Literature refers to any written work and is considered the mirror of society, reflecting cultural norms, traditions, and experiences. World literature looks at these works in a global context, considering the circulation of literature beyond its country of origin. The document then provides an overview of the major periods of literature from Old English to the present day, noting some defining works and characteristics of each era. It also discusses the contributions of Indian writers to world literature through works like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita which have shared India's rich cultural heritage globally.

2.  Literature refers to any “ written work” ;
derived from ‘literatura ‘ which means writing
formed with letters.
 It is the mirror of the society which reflects
societal norms, culture , tradition, experiences
etc . Literature goes along with society .
WORLD LITERATURE is considered in global
context. It suggests to the sum of total world’s
national literature and also the circulation of
work into the wider world beyond country’s
origin.

3. Old English Literature………………..450-1150
Middle English Literature…………..1150-1500
The Renaissance………………………1500-1650
The Restoration & 18th century…1650-1789
The Romantic Period…………..…….1789-1837
The Victorian Age……………………..1837-1901
Post Modern Age.........................1901-Present

4. Three conquests
• Different letters
• Different grammar
• Different spelling
• The Song of Beowulf
•Bible translations
•Geoffrey Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales

5. The Renaissance
Literature
Old classics rediscovered
Sonnet
Elegy
Pastoral
The Restoration & 18th century
•Age of reason
•Age of enlightenment
•Rise of the novel & journalism
•Age of satire
•Age of poetry

6. Use of everyday language
Imagination essential
Overflowing emotions
common
Inspired by untamed nature &
the exotic far east
Folk traditions & medieval
tales of knights
Gothic novels

7. Queen Victoria
Transition period
Melancholic and political poetry
 Literature of this periods exemplifies the
improved crafts of masters. The novel has
flourished and writers have risen not only to
popularity but to distinction as well

8. Indian writers always have an influence on the
World literature with their precious writing . They
have portrayed India ‘s rich cultural , regional heritage
and society norms to the world.
The Great Indian Epics THE MAHABHARAT , THE
RAMAYAN , THE GITA contribute a lot .