This document provides an overview of the history and development of English literature from Old English to modern times. It discusses major periods and authors, including Beowulf, Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, John Milton, Jane Austen, the Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge, and Victorian novelists like Charles Dickens. The document traces the evolution of English literature from its origins to its flowering in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, through the 18th and 19th century novel, to modern English literature.

1. ENGLISH LITERATUREENGLISH LITERATURE
A Survey and Appreciation ofA Survey and Appreciation of
English literatureEnglish literature

2. Introduction of EnglishIntroduction of English
LiteratureLiterature
Chapter OneChapter One
Old English PeriodOld English Period
The National Epic: BeowulfThe National Epic: Beowulf

3. A Introduction of the DevelopmentA Introduction of the Development
Stages of English LiteratureStages of English Literature
 Latin literatureLatin literature
 Old English literatureOld English literature
 Late medieval (middle English) literature in EnglandLate medieval (middle English) literature in England
 Other medieval literaturesOther medieval literatures
 Early Modern English literatureEarly Modern English literature
*Elizabethan and Jacobean eras*Elizabethan and Jacobean eras
*1660 to 1800*1660 to 1800

4. 
Non English-language literatures from the 16th century to thNon English-language literatures from the 16th century to the
 19th century English language literature19th century English language literature
*Romanticism*Romanticism
*The 19th century novel*The 19th century novel
*Victorian poets*Victorian poets
*Ireland*Ireland
*Wales*Wales
*Scotland*Scotland
 English language literature since 1900English language literature since 1900
 Non English language literatures since 1900Non English language literatures since 1900

5.  Latin literature in BritainLatin literature in Britain
Chroniclers such asChroniclers such as BedeBede, with his, with his
Historia ecclesiastica gentis AnglorumHistoria ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, and, and GildasGildas werewere
figures in the development of indigenous Latinfigures in the development of indigenous Latin
literature, mostly ecclesiastical, in the centuriesliterature, mostly ecclesiastical, in the centuries
following the withdrawal of the Roman Empire.following the withdrawal of the Roman Empire.

6.  Old English literature (Old English literature (Anglo-Saxon literatureAnglo-Saxon literature
))
The earliest form ofThe earliest form of English literatureEnglish literature developeddeveloped
after the settlement of theafter the settlement of the SaxonsSaxons and otherand other
Germanic tribes in England after the withdrawalGermanic tribes in England after the withdrawal
of the Romans and is known asof the Romans and is known as Old EnglishOld English oror
Anglo-Saxon. The most famous work in OldAnglo-Saxon. The most famous work in Old
English is theEnglish is the epic poemepic poem BeowulfBeowulf. The only. The only
surviving manuscript is thesurviving manuscript is the Cotton manuscriptCotton manuscript..
The precise date of the manuscript is debated, butThe precise date of the manuscript is debated, but
most estimates place it close to the year 1000.(Themost estimates place it close to the year 1000.(The
oldest surviving text in English isoldest surviving text in English is Cædmon'sCædmon's HymnHymn
))

7.  Late medieval literature in EnglandLate medieval literature in England
Latin literatureLatin literature circulated among the educated classes.circulated among the educated classes.
Following theFollowing the Norman ConquestNorman Conquest, the, the
development ofdevelopment of Anglo-Norman literatureAnglo-Norman literature in thein the
Anglo-Norman realm introduced literary trendsAnglo-Norman realm introduced literary trends
fromfrom Continental EuropeContinental Europe..
**Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey Chaucer,, father of Englishfather of English
literatureliterature
In the later medieval period a new form ofIn the later medieval period a new form of
English now known asEnglish now known as Middle EnglishMiddle English evolved.evolved.

8. This is theThis is the earliest form which is comprehensible toearliest form which is comprehensible to
modern readers and listeners, albeit not easily.modern readers and listeners, albeit not easily.
The most significant Middle English author wasThe most significant Middle English author was
the poetthe poet Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey Chaucer who was active in thewho was active in the
late 14th century. His main works werelate 14th century. His main works were
The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales andand
Troilus and CriseydeTroilus and Criseyde..

9. Early Modern English literatureEarly Modern English literature
 Elizabethan literatureElizabethan literature
Shakespeare's career straddled the change ofShakespeare's career straddled the change of
TudorTudor andand Stuart dynastiesStuart dynasties and encompassedand encompassed
English history and the emerging imperial ideaEnglish history and the emerging imperial idea
of the 17th centuryof the 17th century
*The*The sonnetsonnet form and other Italian literaryform and other Italian literary
influences arrived in English literature. Theinfluences arrived in English literature. The
sonnet was introduced into English bysonnet was introduced into English by
Thomas WyattThomas Wyatt in the early 16th century.in the early 16th century.

10. *In the later 16th century English poetry was*In the later 16th century English poetry was
characterised by elaboration of language andcharacterised by elaboration of language and
extensive allusion to classical myths. The mostextensive allusion to classical myths. The most
important poets of this era includeimportant poets of this era include
Edmund SpenserEdmund Spenser andand Sir Philip SidneySir Philip Sidney..
*The most important literary achievements of the*The most important literary achievements of the
English RenaissanceEnglish Renaissance were in drama.were in drama.
William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare, widely regarded as the, widely regarded as the
greatest writer in the English language, wrote 37greatest writer in the English language, wrote 37
plays in several genres, includingplays in several genres, including tragedytragedy,, comedycomedy,,
andand historyhistory..

11. *Other leading playwrights of the time included*Other leading playwrights of the time included
Ben JonsonBen Jonson, and, and Christopher MarloweChristopher Marlowe..
 Jacobean era literatureJacobean era literature
*At the*At the ReformationReformation the translation ofthe translation of liturgyliturgy andand
BibleBible into vernacular languages provided newinto vernacular languages provided new
literary models. The Anglicanliterary models. The Anglican
Book of Common PrayerBook of Common Prayer and theand the
Authorized King James VersionAuthorized King James Version of the Bible haveof the Bible have
been influential.been influential.
*Major poets of the 17th century included*Major poets of the 17th century included
John DonneJohn Donne and otherand other metaphysical poetsmetaphysical poets, and, and
John MiltonJohn Milton, religious epic, religious epic Paradise LostParadise Lost

12.  1660 to 18001660 to 1800
**Restoration periodRestoration period,, Augustan poetryAugustan poetry, and, and
Augustan literatureAugustan literature
*The position of*The position of Poet LaureatePoet Laureate was formalised inwas formalised in
this period.this period.
*Accounts of great events, such as the*Accounts of great events, such as the
Great Plague of LondonGreat Plague of London, the, the
Great Fire of LondonGreat Fire of London..
*The publication of*The publication of The Pilgrim's ProgressThe Pilgrim's Progress in 1678in 1678
establishedestablished John BunyanJohn Bunyan as a notable writer ofas a notable writer of
English literature.English literature.

13. *The early 18th century is known as the Augustan*The early 18th century is known as the Augustan
Age of English literature. The poetry of the timeAge of English literature. The poetry of the time
was highly formal, as exemplified by the works ofwas highly formal, as exemplified by the works of
Alexander PopeAlexander Pope..
**Oliver GoldsmithOliver Goldsmith andand Richard Brinsley SheridanRichard Brinsley Sheridan,,
who were two of the most successful playwrightswho were two of the most successful playwrights
on the London stage in the 18th century.on the London stage in the 18th century.
*The*The English novelEnglish novel developed during the 18thdeveloped during the 18th
century, partly in response to an expansion of thecentury, partly in response to an expansion of the
middle-classmiddle-class reading public.reading public.

14. *One of the major early works in this genre*One of the major early works in this genre
was the seminalwas the seminal castawaycastaway novelnovel
Robinson CrusoeRobinson Crusoe byby Daniel DefoeDaniel Defoe. The 18th. The 18th
century novel tended to be loosely structuredcentury novel tended to be loosely structured
and semi-comic. Major novelists of theand semi-comic. Major novelists of the
middle and later part of the century includedmiddle and later part of the century included
Henry FieldingHenry Fielding,, Laurence SterneLaurence Sterne, and, and
Tobias SmollettTobias Smollett, who was a great influence, who was a great influence
onon Charles DickensCharles Dickens

15. *Although the epics of Celtic Ireland were written*Although the epics of Celtic Ireland were written
in prose and not verse, most people wouldin prose and not verse, most people would
probably consider that Irish fiction proper beginsprobably consider that Irish fiction proper begins
in the 18th century with the works ofin the 18th century with the works of
Jonathan SwiftJonathan Swift (especially(especially Gulliver's TravelsGulliver's Travels) and) and
Oliver Goldsmith (especiallyOliver Goldsmith (especially
The Vicar of WakefieldThe Vicar of Wakefield).).

16. 19th century English language19th century English language
literatureliterature
 Major political and social changes at the end of theMajor political and social changes at the end of the
eighteenth century, particularly theeighteenth century, particularly the French RevolutionFrench Revolution,,
prompted a new breed of writing now known asprompted a new breed of writing now known as
RomanticismRomanticism.. William WordsworthWilliam Wordsworth andand
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeSamuel Taylor Coleridge began the trend for bringingbegan the trend for bringing
emotionalism and introspection to English literature,emotionalism and introspection to English literature,
with a new concentration on the individual and thewith a new concentration on the individual and the
common man. The reaction to urbanism andcommon man. The reaction to urbanism and
industrialisation prompted poets to explore nature, forindustrialisation prompted poets to explore nature, for
example theexample the Lake PoetsLake Poets..

17.  At around the same time, the iconoclastic printerAt around the same time, the iconoclastic printer
William BlakeWilliam Blake, largely disconnected from the, largely disconnected from the
major streams of elite literature of the time, wasmajor streams of elite literature of the time, was
constructing his own highly idiosyncratic poeticconstructing his own highly idiosyncratic poetic
creations, while the Scottish nationalist poetcreations, while the Scottish nationalist poet
Robert BurnsRobert Burns was collecting and adapting the folkwas collecting and adapting the folk
songs ofsongs of ScotlandScotland into a body of national poetryinto a body of national poetry
for his homeland.for his homeland.
 The major "second generation" Romantic poetsThe major "second generation" Romantic poets
includedincluded
George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron ByronGeorge Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron. They. They
flouted social convention and often used poetryflouted social convention and often used poetry
as a political voice.as a political voice.

18. Amongst Lord Byron's best-known works are theAmongst Lord Byron's best-known works are the
brief poemsbrief poems She Walks in BeautyShe Walks in Beauty,,
When We Two PartedWhen We Two Parted, and, and
So, we'll go no more a rovingSo, we'll go no more a roving, in addition to, in addition to
narrative poemsnarrative poems Childe Harold's PilgrimageChilde Harold's Pilgrimage andand
Don JuanDon Juan. Another key poet of Romantic. Another key poet of Romantic
movementmovement John KeatsJohn Keats, his letters, which expound, his letters, which expound
on his aesthetic theory ofon his aesthetic theory of negative capabilitynegative capability, are, are
among the most celebrated by any writer.among the most celebrated by any writer.

19.  Percy ShelleyPercy Shelley famous for his association with Johnfamous for his association with John
Keats and Lord Byron, was the third majorKeats and Lord Byron, was the third major
romantic poet of the second generation. Criticallyromantic poet of the second generation. Critically
regarded among the finest lyric poets in theregarded among the finest lyric poets in the
English language, Shelley is most famous for suchEnglish language, Shelley is most famous for such
classic anthology verse works asclassic anthology verse works as OzymandiasOzymandias, and, and
long visionary poems which includedlong visionary poems which included
Prometheus UnboundPrometheus Unbound. (They three are called. (They three are called
“Satanic poets”)“Satanic poets”)

20.  The 19th century novel (Victorian period)The 19th century novel (Victorian period)
*At the same time,*At the same time, Jane AustenJane Austen was writing highlywas writing highly
polished novels about the life of the landed gentry,polished novels about the life of the landed gentry,
seen from a woman's point of view, and wrylyseen from a woman's point of view, and wryly
focused on practical social issues, especiallyfocused on practical social issues, especially
marriage and money, notably with,marriage and money, notably with,
Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Sense and Sensibility Mansfield ParkMansfield Park
andand EmmaEmma..

21. ** Walter Scott'sWalter Scott's novel-writing career was launchednovel-writing career was launched
in 1814 within 1814 with WaverleyWaverley, often called the first, often called the first
historical novelhistorical novel, and was followed by, and was followed by IvanhoeIvanhoe. His. His
popularity in England and further abroad didpopularity in England and further abroad did
much to form the modern stereotype of Scottishmuch to form the modern stereotype of Scottish
culture. Other novels by Scott which contributedculture. Other novels by Scott which contributed
to the image of him as a patriot includeto the image of him as a patriot include Rob RoyRob Roy..
He was the highest earning and most popularHe was the highest earning and most popular
author up to that time.author up to that time.

22. *From the mid-1820s to mid-1840s,*From the mid-1820s to mid-1840s,
fashionable novelsfashionable novels depicting the lives of the upperdepicting the lives of the upper
class dominated the literature market.class dominated the literature market.
**Charles DickensCharles Dickens emerged on the literary scene in theemerged on the literary scene in the
1830s, confirming the trend for1830s, confirming the trend for serial publicationserial publication..
Dickens wrote vividly aboutDickens wrote vividly about LondonLondon life and thelife and the
struggles of the poor, but in a good-humouredstruggles of the poor, but in a good-humoured
fashion which was accessible to readers of allfashion which was accessible to readers of all
classes. His early works such asclasses. His early works such as The Pickwick PapersThe Pickwick Papers
are masterpieces of comedy. Later his worksare masterpieces of comedy. Later his works
became darker, without losing his genius forbecame darker, without losing his genius for
caricature.caricature.

23. *It was in the*It was in the Victorian eraVictorian era (1837-1901) that the novel(1837-1901) that the novel
became the leading form of literature in English.became the leading form of literature in English.
Most writers were now more concerned to meet theMost writers were now more concerned to meet the
tastes of a large middle-class reading public than totastes of a large middle-class reading public than to
please aristocratic patrons. The best known worksplease aristocratic patrons. The best known works
of the era include the emotionally powerful worksof the era include the emotionally powerful works
of theof the BrontëBrontë sisters; Charlotte'ssisters; Charlotte's Jane EyreJane Eyre, Emily's, Emily's
Wuthering HeightsWuthering Heights and Anne'sand Anne's Agnes GreyAgnes Grey werewere
released in 1847 after their long search to securereleased in 1847 after their long search to secure
publishers; the satirepublishers; the satire Vanity FairVanity Fair byby
William Makepeace ThackerayWilliam Makepeace Thackeray andand
Anthony Trollope'sAnthony Trollope's insightful portrayals of the livesinsightful portrayals of the lives
of the landowning and professional classes ofof the landowning and professional classes of
Victorian England.Victorian England.

24.  George EliotGeorge Eliot's novels are frequently held in the's novels are frequently held in the
highest regard for their combination of highhighest regard for their combination of high
Victorian literary detail combined with anVictorian literary detail combined with an
intellectual breadth that removes them from theintellectual breadth that removes them from the
narrow confines they often depict. An alternativenarrow confines they often depict. An alternative
to mainstream works,to mainstream works, Penny DreadfulPenny Dreadful publicationspublications
were aimed at working class adolescents, one suchwere aimed at working class adolescents, one such
series introduced the infamousseries introduced the infamous Sweeney ToddSweeney Todd

25.  An interest in rural matters and the changingAn interest in rural matters and the changing
social and economic situation of the countrysidesocial and economic situation of the countryside
may be seen in the novels ofmay be seen in the novels of Thomas HardyThomas Hardy andand
others.others. Wilkie CollinsWilkie Collins novelnovel The MoonstoneThe Moonstone, is, is
generally considered the first detective novel ingenerally considered the first detective novel in
the English language.the English language.
Victorian poetsVictorian poets
*Leading poetic figures of the Victorian era*Leading poetic figures of the Victorian era
includedincluded Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron TennysonAlfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson,,
Robert BrowningRobert Browning (and his wife,(and his wife,
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningElizabeth Barrett Browning), and), and
Matthew ArnoldMatthew Arnold,,

26. whilst multi-disciplinary talents such aswhilst multi-disciplinary talents such as
John RuskinJohn Ruskin andand Dante Gabriel RossettiDante Gabriel Rossetti were alsowere also
famous for their poetry. The poetry of this periodfamous for their poetry. The poetry of this period
was heavily influenced by the Romantics, but alsowas heavily influenced by the Romantics, but also
went off in its own directions. Particularly notablewent off in its own directions. Particularly notable
was the development of thewas the development of the dramatic monologuedramatic monologue,,
a form used by many poets in this period, buta form used by many poets in this period, but
perfected by Browning, most of his poems were inperfected by Browning, most of his poems were in
the form of dramatic monologues.the form of dramatic monologues.

27. *Towards the end of the century, English poets*Towards the end of the century, English poets
began to take an interest in Frenchbegan to take an interest in French symbolismsymbolism
and Victorian poetry entered a decadent phase.and Victorian poetry entered a decadent phase.
Two groups of poets emerged, theTwo groups of poets emerged, the Yellow BookYellow Book
poets who adhered to the tenets ofpoets who adhered to the tenets of
AestheticismAestheticism, including, including
Algernon Charles SwinburneAlgernon Charles Swinburne,, Oscar WildeOscar Wilde andand
Arthur SymonsArthur Symons and theand the Rhymer's ClubRhymer's Club groupgroup
that includedthat included Ernest DowsonErnest Dowson,, Lionel JohnsonLionel Johnson
andand William Butler YeatsWilliam Butler Yeats..

28. English language literature sinceEnglish language literature since
19001900
 The major lyric poet of the first decades of theThe major lyric poet of the first decades of the
20th century was20th century was Thomas HardyThomas Hardy, who, who
concentrated on poetry after the harsh responseconcentrated on poetry after the harsh response
to his last novel,to his last novel, Jude the ObscureJude the Obscure..
 From around 1910, theFrom around 1910, the Modernist MovementModernist Movement
began to influence English literature. Whereasbegan to influence English literature. Whereas
their Victorian predecessors had usually beentheir Victorian predecessors had usually been
happy to cater to mainstream middle-classhappy to cater to mainstream middle-class

29. taste, 20th century writers often felt alienatedtaste, 20th century writers often felt alienated
from it, and responded by writing morefrom it, and responded by writing more
intellectually challenging works or byintellectually challenging works or by
pushing the boundaries of acceptablepushing the boundaries of acceptable
content.content.
 Major poets of this period in BritainMajor poets of this period in Britain
included American-bornincluded American-born T. S. EliotT. S. Eliot,,
Ezra PoundEzra Pound, and Irishman, and Irishman
William Butler YeatsWilliam Butler Yeats.. Free verseFree verse and otherand other
stylistic innovations came to the forefront instylistic innovations came to the forefront in
this erathis era..

30. *The experiences of the*The experiences of the First World WarFirst World War werewere
reflected in the work ofreflected in the work of war poetswar poets such assuch as
Wilfred OwenWilfred Owen.etc.. Many writers turned away from.etc.. Many writers turned away from
patriotic and imperialist themes as a result of thepatriotic and imperialist themes as a result of the
war, notably Kipling.war, notably Kipling.
*Important novelists between the two World Wars*Important novelists between the two World Wars
included the Irish writerincluded the Irish writer James JoyceJames Joyce, as well as, as well as
D. H. LawrenceD. H. Lawrence,, C. S. ForesterC. S. Forester,, Enid BlytonEnid Blyton,,
P. G. WodehouseP. G. Wodehouse,, E. M. ForsterE. M. Forster andand
Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf..
*Joyce's increasingly complex works included*Joyce's increasingly complex works included UlyssesUlysses,,
an interpretation of thean interpretation of the OdysseyOdyssey set inset in DublinDublin..
Lawrence wrote with understandingLawrence wrote with understanding

31. about the social life of the lower and middleabout the social life of the lower and middle
classes, and the personal life of those who couldclasses, and the personal life of those who could
not adapt to the social norms of his time. Henot adapt to the social norms of his time. He
attempted to explore human emotions moreattempted to explore human emotions more
deeply than his contemporaries and challenged thedeeply than his contemporaries and challenged the
boundaries of the acceptable treatment of sexualboundaries of the acceptable treatment of sexual
issues in works such asissues in works such as Lady Chatterley's LoverLady Chatterley's Lover..
Virginia Woolf was an influentialVirginia Woolf was an influential feministfeminist, and a, and a
major stylistic innovator associated with themajor stylistic innovator associated with the
stream-of-consciousnessstream-of-consciousness technique. Her novelstechnique. Her novels
includedincluded To the LighthouseTo the Lighthouse,, Mrs DallowayMrs Dalloway, and, and
The WavesThe Waves..

32. *Novelists who wrote in a more traditional style,*Novelists who wrote in a more traditional style,
such assuch as John GalsworthyJohn Galsworthy andand Arnold BennettArnold Bennett
continued to receive great acclaim in the interwarcontinued to receive great acclaim in the interwar
period. At the same time theperiod. At the same time the Georgian poetsGeorgian poets
maintained a more conservative approach tomaintained a more conservative approach to
poetry.poetry.
 George OrwellGeorge Orwell
One of the most significant English writers ofOne of the most significant English writers of
this period wasthis period was George OrwellGeorge Orwell. An acclaimed. An acclaimed
essayist and novelist, Orwell's works areessayist and novelist, Orwell's works are
considered among the most important social andconsidered among the most important social and

33. political commentaries of the 20th century.political commentaries of the 20th century.
Dealing with issues such as poverty inDealing with issues such as poverty in
The Road to Wigan PierThe Road to Wigan Pier andand
Down and Out in Paris and LondonDown and Out in Paris and London, totalitarianism in, totalitarianism in
Nineteen Eighty-FourNineteen Eighty-Four and colonialism inand colonialism in
Burmese DaysBurmese Days. Orwell's works were often semi-. Orwell's works were often semi-
autobiographical and in the case ofautobiographical and in the case of
Homage to CataloniaHomage to Catalonia, wholly autobiographical., wholly autobiographical.
**Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie was an English crime writer ofwas an English crime writer of
novels, short stories and plays, best rememberednovels, short stories and plays, best remembered

34. for her 80 detective novels and her successful Westfor her 80 detective novels and her successful West
End theatre plays. Her works, particularlyEnd theatre plays. Her works, particularly
featuring detectivesfeaturing detectives Hercule PoirotHercule Poirot oror
Miss Jane MarpleMiss Jane Marple, have given her the title the, have given her the title the
'Queen of Crime' and made her one of the most'Queen of Crime' and made her one of the most
important and innovative writers in theimportant and innovative writers in the
development of the genre, with some of her mostdevelopment of the genre, with some of her most
famous works beingfamous works being
Murder on the Orient ExpressMurder on the Orient Express,, Death on the NileDeath on the Nile..

35.  The leading poets of the middle and later 20thThe leading poets of the middle and later 20th
century included the traditionalistcentury included the traditionalist John BetjemanJohn Betjeman,,
Philip LarkinPhilip Larkin,, Ted HughesTed Hughes and theand the Northern IrishNorthern Irish
CatholicCatholic Seamus HeaneySeamus Heaney, who lived in the, who lived in the
Republic of IrelandRepublic of Ireland for much of his later life.for much of his later life.
 Major British novelists of the middle and laterMajor British novelists of the middle and later
20th century included20th century included satiristsatirist Evelyn WaughEvelyn Waugh,,
Henry GreenHenry Green,, Anthony PowellAnthony Powell,, William GoldingWilliam Golding,,
Anthony BurgessAnthony Burgess,, Kingsley AmisKingsley Amis,, V. S. NaipaulV. S. Naipaul,,
Graham GreeneGraham Greene,, Frederick ForsythFrederick Forsyth,, Roald DahlRoald Dahl,,
Arthur C ClarkeArthur C Clarke,, JGJG Ballard and Iris MurdochBallard and Iris Murdoch

36. On the turn of the 21st century, some of theOn the turn of the 21st century, some of the
major writers includemajor writers include Philip PullmanPhilip Pullman,,
Salman RushdieSalman Rushdie,, Neil GaimanNeil Gaiman,, Ian McEwanIan McEwan,,
Alan MooreAlan Moore,, Terry PratchettTerry Pratchett andand JK RowlingJK Rowling
 In drama, theIn drama, the drawing room playsdrawing room plays of the post warof the post war
period were challenged in the 1950s by theperiod were challenged in the 1950s by the
Angry Young MenAngry Young Men, exemplified by as, exemplified by as
John OsborneJohn Osborne's iconic play's iconic play Look Back in AngerLook Back in Anger..
Also in the 1950s, the bleakAlso in the 1950s, the bleak absurdistabsurdist playplay
Waiting for GodotWaiting for Godot, by the Irish playwright, by the Irish playwright
Samuel BeckettSamuel Beckett profoundly affected British drama.profoundly affected British drama.

37. Demands for the introductionDemands for the introduction
 General idea of the development stages ofGeneral idea of the development stages of
English literature in EnglandEnglish literature in England
 Major representatives on each stageMajor representatives on each stage

38. Chapter 1Chapter 1
 The old English periodThe old English period
 The National Epic: BeowulfThe National Epic: Beowulf

39. CONTENTSCONTENTS
I. The old English periodI. The old English period
*Historical background*Historical background
*Literature in this period*Literature in this period
II. The National Epic: BeowulfII. The National Epic: Beowulf

40. The old English (Anglo-Saxon)The old English (Anglo-Saxon)
periodperiod
I. Historical backgroundI. Historical background
1.1. The Celts or the BritonsThe Celts or the Britons
2.2. The Roman ConquestThe Roman Conquest
3.3. The English (Anglo-Saxon) ConquestThe English (Anglo-Saxon) Conquest
4.4. The influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religious beliefsThe influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religious beliefs
and Christianity on English literatureand Christianity on English literature
II. Literature in this periodII. Literature in this period
1.1. RepresentativesRepresentatives
2.2. Literary masterwork in this period: BeowulfLiterary masterwork in this period: Beowulf

41. Historical backgroundHistorical background
 The Celts or the BritonsThe Celts or the Britons::
1.The earliest settlers of the British Isles ;1.The earliest settlers of the British Isles ;
2.About 600 B.C. About 400 B.C., a branch of2.About 600 B.C. About 400 B.C., a branch of
Celts, the Brythons (Bretons/Britons);Celts, the Brythons (Bretons/Britons);
3.The island got its name3.The island got its name BritainBritain, the land of, the land of
BritonsBritons

42.  The Roman conquestThe Roman conquest
1.1. About 55B.C, Britain was invaded by Julius Caesar, theAbout 55B.C, Britain was invaded by Julius Caesar, the
great Roman conquerorgreat Roman conqueror
2.2. In 43 A.D. Claudius, another Roman conquerorIn 43 A.D. Claudius, another Roman conqueror
conquered it and stayed there till the beginning of theconquered it and stayed there till the beginning of the
5th century.5th century.
 The English (Anglo-Saxon) ConquestThe English (Anglo-Saxon) Conquest
1.1. About 450 A.D., the tribes of Angles, Saxons and JutesAbout 450 A.D., the tribes of Angles, Saxons and Jutes
(later known simply as Anglo-Saxons) migrated from(later known simply as Anglo-Saxons) migrated from
the continent, established many small kingdoms.the continent, established many small kingdoms.
2.2. By the 7th century, there were 3 larger kingdomsBy the 7th century, there were 3 larger kingdoms

43. 3.3. They themselves into a united kingdom called ToThey themselves into a united kingdom called To
settle down constant wars, the kingdoms England,settle down constant wars, the kingdoms England,
or, the land of Angles, because the Angles were theor, the land of Angles, because the Angles were the
most numerous of the three.most numerous of the three.
4.4.These three tribes mixed into a whole people calledThese three tribes mixed into a whole people called
English. And the language they used was calledEnglish. And the language they used was called
Anglo-Saxon, or, Old English.Anglo-Saxon, or, Old English.
 The influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religiousThe influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religious
beliefs and Christianity on English literaturebeliefs and Christianity on English literature
1.1. The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people (pagan).The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people (pagan).
They believed in the old mythology of NorthernThey believed in the old mythology of Northern
Europe.Europe.

44. 2.2.The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people (pagan). PaganThe Anglo-Saxons were heathen people (pagan). Pagan
poetry and pagan spirit remained dominant in the poeticpoetry and pagan spirit remained dominant in the poetic
scene.scene.
3.3.Form of literature is orally passed on.Form of literature is orally passed on.
4.4.In 597, Pope Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine toIn 597, Pope Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine to
convert the Anglo-Saxons.convert the Anglo-Saxons.
5.5. England was Christianized. With the fast spread ofEngland was Christianized. With the fast spread of
Christian influence and classic learning, heathen poetry wasChristian influence and classic learning, heathen poetry was
slowly and steadily maneuvered out of the scene.slowly and steadily maneuvered out of the scene.
6.6. The earliest English books were written down by monks inThe earliest English books were written down by monks in
monasteries. They wrote down works passed on orally, theymonasteries. They wrote down works passed on orally, they
tinged them with some Christian color.tinged them with some Christian color.

45. Literature in this periodLiterature in this period
There was a highlight in the development of theThere was a highlight in the development of the
Anglo-Saxon literature, the Northumbrian School. ItsAnglo-Saxon literature, the Northumbrian School. Its
centre was the monasteries and abbeys (Anglo-Saxoncentre was the monasteries and abbeys (Anglo-Saxon
literature) in the kingdom of Northumbria.literature) in the kingdom of Northumbria.
 RepresentativesRepresentatives
1.1. The Venerable Bede (673-735)The Venerable Bede (673-735) A monk wrote inA monk wrote in
Latin and his workLatin and his work The Ecclesiastical History of EnglandThe Ecclesiastical History of England
earned him for the title ofearned him for the title of “father of English“father of English
history”history”
2.2. Caedmon (670 AD_. )Caedmon (670 AD_. ) He turned the stories in theHe turned the stories in the
Bible into verse form. The title of the work isBible into verse form. The title of the work is
ParaphraseParaphrase, for which he is called, for which he is called “Father of English“Father of English
Song”.Song”. His other nine-line poem is calledHis other nine-line poem is called Hymn.Hymn.

46.  Literary masterwork in this period: BeowulfLiterary masterwork in this period: Beowulf
1.1. Brief introduction of the epic:Brief introduction of the epic: It probably existed inIt probably existed in
its oral form as early as the 6th century and was writtenits oral form as early as the 6th century and was written
down in the 7th or 8th century, though the manuscriptdown in the 7th or 8th century, though the manuscript
of it now extant dated back to the 10th century. Itof it now extant dated back to the 10th century. It
containscontains altogether 3182 lines and the story in it basedaltogether 3182 lines and the story in it based
on partly historical and partly legendary materials.on partly historical and partly legendary materials. TheThe
story takes place in Scandinavia rather than in England.story takes place in Scandinavia rather than in England.
2.2. The literary style:The literary style: It isIt is an Epican Epic, or the Heroic., or the Heroic.
*An epic (a term)*An epic (a term) is a long narrative poem, composed inis a long narrative poem, composed in
an elevated style, dealing with the trials and achievementsan elevated style, dealing with the trials and achievements
of a great hero or heroes. The epic celebrates virtues ofof a great hero or heroes. The epic celebrates virtues of
national, military, religious, cultural, political, or historicalnational, military, religious, cultural, political, or historical
significance.significance.

47. 3. The literary position:3. The literary position: It isIt is the national epicthe national epic ofof
Anglo-Saxons and the English people.Anglo-Saxons and the English people.
4.4. Poetic features (device)Poetic features (device)
• This poem is a mixture of paganism and ChristianThis poem is a mixture of paganism and Christian
element.element.
• The use of alliterationThe use of alliteration
• The use of assonanceThe use of assonance
• The use of kenningThe use of kenning
5.5. Language used:Language used: Anglo-Saxon or Old English,Anglo-Saxon or Old English,
very different from modern Englishvery different from modern English

49. AssignmentsAssignments
 Written workWritten work
1. Famous authors, their title and their1. Famous authors, their title and their
masterworksmasterworks
2. The poetic features of2. The poetic features of BeowulfBeowulf
3. Beowulf’s3. Beowulf’s literary positionliterary position
4. Define the term: Epic4. Define the term: Epic

50. Doublestream of waterfallDoublestream of waterfall
It is just like what we have
learned today, a mixture
of several different cultures.
THE END