30 minute reading challenge
You will learn
Chronology
All ages names
Characteristics
Representative writers
Best works
first complete this , later you can read complete ages one by one.
all the best.
English Literature Chronology
Chronology is the first thing you need to know , if you are starting your preparation of History of English literature.
here , we go
Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period (450–1066)
This period is called as the Dark Ages
Roman Britannia breaks into many kingdoms .
Lots of religious conversion.
What we know today as Britain , was captured by Celts.
Two groups came from southern Europe , and attacked Britain . ( that time it wasn't Britain).
One of them was Brythons or Britons.
Now , you get the idea, why its Britain Now.
Gaels went to Second largest island , it became later Ireland.
Celts were pagan ( means believe in many Gods)
Their priests were Druids....
(They used to tell them we are directly in contact with Gods LOL )
Roman occupation -
Now , in the story ROMANS enter.
1- They had great military power.
2- They pushed Celts into Wales and Ireland.
3- They stopped Vikings too.
Roman's Religion - they followed Christianity.
The Age of Chaucer (1340-1400)
See, now we are starting English literature study and here we will be talking about the literature upto Chaucer's age.
But , keep in mind that we can date any age with perfect date.
Changing from one age to another age, is a gradual process.
But, for our convenience and for learning sake we do it .
hmmmm,
So , What is the date for Chaucer's Age?
Answer is from 1340 to 1400 according to literary historians.
Next question can come to your mind
why we study Chaucer ?
We study Chaucer because he is the most important writer.
but why is he the most important writer?
good question.
here are some possible answers
He is the first writer who wrote in English significantly.
His works help in development of English as a language.
in words of Spencer " Chaucer, well of English undefiled"
it means according to Spencer "He wrote pure English"
Middle English Period (1066–1500)
( uncle Chaucer wrote His great work in this period )
He wrote his magnum opus The Canterbury Tales
Its a collection of 24 tales ,written nearly in 17000 lines using Middle English
All the stories written as the part of a contest, people going the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket from London.
Again the same question
Why is The Canterbury Tales important to us?
Ans - The Canterbury Tales gives a great pen picture of 14th century England. It means we don't need to time travel to 14th century to see people of that time . Just read the canterbury tales . Isn't it a great help ?
We will discuss The Canterbury Tales in details . For now it's enough.
Some other characteristics of the age
1-First significant age in English Literature.
2-An Era of transition.
3- Growth of national sentiments
4-Black death
5-Peasant revolt (1381)
6-Th corruption of the church and reformation movement by John Wycliff.
The Fifteen Century (1400-1516)
From the death of Chaucer to the Renaissance .
Called long barren period - W.H.Hudson.
Why barren period?
Simply because people , didn't develop literature but there were some writers who tried their level best -
These four are called The English Chaucerians
Thomas Occleve
John Lydgate
Stephen Hawes
John Skelton
The Scottish Chaucerians
1-James I
2-Robert Henryson
3-William Dunbar
The Renaissance (1500–1660)
(Mr. Shakespeare is here )
Renaissance means Intellectual Rebirth
Just remember this for now.
What is birth place of renaissance ?
Italy .
Renaissance was the result of three impulses :
1- The inspiration derived from the revival of classical learning.
2- The stirring of man's imagination by great voyages of discovery.
3- The spirit of religious reformation which began in Germany.
The Neoclassical Period (1600–1785)
(They were trying to be smart as ancient Greek writers they were faking them)
The Romantic Period (1785–1832)
(Simple , rustic Wordsworth)
For pdf click the link-
The Victorian Period (1832–1901)
The Edwardian Period (1901–1914)
The Georgian Period (1910–1936)
The Modern Period (1914–?)
The Postmodern Period (1945–?)
