Literary Movements in English Literature - Part I

Literary Movements in English Literature - Part I

1. Movements in English literature Keiser University eCampus

2. Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066) Historical Context / Main Ideas Life centered around self-ruling tribes and clans Tribes and clans were initially warriors from invading areas; later, they became primarily agricultural Christianity helps the spread of literacy Roman alphabet was introduced to Britain Oral tradition helps to unite diverse people and their myths

3. Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066) Genres and Styles Oral tradition of literature Poetry – mostly heroic or Christian Most poets of this era are anonymous

4. Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066) Examples Bede’s An Ecclesiastical History of the English People The Dream of the Rood Beowulf

5. The norman conquest and middle english literature (1066-1485) Historical Context and Main Ideas In 1066, William the Conqueror’s army defeats Harold II’s army at the Battle of Hastings. This defeat results in the “Norman Invasion,” which brings about the influence of French on the English language. William Caxton introduces the printing press in 1476 Church instructs its people through plays Illiterate population hears and sees literature through performance Chivalric code of honor Religious devotion Shift to non-religious subjects in the late 14 th century

6. The norman conquest and middle english literature (1066-1485) Genres and Styles Oral tradition continues Folk ballads Mystery plays – representation of Bible stories Morality plays – personified qualities (sin, charity, etc.) as main characters Miracle plays – reenactments of miraculous interventions of saints in the lives of everyday people Epic poetry Religious allegory

7. The norman conquest and middle english literature (1066-1485) Examples Sir Gawain and the Green Knight William Langlan’s Piers Plowman Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (see next slide)

8. The norman conquest and middle english literature (1066-1485) Examples Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is a notable example in that it is a critical portrait of 14 th century English society. It is still widely considered one of the most important pieces of English literature. The premise of The Canterbury Tales is that a group of pilgrims, who are traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the Shrine of Thomas Becket, pass the time by telling stories. Chaucer originally intended each pilgrim (30 in all) to tell two stories on the way to Canterbury and two stories on the way back (making for a total of 120 stories). The work is considered unfinished, as only 24 stories were completed.

9. The sixteenth century (1485-1603) Historical Context / Main Ideas 1485: The end of the War of the Roses between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Henry VII from the House of Lancaster becomes King of England. He marries Elizabeth from the House of York, uniting the two warring factions. 1509-1558: Henry VIII is King of England 1558-1603: Elizabeth I rules (known as the Elizabethan Period) – English drama develops into a sophisticated art form 1576: The Theater is built, the first permanent structure in England for the performing of plays

10. The sixteenth century (1485-1603) Historical Context / Main Ideas Economy shifts from farm-based to international trade Worldview shifts from religion to secular life Focus on education and establishment of important universities Young people (mostly men) traveled to European continent, requiring them to learn other languages, as few spoke English Noblemen sought power from the court Rapid growth of cities Significant (and sometimes violent) disputes between Catholics and Protestants

11. The sixteenth century (1485-1603) Genres and Styles Poetry sonnets metaphysical poetry, characterized by elaborate metaphors Drama, often written in verse and supported by royalty. Drama developed into a sophisticated art form in the Elizabethan Period (1558-1603).

12. The sixteenth century (1485-1603) Examples William Shakespeare’s plays, including Much Ado About Nothing, Othello, and Hamlet Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene Sir Philip Sidney’s sonnets Christopher Marlowe’s poetry, including “The Passionate Shepherd to his Love,” and his plays, including Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine

13. The early seventeenth century (1603-1660) Historical Context / Main Ideas 1603: Death of Elizabeth I and accession of James I 1625: death of James I, accession of Charles I, who belonged to the Church of England 1642: The Puritan Rebellion begins and theaters are closed. Charles I is defeated and beheaded in 1649. Oliver Cromwell is named “Lord Protector.” John Milton served as Cromwell’s secretary. 1660: Charles II, oldest son of Charles I, invited to return from exile and assume the crown. Theaters are reopened, and, for the first time, women are allowed to perform

14. The early seventeenth century (1603-1660) Historical Context / Main Ideas Tensions increased between the monarchy and its subjects James’s court was known for its excesses First English settlements in North America (Jamestown, Plymouth) Puritans believed that humans were predestined to be saved (“the elect”) or damned Conflict between new scientific theories and the older way of thinking Belief in hierarchies nature – God above angels, angels above humans, humans above animals, animals above plants, etc. social – king over nobles, nobles over gentry, gentry over yeomen, yeomen over laborers familial – husband over wife, parents above children, master and mistress above servants, elderly above the young All are required to attend church

15. The early seventeenth century (1603-1660) Genres and Styles Poetry – less focus on sonnets and more focus on metaphysical poetry Drama Satire Essays

16. The early seventeenth century (1603-1660) Examples King James Bible (1611) John Donne’s poems “The Flea” and holy sonnets John Milton’s Paradise Lost Francis Bacon’s Essays