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EENGLISH LITERATURENGLISH LITERATURE
A A Survey and Appreciation Survey and Appreciation of English literatureof English literature
Introduction of English Introduction of English LiteratureLiterature
Chapter OneChapter OneOld English PeriodOld English Period
The National Epic: BeowulfThe National Epic: Beowulf
A Introduction of the A Introduction of the Development Stages of Development Stages of
English LiteratureEnglish Literature Latin literature Latin literature Old English literature Old English literature Late medieval (middle English) literature i Late medieval (middle English) literature i
n Englandn England
Other medieval literatures Other medieval literatures Early Modern English literature Early Modern English literature *Elizabethan and Jacobean eras *Elizabethan and Jacobean eras
*1660 to 1800*1660 to 1800
Non English-language literatures from the 16thNon English-language literatures from the 16th century to the 19th century century to the 19th century
19th century English language literature 19th 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 1900 English language literature since 1900 Non English language literatures since 1900 Non English language literatures since 1900
Latin literature in BritainLatin literature in Britain Chroniclers such as Chroniclers such as BedeBede, with his , with his
Historia ecclesiastica gentis AngloruHistoria ecclesiastica gentis Anglorumm, and , and GildasGildas were figures in the were figures in the development of indigenous Latin development of indigenous Latin literature, mostly ecclesiastical, in the literature, mostly ecclesiastical, in the centuries following the withdrawal of centuries following the withdrawal of the Roman Empire.the Roman Empire.
Old English literature (Old English literature (Anglo-Saxon literatureAnglo-Saxon literature ))
The earliest form of The earliest form of English literatureEnglish literature developed after the settlement of the developed after the settlement of the SaxonsSaxons and other Germanic tribes in and other Germanic tribes in England after the withdrawal of the England after the withdrawal of the Romans and is known as Romans and is known as Old EnglishOld English or or Anglo-Saxon. The most famous work in Anglo-Saxon. The most famous work in Old English is the Old English is the epic poemepic poem BeowulfBeowulf. . The only surviving manuscript is the The only surviving manuscript is the Cotton manuscriptCotton manuscript. The precise date of . The precise date of the manuscript is debated, but most the manuscript is debated, but most estimates place it close to the year 1000.estimates place it close to the year 1000.(The oldest surviving text in English is (The oldest surviving text in English is Cædmon'sCædmon's HymnHymn))
Late medieval literature in Late medieval literature in EnglandEngland
Latin literatureLatin literature circulated among the educated circulated among the educated classes.classes.
Following the Following the Norman ConquestNorman Conquest, the , the development of development of Anglo-Norman literatureAnglo-Norman literature in the Anglo-Norman realm introduced in the Anglo-Norman realm introduced literary trends from literary trends from Continental EuropeContinental Europe..
**Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey Chaucer, , father of English father of English literatureliterature
In the later medieval period a new form In the later medieval period a new form of English now known as of English now known as Middle EnglishMiddle English evolved. evolved.
This is theThis is the earliest form which is earliest form which is comprehensible to modern readers comprehensible to modern readers and listeners, albeit not easily.and listeners, albeit not easily.
The most significant Middle English The most significant Middle English author was the poet author was the poet Geoffrey ChaucerGeoffrey Chaucer who was active in the late 14th who was active in the late 14th century. His main works were century. His main works were The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales and and Troilus and CriseydeTroilus and Criseyde..
Early Modern English litEarly Modern English literatureerature
Elizabethan literatureElizabethan literature Shakespeare's career straddled the Shakespeare's career straddled the
change of change of TudorTudor and and Stuart dynastiesStuart dynasties and and encompassed English history and the encompassed English history and the emerging imperial idea of the 17th emerging imperial idea of the 17th centurycentury
*The *The sonnetsonnet form and other Italian literary form and other Italian literary influences arrived in English literature. influences arrived in English literature. The sonnet was introduced into English by The sonnet was introduced into English by Thomas WyattThomas Wyatt in the early 16th century. in the early 16th century.
*In the later 16th century English poetry *In the later 16th century English poetry was characterised by elaboration of was characterised by elaboration of language and extensive allusion to classical language and extensive allusion to classical myths. The most important poets of this era myths. The most important poets of this era include include Edmund SpenserEdmund Spenser and and Sir Philip SidneySir Philip Sidney..
*The most important literary achievements *The most important literary achievements of the of the English RenaissanceEnglish Renaissance were in drama. were in drama. William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare, widely regarded as , widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, the greatest writer in the English language, wrote 37 plays in several genres, including wrote 37 plays in several genres, including tragedytragedy, , comedycomedy, and , and historyhistory. .
*Other leading playwrights of the time *Other leading playwrights of the time included included Ben JonsonBen Jonson, and , and Christopher MarloweChristopher Marlowe..
Jacobean era literatureJacobean era literature*At the *At the ReformationReformation the translation of the translation of liturgyliturgy
and and BibleBible into vernacular languages into vernacular languages provided new literary models. The Anglican provided new literary models. The Anglican Book of Common PrayerBook of Common Prayer and the and the Authorized King James VersionAuthorized King James Version of the Bible of the Bible have been influential.have been influential.
*Major poets of the 17th century included *Major poets of the 17th century included John DonneJohn Donne and other and other metaphysical poetsmetaphysical poets, , and and John MiltonJohn Milton, religious epic , religious epic Paradise LostParadise Lost
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 was
formalised in this period.formalised in 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 1678 in 1678 established established John BunyanJohn Bunyan as a notable as a notable writer of English literature.writer of English literature.
*The early 18th century is known as the *The early 18th century is known as the Augustan Age of English literature. The Augustan Age of English literature. The poetry of the time was highly formal, as poetry of the time was highly formal, as exemplified by the works of exemplified by the works of Alexander PopeAlexander Pope..
**Oliver GoldsmithOliver Goldsmith and and Richard Brinsley SheridanRichard Brinsley Sheridan, who were two , who were two of the most successful playwrights on the of the most successful playwrights on the London stage in the 18th century.London stage in the 18th century.
*The *The English novelEnglish novel developed during the developed during the 18th century, partly in response to an 18th century, partly in response to an expansion of the expansion of the middle-classmiddle-class reading reading public.public.
*One of the major early works in this *One of the major early works in this genre was the seminal genre was the seminal castawaycastaway novel novel Robinson CrusoeRobinson Crusoe by by Daniel DefoeDaniel Defoe. The 18th century . The 18th century novel tended to be loosely novel tended to be loosely structured and semi-comic. Major structured and semi-comic. Major novelists of the middle and later novelists of the middle and later part of the century included part of the century included Henry FieldingHenry Fielding, , Laurence SterneLaurence Sterne, , and and Tobias SmollettTobias Smollett, who was a , who was a great influence on great influence on Charles DickensCharles Dickens
*Although the epics of Celtic Ireland *Although the epics of Celtic Ireland were written in prose and not verse, were written in prose and not verse, most people would probably consider most people would probably consider that Irish fiction proper begins in the that Irish fiction proper begins in the 18th century with the works of 18th century with the works of Jonathan SwiftJonathan Swift (especially (especially Gulliver's TravelsGulliver's Travels) and Oliver ) and Oliver Goldsmith (especially Goldsmith (especially The Vicar of WakefieldThe Vicar of Wakefield).).
19th century English 19th century English language literaturelanguage literature
Major political and social changes at the end Major political and social changes at the end of the eighteenth century, particularly the of the eighteenth century, particularly the French RevolutionFrench Revolution, prompted a new breed of , prompted a new breed of writing now known as writing now known as RomanticismRomanticism. . William WordsworthWilliam Wordsworth and and Samuel Taylor ColeridgeSamuel Taylor Coleridge began the trend for began the trend for bringing emotionalism and introspection to bringing emotionalism and introspection to English literature, with a new concentration English literature, with a new concentration on the individual and the common man. The on the individual and the common man. The reaction to urbanism and industrialisation reaction to urbanism and industrialisation prompted poets to explore nature, for prompted poets to explore nature, for example the example the Lake PoetsLake Poets..
At around the same time, the iconoclastic At around the same time, the iconoclastic printer printer William BlakeWilliam Blake, largely disconnected , largely disconnected from the major streams of elite literature from the major streams of elite literature of the time, was constructing his own of the time, was constructing his own highly idiosyncratic poetic creations, while highly idiosyncratic poetic creations, while the Scottish nationalist poet the Scottish nationalist poet Robert BurnsRobert Burns was collecting and adapting the folk songs was collecting and adapting the folk songs of of ScotlandScotland into a body of national poetry into a body of national poetry for his homeland.for his homeland.
The major "second generation" Romantic The major "second generation" Romantic poets included poets included George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron ByronGeorge Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron. . They flouted social convention and often They flouted social convention and often used poetry as a political voice.used poetry as a political voice.
Amongst Lord Byron's best-known works Amongst Lord Byron's best-known works are the brief poems are the brief 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 , in addition to narrative poems to narrative poems Childe Harold's PilgrimageChilde Harold's Pilgrimage and and Don JuanDon Juan. . Another key poet of Romantic movement Another key poet of Romantic movement John KeatsJohn Keats, his letters, which expound on , his letters, which expound on his aesthetic theory of his aesthetic theory of negative capabilitynegative capability, are among the most , are among the most celebrated by any writer.celebrated by any writer.
Percy ShelleyPercy Shelley famous for his famous for his association with John Keats and Lord association with John Keats and Lord Byron, was the third major romantic Byron, was the third major romantic poet of the second generation. poet of the second generation. Critically regarded among the finest Critically regarded among the finest lyric poets in the English language, lyric poets in the English language, Shelley is most famous for such classic Shelley is most famous for such classic anthology verse works as anthology verse works as OzymandiasOzymandias, , and long visionary poems which and long visionary poems which included included Prometheus UnboundPrometheus Unbound. (They . (They three are called three are called “Satanic poets”)“Satanic poets”)
The 19th century novel (Victorian The 19th century novel (Victorian period)period)
*At the same time, *At the same time, Jane AustenJane Austen was was writing highly polished novels about writing highly polished novels about the life of the landed gentry, seen from the life of the landed gentry, seen from a woman's point of view, and wryly a woman's point of view, and wryly focused on practical social issues, focused on practical social issues, especially marriage and money, especially marriage and money, notably with, notably with, Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice, , Sense and Sensibility Sense and Sensibility Mansfield ParkMansfield Park andand EmmaEmma..
** Walter Scott's Walter Scott's novel-writing career was novel-writing career was launched in 1814 with launched in 1814 with WaverleyWaverley, often , often called the first called the first historical novelhistorical novel, and was , and was followed by followed by IvanhoeIvanhoe. His popularity in . His popularity in England and further abroad did much to England and further abroad did much to form the modern stereotype of Scottish form the modern stereotype of Scottish culture. Other novels by Scott which culture. Other novels by Scott which contributed to the image of him as a contributed to the image of him as a patriot include patriot include Rob RoyRob Roy. He was the . He was the highest earning and most popular author highest earning and most popular author up to that time.up to that time.
*From the mid-1820s to mid-1840s, *From the mid-1820s to mid-1840s, fashionable novelsfashionable novels depicting the lives of the depicting the lives of the upper class dominated the literature upper class dominated the literature market.market.
**Charles DickensCharles Dickens emerged on the literary emerged on the literary scene in the 1830s, confirming the trend for scene in the 1830s, confirming the trend for serial publicationserial publication. Dickens wrote vividly . Dickens wrote vividly about about LondonLondon life and the struggles of the life and the struggles of the poor, but in a good-humoured fashion which poor, but in a good-humoured fashion which was accessible to readers of all classes. His was accessible to readers of all classes. His early works such as early works such as The Pickwick PapersThe Pickwick Papers are masterpieces of comedy. Later his are masterpieces of comedy. Later his works became darker, without losing his works became darker, without losing his genius for caricature.genius for caricature.
*It was in the *It was in the Victorian eraVictorian era (1837-1901) that (1837-1901) that the novel became the leading form of the novel became the leading form of literature in English. Most writers were now literature in English. Most writers were now more concerned to meet the tastes of a large more concerned to meet the tastes of a large middle-class reading public than to please middle-class reading public than to please aristocratic patrons. The best known works of aristocratic patrons. The best known works of the era include the emotionally powerful the era include the emotionally powerful works of the works of the BrontëBrontë sisters; Charlotte's sisters; Charlotte's Jane EyreJane Eyre, Emily's , Emily's Wuthering HeightsWuthering Heights and and Anne's Anne's Agnes GreyAgnes Grey were released in 1847 were released in 1847 after their long search to secure publishers; after their long search to secure publishers; the satire the satire Vanity FairVanity Fair by by William Makepeace ThackerayWilliam Makepeace Thackeray and and Anthony Trollope'sAnthony Trollope's insightful portrayals of the insightful portrayals of the lives of the landowning and professional lives of the landowning and professional classes of Victorian England. classes of Victorian England.
George EliotGeorge Eliot's novels are frequently 's novels are frequently held in the highest regard for their held in the highest regard for their combination of high Victorian literary combination of high Victorian literary detail combined with an intellectual detail combined with an intellectual breadth that removes them from the breadth that removes them from the narrow confines they often depict. An narrow confines they often depict. An alternative to mainstream works, alternative to mainstream works, Penny DreadfulPenny Dreadful publications were publications were aimed at working class adolescents, aimed at working class adolescents, one such series introduced the one such series introduced the infamous infamous Sweeney ToddSweeney Todd
An interest in rural matters and the changing An interest in rural matters and the changing social and economic situation of the social and economic situation of the countryside may be seen in the novels of countryside may be seen in the novels of Thomas HardyThomas Hardy and others. and others. Wilkie CollinsWilkie Collins novel novel The MoonstoneThe Moonstone, is generally considered the , is generally considered the first detective novel in the English language.first detective novel in the English language.
Victorian poetsVictorian poets *Leading poetic figures of the Victorian era *Leading poetic figures of the Victorian era
included included 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,,
whilst multi-disciplinary talents such as whilst multi-disciplinary talents such as John RuskinJohn Ruskin and and Dante Gabriel RossettiDante Gabriel Rossetti were also famous for their poetry. The were also famous for their poetry. The poetry of this period was heavily poetry of this period was heavily influenced by the Romantics, but also influenced by the Romantics, but also went off in its own directions. Particularly went off in its own directions. Particularly notable was the development of the notable was the development of the dramatic monologuedramatic monologue, a form used by , a form used by many poets in this period, but perfected many poets in this period, but perfected by Browning, most of his poems were in by Browning, most of his poems were in the form of dramatic monologues.the form of dramatic monologues.
*Towards the end of the century, *Towards the end of the century, English poets began to take an interest English poets began to take an interest in French in French symbolismsymbolism and Victorian and Victorian poetry entered a decadent phase. Two poetry entered a decadent phase. Two groups of poets emerged, the groups of poets emerged, the Yellow BookYellow Book poets who adhered to the poets who adhered to the tenets of tenets of AestheticismAestheticism, including , including Algernon Charles SwinburneAlgernon Charles Swinburne, , Oscar WildeOscar Wilde and and Arthur SymonsArthur Symons and and the the Rhymer's ClubRhymer's Club group that included group that included Ernest DowsonErnest Dowson, , Lionel JohnsonLionel Johnson and and William Butler YeatsWilliam Butler Yeats..
English language literature English language literature since 1900since 1900
The major lyric poet of the first decades of The major lyric poet of the first decades of the 20th century was the 20th century was Thomas HardyThomas Hardy, who , who concentrated on poetry after the harsh concentrated on poetry after the harsh response to his last novel, response to his last novel, Jude the ObscureJude the Obscure..
From around 1910, the From around 1910, the Modernist MovementModernist Movement began to influence began to influence English literature. Whereas their English literature. Whereas their Victorian predecessors had usually been Victorian predecessors had usually been happy to cater to mainstream middle-classhappy to cater to mainstream middle-class
taste, 20th century writers often felt taste, 20th century writers often felt alienated from it, and responded by alienated from it, and responded by writing more intellectually writing more intellectually challenging works or by pushing the challenging works or by pushing the boundaries of acceptable content.boundaries of acceptable content.
Major poets of this period in Britain Major poets of this period in Britain included American-born included American-born T. S. EliotT. S. Eliot, , Ezra PoundEzra Pound, and Irishman , and Irishman William Butler YeatsWilliam Butler Yeats. . Free verseFree verse and and other stylistic innovations came to other stylistic innovations came to the forefront in this erathe forefront in this era..
*The experiences of the *The experiences of the First World WarFirst World War were were reflected in the work of reflected in the work of war poetswar poets such as such as Wilfred OwenWilfred Owen.etc.. Many writers turned .etc.. Many writers turned away from patriotic and imperialist themes away from patriotic and imperialist themes as a result of the war, notably Kipling.as a result of the war, notably Kipling.
*Important novelists between the two World *Important novelists between the two World Wars included the Irish writer Wars included 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 and and Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf..
*Joyce's increasingly complex works included *Joyce's increasingly complex works included UlyssesUlysses, an interpretation of the , an interpretation of the OdysseyOdyssey set in set in DublinDublin. Lawrence wrote with . Lawrence wrote with understanding understanding
about the social life of the lower and middle about the social life of the lower and middle classes, and the personal life of those who classes, and the personal life of those who could not adapt to the social norms of his could not adapt to the social norms of his time. He attempted to explore human time. He attempted to explore human emotions more deeply than his emotions more deeply than his contemporaries and challenged the contemporaries and challenged the boundaries of the acceptable treatment of boundaries of the acceptable treatment of sexual issues in works such as sexual issues in works such as Lady Chatterley's LoverLady Chatterley's Lover. Virginia Woolf was . Virginia Woolf was an influential an influential feministfeminist, and a major stylistic , and a major stylistic innovator associated with the innovator associated with the stream-of-consciousnessstream-of-consciousness technique. Her technique. Her novels included novels included To the LighthouseTo the Lighthouse, , Mrs DallowayMrs Dalloway, and , and The WavesThe Waves..
*Novelists who wrote in a more traditional *Novelists who wrote in a more traditional style, such as style, such as John GalsworthyJohn Galsworthy and and Arnold BennettArnold Bennett continued to receive great continued to receive great acclaim in the interwar period. At the acclaim in the interwar period. At the same time the same time the Georgian poetsGeorgian poets maintained maintained a more conservative approach to poetry.a more conservative approach to poetry.
George OrwellGeorge Orwell One of the most significant English One of the most significant English
writers of this period was writers of this period was George OrwellGeorge Orwell. . An acclaimed essayist and novelist, An acclaimed essayist and novelist, Orwell's works are considered among the Orwell's works are considered among the most important social andmost important social and
political commentaries of the 20th political commentaries of the 20th century. Dealing with issues such as century. Dealing with issues such as poverty in poverty in The Road to Wigan PierThe Road to Wigan Pier and and Down and Out in Paris and LondonDown and Out in Paris and London, , totalitarianism in totalitarianism in Nineteen Eighty-FourNineteen Eighty-Four and colonialism in and colonialism in Burmese DaysBurmese Days. Orwell's . Orwell's works were often semi-autobiographical works were often semi-autobiographical and in the case of and in the case of Homage to CataloniaHomage to Catalonia, , wholly autobiographical.wholly autobiographical.
**Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie was an English crime was an English crime writer of novels, short stories and plays, writer of novels, short stories and plays, best rememberedbest remembered
for her 80 detective novels and her for her 80 detective novels and her successful West End theatre plays. Her successful West End theatre plays. Her works, particularly featuring detectives works, particularly featuring detectives Hercule PoirotHercule Poirot or or Miss Jane MarpleMiss Jane Marple, , have given her the title the 'Queen of have given her the title the 'Queen of Crime' and made her one of the most Crime' and made her one of the most important and innovative writers in the important and innovative writers in the development of the genre, with some of development of the genre, with some of her most famous works being her most famous works being Murder on the Orient ExpressMurder on the Orient Express, , Death on the NileDeath on the Nile..
The leading poets of the middle and later 20th The leading poets of the middle and later 20th century included the traditionalist century included the traditionalist John BetjemanJohn Betjeman, , Philip LarkinPhilip Larkin, , Ted HughesTed Hughes and and the the Northern IrishNorthern Irish Catholic Catholic Seamus HeaneySeamus Heaney, , who lived in the who lived in the Republic of IrelandRepublic of Ireland for much for much of his later life.of his later life.
Major British novelists of the middle and later Major British novelists of the middle and later 20th century included 20th 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 Murdoch Ballard and Iris Murdoch
On the turn of the 21st century, some of the On the turn of the 21st century, some of the major writers include major writers include Philip PullmanPhilip Pullman, , Salman RushdieSalman Rushdie, , Neil GaimanNeil Gaiman, , Ian McEwanIan McEwan, , Alan MooreAlan Moore, , Terry PratchettTerry Pratchett and and JK RowlingJK Rowling
In drama, the In drama, the drawing room playsdrawing room plays of the of the post war period were challenged in the post war period were challenged in the 1950s by the 1950s by the Angry Young MenAngry Young Men, exemplified , exemplified by as by as John OsborneJohn Osborne's iconic play 's iconic play Look Back in AngerLook Back in Anger. Also in the 1950s, the . Also in the 1950s, the bleak bleak absurdistabsurdist play play Waiting for GodotWaiting for Godot, by , by the Irish playwright the Irish playwright Samuel BeckettSamuel Beckett profoundly affected British drama. profoundly affected British drama.
Demands for the Demands for the introductionintroduction
General idea of the development General idea of the development stages of English literature in stages of English literature in England England
Major representatives on each stageMajor representatives on each stage
Chapter 1Chapter 1 The old English periodThe old English period The National Epic: BeowulfThe National Epic: Beowulf
CONTENTSCONTENTSI. 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
The old English (Anglo-The old English (Anglo-Saxon) periodSaxon) period
I. Historical backgroundI. Historical background1.1. 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 The influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religious
beliefs and Christianity on English beliefs and Christianity on English literatureliterature
II. Literature in this periodII. Literature in this period 1.1. RepresentativesRepresentatives2.2. Literary masterwork in this period: Literary masterwork in this period:
BeowulfBeowulf
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 2.About 600 B.C. About 400 B.C., a branch
of Celts, the Brythons (Bretons/Britons);of Celts, the Brythons (Bretons/Britons);3.The island got its name 3.The island got its name BritainBritain, the land , the land
of Britons of Britons
The Roman conquestThe Roman conquest1.1. About 55B.C, Britain was invaded by Julius About 55B.C, Britain was invaded by Julius
Caesar, the great Roman conqueror Caesar, the great Roman conqueror 2.2. In 43 A.D. Claudius, another Roman In 43 A.D. Claudius, another Roman
conqueror conquered it and stayed there conqueror conquered it and stayed there till the beginning of the 5th century. till the beginning of the 5th century.
The English (Anglo-Saxon) ConquestThe English (Anglo-Saxon) Conquest1.1. About 450 A.D., the tribes of Angles, About 450 A.D., the tribes of Angles,
Saxons and Jutes (later known simply as Saxons and Jutes (later known simply as Anglo-Saxons) migrated from the continent, Anglo-Saxons) migrated from the continent, established many small kingdoms.established many small kingdoms.
2.2. By the 7th century, there were 3 larger By the 7th century, there were 3 larger kingdoms kingdoms
3. 3. They themselves into a united kingdom They themselves into a united kingdom called To settle down constant wars, the called To settle down constant wars, the kingdoms England, or, the land of Angles, kingdoms England, or, the land of Angles, because the Angles were the most numerous because the Angles were the most numerous of the three. of the three.
4.4.These three tribes mixed into a whole people These three tribes mixed into a whole people called English. And the language they used called English. And the language they used was called Anglo-Saxon, or, Old English. was called Anglo-Saxon, or, Old English.
The influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religious The influence of Anglo-Saxons’ religious beliefs and Christianity on English beliefs and Christianity on English literature literature
1. 1. The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people (pagan). They believed in the old mythology (pagan). They believed in the old mythology of Northern Europe. of Northern Europe.
2.2.The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people The Anglo-Saxons were heathen people (pagan). Pagan poetry and pagan spirit (pagan). Pagan poetry and pagan spirit remained dominant in the poetic scene. remained dominant in the poetic 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. In 597, Pope Gregory the Great sent St.
Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons. Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons. 5. 5. England was Christianized. With the fast England was Christianized. With the fast
spread of Christian influence and classic spread of Christian influence and classic learning, heathen poetry was slowly and learning, heathen poetry was slowly and steadily maneuvered out of the scene. steadily maneuvered out of the scene.
6.6. The earliest English books were written down The earliest English books were written down by monks in monasteries. They wrote down by monks in monasteries. They wrote down works passed on orally, they tinged them with works passed on orally, they tinged them with some Christian color. some Christian color.
Literature in this periodLiterature in this period There was a highlight in the development of There was a highlight in the development of
the Anglo-Saxon literature, the the Anglo-Saxon literature, the Northumbrian School. Its centre was the Northumbrian School. Its centre was the monasteries and abbeys (Anglo-Saxon monasteries and abbeys (Anglo-Saxon literature) in the kingdom of Northumbria. literature) in the kingdom of Northumbria.
RepresentativesRepresentatives1.1. The Venerable Bede (673-735)The Venerable Bede (673-735) A monk A monk
wrote in Latin and his work wrote in Latin and his work The The Ecclesiastical History of EnglandEcclesiastical History of England earned him earned him for the title of for the title of “father of English history”“father of English history”
2.2. Caedmon (670 AD_. )Caedmon (670 AD_. ) He turned the He turned the stories in the Bible into verse form. The title stories in the Bible into verse form. The title of the work isof the work is ParaphraseParaphrase, for which he is , for which he is called called “Father of English Song”.“Father of English Song”. His other His other nine-line poem is called nine-line poem is called Hymn.Hymn.
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 It probably
existed in its oral form as early as the 6th existed in its oral form as early as the 6th century and was written down in the 7th or 8th century and was written down in the 7th or 8th century, though the manuscript of it now extant century, though the manuscript of it now extant dated back to the 10th century. It contains dated back to the 10th century. It contains altogether 3182 lines and the story in it based on altogether 3182 lines and the story in it based on partly historical and partly legendary materials.partly historical and partly legendary materials. The story takes place in Scandinavia rather than The story takes place in Scandinavia rather than in England.in England.
2.2. The literary style:The literary style: It is It is an Epican Epic, or the Heroic. , or the Heroic. *An epic (a term)*An epic (a term) is a long narrative poem, is a long narrative poem,
composed in an elevated style, dealing with the composed in an elevated style, dealing with the trials and achievements of a great hero or trials and achievements of a great hero or heroes. The epic celebrates virtues of national, heroes. The epic celebrates virtues of national, military, religious, cultural, political, or historical military, religious, cultural, political, or historical significance. significance.
3. The literary position:3. The literary position: It is It is the national epicthe national epic of Anglo-Saxons and the English people. of Anglo-Saxons and the English people.
4. 4. Poetic features (device)Poetic features (device)• This poem is a mixture of paganism and This poem is a mixture of paganism and
Christian element. Christian element. • The use of alliteration The use of alliteration • The use of assonance The use of assonance • The use of kenningThe use of kenning5. 5. Language used:Language used: Anglo-Saxon or Old Anglo-Saxon or Old
English, very different from modern English, very different from modern English English
AssignmentsAssignments Written workWritten work1. Famous authors, their title and their 1. Famous authors, their title and their
masterworksmasterworks2. The poetic features of 2. The poetic features of BeowulfBeowulf3. Beowulf’s3. Beowulf’s literary position literary position4. Define the term: Epic4. Define the term: Epic
Doublestream of waterfallDoublestream of waterfallIt is just like what we have learned today, a mixture of several different cultures.
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