Diary of Literary Periods

Poem/Speech

Introduction

The goal of this journal is to familiarize the readers with literary eras. In doing so, the peculiarities of each era will be briefly
described before the poets' influences are discussed.

Literary Periods

A literary age is any of the several eras or times when literature has flourished. Since these phases have been experienced by all
humankind, they may be identified and divided into several eras. Every era has its own distinct traits, sometimes unique to a particular
place. It is significant to remember that these times typically took place within a much larger cultural or historical context. There are
literary periods that may coincide with human history. There are eight (8) known periods of literature. These are:
 The Classical Period
 The Medieval Period
 The Renaissance and Reformation Period
 The Enlightenment Period
 The Romantic Period
 The Victorian Period
 The Modern Period
 The Post-Modern Period

16th Century Poetry

This era was referred to as the golden age

In which Queen Elizabeth took the stage.

Characterized by religious, political and economical unrest

The fight for power was at its best.

Influences of powerful women

On those courteous men

John Suckling, Sir Phillip Sydney

Great poets of the 16th century

Not forgetting William Shakespeare,

The Bard of Aron, whose works were influenced by their tradition.

Love and Nature

Common themes in that pastoral era

The concept of love is discussed in John Suckling's poem "The Constant Lover." The speaker describes a ‘dependent’ woman with
whom he fell in love in barely three (3) days. This poem vividly depicts what took place in the sixteenth century especially with the
Queen. Queen Elizabeth I received numerous proposals for her hand throughout her reign. She was not, however, drawn to them. She
intended to reign alone which stirred up political turmoil.

17th Century Poetry

There is a body of poetry from the 17th century that is typically categorized as metaphysical or chivalry. The 17th century saw the
introduction of a new sonnet style. Both the classics' impact and the optimistic, future-focused view of human potential characterize
this time period. A romantic mood as well as a feeling of newness could be felt during that time.

18th Century Poetry

During this time, correctives were prioritized, and drama had recently been restored. This time exhibits court life’s return to its
classical roots. Politics, conflicts in leadership, common culture were some of the influences on poetry in the 18th century. Social
injustice and dissatisfaction with authorities in both the church and state had an impact on William Blake, one of the most profound
poets of the 18th century.

The dissatisfaction of the church and state is evident. The speaker of this poem asked several questions in one of William’s poems,
‘And Did Those Feet.’ This poem explores the divinity that once traversed the land of England. The speaker asked several questions
relating to ‘Jesus’ journey’ and how ‘dark’ the industrial revolution made the country. He mentioned ‘Dark Satanic Hills’ which
referred to England’s burgeoning mill and her economy. He criticized the ‘satanic mill’ as a factor that deprived the poor of their
source of income and their ability to produce their own goods while forcing them to long grueling hours.

Early 19th Century Poetry

England was influenced by matters outside of her border,

During this 19th century era

Poetry characterized by personal nature

Use of symbolism and nature’s exploration

Famous poets were influenced by the French Revolution.

A period of gothic creation,

An age where issues surround

the industrial revolution.

The reflection of this literary period can be seen in Alfred Housman’s poem, ‘Is My Team Ploughing.’ This poem is about a private
conversation between a dead man and his friend. The poet reveals that the first speaker is deceased at the opening of the poem. (See
line 4) As the poem progresses, the feelings of the dead man are acknowledged when he queries about the girl that he ‘thought hard to
leave.’ In the end, the second speaker, the friend of the dead man made it known that he was with his (dead man) sweetheart. (See line
23)

Late 19th Century Poetry

The driving force of the late 19th century was imagination. This century was marked by a genuine appreciation of nature, a spirit of
nonconformity, and the importance of one's own imagination and feelings. The writers of this era felt some kind of rejection by the
modern changes that were coming and decided to anchor themselves in the environments undisturbed by man.

The poem, ‘My Life had stood- a Loaded Gun’ by Emily Dickinson is a typical example of such poetry. This poem explores the
control that rage usually has over the body. (See line 9) The poet suggests that the speaker is often carried away by anger.

20th Century Poetry

This era marked the diversity of poetry. The 20th century poetry characterized by faith, the disappearance of religion, the use of irony
and even nature. These poets were influenced by everything around them; rejection, human condition, drugs, personal struggles and
emotion.

Influenced by emotion and internal struggles, the speaker of the poem, ‘The Lie’ by Maya Angelou is blatant about her decision
relating to the decision relating to her boyfriend’s departure. She pretends that she does not care is hopes that he’d turn his heels. She
vividly and violently eviscerates her lover, hardly showing any form of emotion.

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