HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE: FROM ANGLO-SAXON TO MODERN

ANGLO- SAXON ( 450- 1066)

Started with Anglo-Saxon literature, making the Anglo-Saxons the earliest contributors to
English literary tradition. The Anglo-Saxons were groups of people from the Angles, Saxons, and
Jutes tribes, who came from areas that are now Germany and Denmark. They began settling in
England around the 5th century CE and ruled until the Norman Conquest in 1066. They brought
the Old English language with them, which became the foundation of modern English.
The Anglo-Saxons made important contributions to literature, creating works in various genres
like epic poetry, religious writings, sermons, Bible translations, legal texts, histories, and riddles.
There are about 400 surviving manuscripts from this time. Some of the most famous works
include the epic poem "Beowulf," which tells the story of a hero’s battles against monsters and
is one of the earliest and most important examples of English literature. Another key work is
"The Ecclesiastical History of the English People," written by the monk Bede, which gives us
valuable information about early English history and the spread of Christianity.
The Anglo-Saxons also had a strong tradition of oral poetry, which often focused on themes like
heroism, loyalty, and life’s challenges. These stories and poems were later written down by
monks, helping to preserve the rich literary heritage of the time. Many manuscripts from the
600-year Anglo-Saxon period still exist, with most written in the last 300 years (9th–11th
century) in both Latin and Old English. Old English literature, one of the oldest forms of English,
began to be written down more frequently after the Viking invasions as a practical necessity.

RENNAISANCE (1500- 1660)

The Renaissance was a time of big changes in English literature. It brought a renewed interest in
the ideas and styles of ancient Greece and Rome, influencing art, culture, and writing.
During the Renaissance, writers started to explore new themes about human nature and
personal feelings. This was different from the earlier focus on religion and morals. For example,
William Shakespeare wrote plays like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet," which explore deep
emotions and personal struggles.
The Renaissance also emphasized individualism, meaning people began to focus more on
personal identity and self-expression. Christopher Marlowe’s play "Doctor Faustus" shows this
by presenting a character with strong desires and ambitions.
Edmund Spenser’s "The Faerie Queene" reflects the Renaissance interest in adventure and new
ideas. It combines storytelling with lessons about virtues and heroic deeds. Overall, the
Renaissance period was a time of great creativity and change in English literature, highlighting
human experiences and individual expression.
ROMANTICISM (1790-1850)
Romanticism was a literary movement that started in Europe around 1790 and lasted until 1850.
It began in Germany and later spread to England through writers like William Wordsworth and
Samuel Taylor Coleridge. They introduced Romantic ideas to English literature with their 1798
book "Lyrical Ballads."
Romanticism focused on emotions, nature, and personal freedom, opposing the strict rules of
the earlier Neoclassical period. Neoclassicism emphasized logic and reason, but Romanticism
celebrated feelings and imagination.
Key Features of Romanticism in English Literature:
1. Love of Nature: Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley wrote about the beauty
and power of nature. They saw nature as a source of inspiration and a way to connect
with deeper emotions.
2. Emphasis on Emotions: Romantic literature often explores strong personal feelings.
Poets and writers focused on how individuals experience their inner emotions and
connect with their surroundings.
3. Interest in the Supernatural: Romantic writers liked to include magical or mysterious
elements in their works. This was different from earlier literature that focused more on
reason.
4. Criticism of Industrialization: Romantics were concerned about the negative effects of
industrialization on people and nature. They preferred simpler, more natural ways of
living.
5. Fascination with the Past: Romantic literature often looked back at earlier times, like the
Middle Ages, seeing them as more innocent and less corrupted by modern life.
6. Celebration of the Common Person: Romantic writers admired ordinary people and
their experiences, often depicting them in a positive light.
7. Simplicity and Lyricism: Romantic poetry often used simple language and focused on
expressing emotions vividly. It was about capturing feelings rather than following strict
rules.
In summary, Romanticism in English literature emphasized deep emotions, nature, and the
value of individual experiences. It was a reaction against the earlier emphasis on reason and
order, bringing a new focus on personal feelings and the natural world.
VICTORIAN PERIOD (1837-1901)
The Victorian Era lasted from 1837 to 1901, covering the reign of Queen Victoria, one of
England's longest-reigning monarchs. During this time, the British Empire expanded greatly,
becoming a leading global industrial power. The population nearly doubled, and industries
grew rapidly, producing much of the world’s coal, iron, steel, and textiles. The role of the
monarch shifted to a more ceremonial position, with the real power lying elsewhere.
This period was marked by significant social and economic changes. Although there was
economic progress, there was also a widening gap between the rich and poor.
Industrialization led to many social issues, including poverty and exploitation. There was a
strong emphasis on morality and proper behavior, particularly for women, who were often
restricted to domestic roles and financially dependent on men. This led to a
commercialization of marriage and a strict code of conduct for women.
Characteristics of Victorian Literature:
1. Realism: Victorian literature closely reflects everyday life and its practical issues.
Writers aimed to address real-life problems and use literature as a tool for social
progress.
2. Moral Purpose: Many Victorian writers, like Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning,
Thomas Carlyle, and John Ruskin, saw their work as a way to teach moral lessons and
promote good values.
3. Doubts and Contradictions: The era was marked by conflicting beliefs and doubts,
partly due to scientific advances. Writers like Browning were optimistic, while
Thomas Hardy had a more pessimistic view. The period also saw the rise of realistic
literature and Pre-Raphaelite poetry, which focused on “art for art’s sake.”
4. Idealism: Despite its focus on practical and material concerns, Victorian literature
often emphasized high ideals such as truth, justice, love, and brotherhood. Writers
explored these ideals through their poetry, essays, and novels.
AMERICAN LITERATURE
COLONIAL PERIOD (1607- 1776)
During the Colonial period in American literature, writing was heavily influenced by the settlers'
religious beliefs and their new experiences in America. Much of the literature from this time,
like sermons, diaries, and religious tracts, aimed to express faith and document the challenges
of settling in a new land. Key figures such as Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards played
important roles. Bradstreet was the first published American poet, and Edwards is known for his
powerful sermons, such as "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
This period's literature often focused on themes of religion and survival, reflecting the daily
struggles and spiritual concerns of the early settlers. The writings were deeply rooted in their
experiences and beliefs, serving both as a record of their lives and a means of communicating
their faith. This early American literature laid the groundwork for future literary developments
by highlighting the values and experiences of the time.

MODERNISM PERIOD (1910-1945)

The Modernism period in American literature, starting in the early 20th century, brought a fresh
approach to writing. During this time, authors experimented with new styles and ways of
expressing their ideas. They moved away from traditional forms and focused on capturing the
confusion and changes of their era. Modernist writers often explored themes like isolation,
disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a world that seemed increasingly fragmented.

Writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and T.S. Eliot were key figures in this
movement. They used unique techniques, like stream of consciousness and fragmented
narratives, to reflect the complexities of modern life. Their works reveal how people struggled
to find their place and make sense of their experiences amid the chaos and rapid changes of the
time. The Modernism period was crucial in shaping American literature by introducing
innovative ways to think and write about the world.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (1945- PRESENT)
Contemporary American literature refers to works written from the late 20th century to the
present. This period is marked by a diverse range of voices and styles. Authors today focus on
exploring various themes, such as identity, culture, and social issues. They often write about
personal experiences and societal problems, reflecting the complexities of modern life. For
example, contemporary literature might address topics like race, gender, and technology,
showing how these issues affect individuals and communities.
One key feature of contemporary literature is its focus on different perspectives. Writers often
include characters from various backgrounds and experiences, offering a broad view of society.
This variety helps readers understand different viewpoints and challenges stereotypes. The
writing style is also varied, with some authors using traditional forms and others experimenting
with new techniques. This period emphasizes storytelling that resonates with today’s readers,
making it relevant and engaging.