ‘Spenserian Stanza’ was introduced by Spenser.

“Such were some of the conditions which combined to create the spirit of Shakespeare’s age – An age in which men lived
intensely, thought intensely and wrote intensely.” -W.H Hudson

The Jacobean Age (1603-1625)

he period of English history and literature that coincided with the reign of King James I (1603-1625) and the early years of
King Charles I (1625-1642).The Jacobean and Elizabethan ages refer to two distinct periods in English literature that were
marked by different historical and cultural contexts. Here are some key literary differences between the Jacobean and
Elizabethan age:-

Themes and Subjects:

Elizabethan Age:
The Elizabethan period is often associated with the flourishing of English Renaissance literature. It was characterized by a
fascination with classical themes, humanism, exploration, and the concept of the "ideal courtier." Popular literary genres
included sonnets, pastoral poetry, and drama. Shakespeare's works, such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth,"
were emblematic of the Elizabethan era.

Jacobean Age:
The Jacobean period, on the other hand, saw a shift towards darker and more introspective themes. It reflected the political
and religious turmoil of the time, including the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot and the emergence of the King James
Bible. The literature of this era delved into themes of corruption, deceit, ambition, and the complexities of power. The plays
of Jacobean playwrights like John Webster, Thomas Middleton, and John Ford often featured themes of revenge, moral
ambiguity, and psychological depth.

Here are some important literary facts about the Jacobean age:

Shakespeare's Later Works:

William Shakespeare was one of the most prominent literary figures of the Jacobean age. During this period, he wrote some
of his greatest plays, including "Macbeth," "King Lear," and "The Tempest."

The King James Version of the Bible:

King James I commissioned a group of scholars to translate the Bible into English, resulting in the publication of the King
James Version (KJV) in 1611. It became a highly influential and widely read translation.

Metaphysical Poetry:
The Jacobean age saw the emergence of metaphysical poetry, characterized by complex metaphors, intellectual wit, and
philosophical ideas.

Jacobean Tragedy:

Tragedy was a popular genre during this period. Playwrights such as John Webster ("The Duchess of Malfi") and Thomas
 Middleton ("The Changeling") wrote dark and violent plays that explored themes of revenge, ambition, and moral
corruption.

Masques and Courtly Entertainments:

These were theatrical performances that combined music, dance, poetry, and elaborate costumes. Ben Jonson was a
prominent writer of masques, and his works were performed at court.

Prose Works:
The Jacobean age also saw the production of notable prose works. Francis Bacon's essays, which explored various
philosophical and moral subjects.
The Union of England and Scotland:
In 1603, King James I of England also became King James VI of Scotland, uniting the two countries under a single
monarch. This union influenced literary and cultural exchanges between England and Scotland during the Jacobean age.
Censorship and Control:
The Jacobean era was marked by strict censorship and control over literature and theater. The Master of the Revels, an
official appointed by the crown, had the power to license plays and regulate their content, leading to the suppression of
certain works.
Dramatist of Jacobean Age
1. Ben Jonson (1572-1637)
2. Francis Beaumont (1584-1616) and John Fletcher (1579-1625)

Notable works•
"The Knight of the Burning Pestle" (1607)
• "The Maid's Tragedy" (1611)
• A King and No King" (1611)

4. John Webster (1580-1625)

Here are some of John Webster's notable works:
• "The White Devil" (1612):
• "The Duchess of Malfi" (1614):
• "Appius and Virginia" (written around 1619):
• "The Malcontent" (1603-1604):
5. Philip Massinger (1584-1639)
Notable work
• A New Way to Pay Old Debts" (1625)

6. John Ford (1586-1639)

Notable works
• "Tis Pity She's a Whore" (1633)
• "The Lover's Melancholy" (1628)

7. James Shirley (1596-1666)

• "The Cardinal" (1641)
• "Hyde Park" (1632)

Some notable prose writers of the Jacobean Age include:

1.Francis Bacon (1561-1626):
Bacon is considered one of the most influential figures of the period. He is known for his essays, which covered a wide
range of topics, including philosophy, science, and politics.
His works include
• "Essays" (1597)
• "The Advancement of Learning" (1605)
• "Novum Organum" (1620).

2.Robert Burton (1577-1640):

Burton is remembered for his work "The Anatomy of Melancholy" (1621). It is a vast and comprehensive exploration of
melancholy and its various causes, symptoms, and treatments.

3.John Donne (1572-1631):

While primarily known as a poet, Donne also wrote prose works. His most famous prose work is "Devotions upon Emergent
Occasions" (1624). It includes the well-known passage, "No man is an island."

4.Richard Hakluyt's-
"The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, and Discoveries of the English Nation" (1598-1600), which chronicled
various expeditions and discoveries.

Here are some prominent poets of the Jacobean Age and their notable works:
1.Ben Jonson (1572-1637):
• "To Penshurst" (poem)
• "Epigrams" (collection of poems)

2. John Donne (1572-1631):

• "Songs and Sonnets" (collection of poems)
• "Holy Sonnets" (collection of religious poems)
• "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" (poem)
• "Meditation XVII" (from "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions")

3. George Herbert (1593-1633):

• "The Temple" (collection of religious poems)
• "Easter Wings" (poem)
• "The Collar" (poem)• "Love (III)" (poem)
The Caroline Age (1625-1649)
Caroline Age, also known as the Caroline era, refers to the period of English literature that spanned the reign of King
Charles I (1625-1649). This literary period is named after King Charles I and is often considered as an extension of the
Jacobean era, which preceded it. The Caroline Age is characterized by a continuation of the themes and styles of the
Renaissance and Jacobean periods, with a particular emphasis on courtly literature.

The name Charles derived from Latin word ‘Carolus’ which means Charles.
Literature was influenced by-
The whole period emphasised on the Civil War which divided people into frictions. It dealt with England Civil War that was
fought between the supporters of King, known as Cavaliers and the supporters of Parliament, known as Roundheads.

The Puritans influenced the English middle classes since the reign of James I and play a powerful force role in the social life
of the age and initiated the movement for social and constitutional reforms. Caroline age is the age of poetry because poets
whole-heartedly devoted to writing poetry. There are very few writers who tend to write plays. Poetry has been written on
political, economic, social milieu and love aspects

It is made up of three poetic schools—Metaphysical, Cavalier and Puritan.

The Cavalier poetsThe term "Cavalier" referred to their support for the royalist cause during the English Civil War (1642-
1651).The Cavalier poets rejected the austere and religious themes of the preceding Metaphysical poets, who were known
for their intellectual and complex verse. Instead, they embraced a more lighthearted and elegant style characterized by
musicality, polished language, and the celebration of earthly pleasures.

Some of the prominent Cavalier poets include:

1.Robert Herrick (1591-1674):

Known for his lyrical and sensual poetry, Herrick wrote about love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. His most famous
work is "Hesperides," a collection of over 1,100 poems.

2.Thomas Carew (1595-1640):

Carew's poetry is characterized by its graceful language, wit, and courtly themes. He wrote both love poems and elegant
lyrics celebrating the masques and entertainments at court.

3.Richard Lovelace (1617-1657):

Lovelace's poetry often reflects his loyalty to the king and his experiences as a soldier during the Civil War. His most
famous poem, "To Althea, from Prison," expresses his unwavering support for the royalist cause.

4.Sir John Suckling (1609-1642):

Suckling's poetry combines wit, humor, and a love for gambling and courtly life. His works include love poems, songs, and
satirical verses.The poetry of the Cavalier poets is often associated with the Carpe Diem ("seize the day") theme,
emphasizing the enjoyment of life's pleasures while they last. They also displayed a strong influence from classical Greek
and Roman poetry, particularly in terms of meter and structure.

SONS OF BEN
Sons of Ben were followers of Ben Jonson in English poetry and drama in the first half of the seventeenth century. These
men followed Ben Jonson's philosophy and his style of poetry. Unlike Jonson, they were loyal to the king. The term, or the
alternative "Tribe of Ben," was a self-description by some of the Cavalier poets who admired and were influenced by
Jonson's poetry, including Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace, Sir John Suckling, and Thomas Carew.

Puritan Literature
Puritan literature is a genre created by the Puritans, a religious movement which fought to remove the remnants of the
Catholic Church from the Church of England. This led to conflict in England and to the founding of several colonies in the
Americas. The movement began in 1530 and lasted well into the 17th century.

Puritan poets such as John Milton, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor and John Dryden produced some of the best-known
verse of their age.
John Milton (1608-1674):
Milton is arguably the most famous poet of the Puritan Age. He is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost".

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672):

Bradstreet was the first notable American poet and one of the few female poets of the Puritan Age. Her most well-known
collection is "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America."
Puritan Age (1649-1660)

Introduction and Historical Background of the Age:

The Puritan age is named after the rise of the Puritan movement in England in the 17th century. Puritans, were a group of
English speaking Protestants who were dissatisfied with the religious reformation movement carried out during the reign of
queen Elizabeth.

They wanted a complete purification of Church of England and removal of practices such as hierarchical leadership, and
various rituals of the church, which were associated with Rome. They stood for what they believed was pure Christianity
(hence, the name Puritan).

Literature of the Puritan Age:

“England became the people of a book and that book was the Bible”.

Some key features of Puritan Age literature include:

❖ Religious and Moral Focus
❖ Plain Style
❖ Political and Social Commentary
❖ Allegory and Symbolism
Drama almost disappeared for eighteen years after the Puritans closed the public theatres in September 1642 Drama almost
disappeared for eighteen years after the Puritans closed the public theatres in September 1642.

Prominent writers of the Puritan Age include:

1.John Bunyan:-
Known for his allegorical work "The Pilgrim's Progress" (1678)

2.John Milton (1608-1674):-

Milton’s work is divided into four periods- the college period closing with the end of the Cambridge career in 1632, the
Horton period closing with the departure for the continent in 1638, the period of his prose writings from 1640-1660 and the
last poetic period which is the period of greatest achievement.

The College period – The remarkable poem of this period is the ode On the morning of Christ’s Nativity. It reveals his
unique style and it was written when he was just 21.

The Horton period – Four of his minor poems belong to this period. They are ‘L’ Allegro, II Penseroso, Comus , Lycidas.

The period of his prose writings – His prose works are not interesting as his poetry. The greatest prose work is
Aeropagitica. This is a plea for freedom of thought and speech and it should be read by all the lovers of literature.
The last Poetic period – The greatest epic Paradise lost, Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes were written in this
period.
3. Andrew Marvell (1621-1678):-
• Upon Appleton House"
• "An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland."

4. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679):-

• "Leviathan" (1651), examined political and social theories, discussing the nature of government and the social contract.

5. Jeremy Taylor (1613-67):

• Holy Living(1650)
• Holy Dying(1651)