BA III Semester Optional English, Veerashaiva College , Ballari

UNIT II

I MAJOR AUTHORS

1. Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer was a prominent English poet and author who lived from 1343-1400. His
most famous work is “The Canterbury Tales,” a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims
traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.

Other notable works by Chaucer include:

“Troilus and Criseyde”: a long poem about the love affair between Troilus, a Trojan prince,
and Criseyde, the daughter of a traitor who is sent to the Greeks as part of a prisoner
exchange.
“The Book of the Duchess”: a poem in which the narrator dreams of a knight mourning the
loss of his lady, who is represented by a white falcon.
“The Parliament of Fowls”: a poem in which the narrator attends a parliament of birds to
decide on their mates for the coming year.
“The House of Fame”: a poem in which the narrator is transported to a palace in the sky where
he witnesses the construction and destruction of a monument to Fame.
“The Legend of Good Women”: a series of stories about women who were faithful to their
lovers, despite the men’s infidelities.

Geoffrey Chaucer is known as the “Father of English literature” and is widely regarded as
one of the greatest English poets of the Middle Ages.

2. Edmund Spencer

Edmund Spenser (1552/1553 – 1599) was an English poet and author of the Elizabethan era.
He is best known for his epic poem, “The Faerie Queene,” which is considered one of the
greatest works of English literature.

Spenser’s major works include:

“The Shepheardes Calendar” (1579) – a collection of twelve pastoral poems, each

representing a month of the year.

“The Faerie Queene” (1590, 1596) – an epic poem in six books, each book containing twelve
cantos. The poem celebrates the virtues of the ideal knight and is an allegory for the virtues
of Queen Elizabeth I.

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“Amoretti” (1595) – a sequence of 89 sonnets about Spenser’s courtship of his wife Elizabeth
Boyle.

“Epithalamion” (1595) – a poem celebrating Spenser’s marriage to Elizabeth Boyle.

“Astrophel” (1595) – a collection of elegies mourning the death of Sir Philip Sidney, a friend
of Spenser.

“A View of the Present State of Ireland” (1596) – a prose work in which Spenser advocates for
the brutal suppression of the Irish rebellion and the colonization of Ireland by English settlers.

Spenser’s works had a significant influence on later writers, including John Milton and William
Wordsworth.

3. Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, and author, who
is considered one of the pioneers of the scientific method. Bacon’s major works are:

“The Advancement of Learning” (1605): This work is a philosophical treatise on the nature
and limits of knowledge. Bacon argued that knowledge should be based on empirical
observation and experimentation rather than pure speculation.

“Novum Organum” (1620): This work is considered Bacon’s most important contribution to
the philosophy of science. In it, he laid out his method of scientific inquiry, which involves the
systematic observation and experimentation of nature.

“Essays” (1597-1625): Bacon’s essays cover a wide range of topics, including politics,
philosophy, ethics, and human nature. They are written in a concise, aphoristic style and are
considered some of the most influential works of English prose.

“The New Atlantis” (1627): This unfinished utopian novel describes a fictional society called
Bensalem, where science and technology have been harnessed to create a utopian society.

“The Great Instauration” (1620): This work outlines Bacon’s vision for a new scientific and
intellectual culture, which he believed would lead to the improvement of society.

Bacon’s ideas had a profound impact on the development of modern science and the scientific
method. He is also considered one of the pioneers of the Enlightenment, and his work helped
lay the foundation for the scientific revolution of the 17th century.

4. Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson was a prominent playwright, poet, and literary critic of the Renaissance period in
English literature. He was born in 1572 in Westminster, London, and died in 1637. He is known

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for his contributions to the development of English drama, especially in the form of “comedy
of humours.”

Some of Ben Jonson’s major works in English literature include:

“Every Man in His Humour” (1598): This play is Jonson’s first major work and is considered a
classic of English Renaissance drama. It is a comedy that explores the “humours,” or
personality traits, of its characters.

“Volpone” (1606): This play is a satire on greed and corruption. The protagonist, Volpone,
feigns illness in order to trick his wealthy acquaintances into giving him gifts.

“The Alchemist” (1610): This play is a satire on greed and the pursuit of wealth through
alchemy. The plot centers around a group of con artists who claim to be able to turn base
metals into gold.

“Bartholomew Fair” (1614): This play is a satire on the excesses of the annual Bartholomew
Fair, which was a popular event in London. The play features a large cast of characters and is
known for its lively and chaotic atmosphere.

“Epigrams” (1616): This collection of short poems showcases Jonson’s wit and skill as a literary
critic. The epigrams cover a range of topics, from politics to religion to everyday life.

“The Forest” (1617): This collection of poems celebrates the English countryside and includes
pastoral elegies, love poems, and hymns to nature.

“Discoveries” (1641): This collection of Jonson’s literary criticism includes essays on poetry,
drama, and language. It is considered a valuable resource for scholars of English literature.

5. John Milton

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant, who is widely
regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He is best known for his epic
poem “Paradise Lost”, which is considered one of the greatest works of English literature.

Some of his other major works include:

“Comus” (1634) – A masque or dramatic entertainment, that tells the story of a young woman
who is lost in the woods and is offered help by the god Comus, who tries to seduce her.

“L’Allegro” and “Il Penseroso” (1645) – Two poems that contrast the joys of a lively, social life
with the pleasures of solitude and contemplation.

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“Sonnet XVIII: On the Late Massacre in Piedmont” (1655) – A sonnet that expresses Milton’s
outrage at the massacre of Waldensian Protestants in Piedmont, Italy.
“Paradise Lost” is an epic poem by John Milton, first published in 1667. The poem tells the
story of the fall of Adam and Eve, and the war in heaven between the angels led by Satan and
those loyal to God. The poem is divided into twelve books, each of which contains around
1000 lines of verse.

“Paradise Regained” (1671) – A sequel to “Paradise Lost” that tells the story of Jesus’
temptation in the wilderness.

“Samson Agonistes” (1671) – A tragedy that tells the story of Samson, the biblical hero, who
is betrayed and blinded by his wife and ultimately sacrifices himself to destroy his enemies.

Milton’s works are known for their grandeur, their use of classical allusions, and their
exploration of complex theological and philosophical ideas. He was also known for his political
writings, including his defense of the execution of King Charles I in “The Tenure of Kings and
Magistrates” (1649).

6. John Dryden

John Dryden was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who lived from
1631 to 1700. He was one of the most prominent literary figures of the Restoration period in
England, and he was appointed as the first Poet Laureate of England in 1668. Some of his most
famous works include:

“Absalom and Achitophel” (1681) – a political satire poem that deals with the Exclusion Crisis
of 1679-1681, in which the English Parliament attempted to exclude the Roman Catholic Duke
of York (who later became King James II) from the line of succession.

“The Conquest of Granada” (1670-1672) – a two-part play that deals with the fall of Granada,
the last Muslim kingdom in Spain, to the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492.

“All for Love” (1677) – a tragedy play based on the story of Antony and Cleopatra, which is
considered to be one of Dryden’s greatest works.

“Mac Flecknoe” (1682) – a satirical poem that lampoons Thomas Shadwell, a fellow playwright
and literary rival of Dryden.

“Annus Mirabilis” (1667) – a long poem that describes the events of the year 1666, including
the Great Fire of London and the Second Dutch War.

“Religio Laici” (1682) – a philosophical poem that defends the Church of England against the
arguments of Roman Catholicism and non-conformity.

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“The Hind and the Panther” (1687) – a religious allegory poem that argues for the superiority
of Roman Catholicism over Protestantism and other Christian sects.

Dryden’s works were influential in their time and continue to be studied and appreciated
today for their literary merit and historical significance.

7. Alexander Pope

Alexander Pope is known as one of the most important English poets of the 18 th century. He
is often considered a master of the heroic couplet, a form of poetry that consists of two lines
of rhymed verse in iambic pentameter. Pope’s poetry was highly influential in his time and
has had a lasting impact on English literature. He is best known for his works “Essay on
Criticism,” “The Rape of the Lock,” and “An Essay on Man.” His poetry often explores themes
of morality, philosophy, and human nature, and his writing is characterized by its wit, clarity,
and precision. Pope’s contributions to English literature have earned him a place among the
greatest poets in the English language.

8. Dr. Samuel Johnson

Dr. Samuel Johnson lived during the 18th century, which is commonly referred to as the Age
of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason. This period is known for its emphasis on reason,
science, and individualism, and it saw significant developments in literature, philosophy, and
other intellectual fields. Johnson was an important figure in this period, and his contributions
to English literature and language were significant. He was active during the second half of
the 18th century, and his most famous work, A Dictionary of the English Language, was
published in 1755.
Aside from his dictionary work, Johnson was also a notable essayist, biographer, and literary
critic. His essays, published in the periodical The Rambler, cover a wide range of topics and
demonstrate his keen insights into human nature and society. His biographies, including The
Lives of the Poets, offer detailed accounts of the lives and works of notable English writers.
As a literary critic, he was known for his sharp wit and keen observations, and his critical
writings influenced the course of English literary criticism for many years.

Overall, Samuel Johnson’s influence on English literature and language is significant, and he
remains an important figure in the history of English literature.

9. William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of
the greatest writers in the English language and the world’s preeminent dramatist. He was
born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 and wrote about 38 plays and 154 sonnets during his
lifetime. Some of his most famous plays include “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,”
and “Othello.” Shakespeare’s works are known for their complexity, depth, and universal

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themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. His legacy has had a profound impact
on literature, language, and culture, and his plays are still performed and studied around the
world.

His works are timeless and universal. Shakespeare’s poetry addresses universal themes such
as love, death, and betrayal that are still relevant today. His ability to capture the essence of
the human condition is unparalleled and his works continue to resonate with people from all
walks of life.

10. Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774) was an Irish writer and poet known for his works of fiction,
poetry, and plays. He is best known for his novel “The Vicar of Wakefield,” his play “She Stoops
to Conquer,” and his poem “The Deserted Village.” Goldsmith was also a journalist and
essayist, contributing to various newspapers and magazines of his time. He was a prominent
member of the literary circle in London during the 18th century, and his works were widely
popular in his lifetime and continue to be read and studied today.

Influence on Romanticism: Goldsmith’s poetry, particularly his famous poem “The Deserted
Village,” was influential in the development of Romanticism in literature. The poem depicts
the decline of rural life and the effects of industrialization, themes that were later explored
by Romantic poets.

11. John Bunyan

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an English Christian writer and preacher, best known for his
allegorical work “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. Bunyan was born in the village of Elstow, near
Bedford, England. He was a tinker by trade, but became a preacher after experiencing a
religious conversion in his twenties.

Bunyan spent twelve years in prison for preaching without a license, during which time he
wrote many of his most famous works, including “The Pilgrim’s Progress” and “Grace
Abounding to the Chief of Sinners”. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is a Christian allegory that tells
the story of a man named Christian and his journey from the City of Destruction to the
Celestial City, representing the journey of a Christian through life.

Bunyan’s works have been widely read and influential in the development of English literature
and Christian theology.

12. Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was an English playwright, poet, and novelist. She was one of the
first women to earn a living through writing and is considered a pioneering feminist voice in
English literature.

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Behn’s works often dealt with themes of gender and power, and her plays were known for
their exploration of female sexuality and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated
society. Some of her most famous works include “The Rover,” “Oroonoko,” and “The Widow
Ranter.”

Behn’s writing was controversial in her time, and she faced criticism for her use of sexual and
political themes. However, her work had a lasting impact on English literature, and she is now
recognized as an important figure in the history of feminist literature.

13. Margaret Cavendish

Margaret Cavendish, also known as Margaret Lucas Cavendish, was an English aristocrat,
writer, and philosopher who lived from 1623 to 1673. She was one of the most prolific and
innovative female writers of her time and wrote in a variety of genres, including poetry,
fiction, biography, and philosophy.
Cavendish’s writing was often experimental and imaginative. Her most famous works include
“The Blazing World,” a utopian fantasy novel, and “Observations upon Experimental
Philosophy,” a philosophical treatise that criticized the mechanistic worldview of the scientific
revolution. Her writing was often met with criticism during her lifetime, in part because she
was a woman and also because of her unconventional style and ideas.

14. Elizabeth Cary

Elizabeth Cary (1585-1639) was an English author, playwright, and translator who lived during
the Renaissance period. She was the first woman to write and publish a play in the English
language, entitled “The Tragedy of Mariam, the Fair Queen of Jewry” (1613).

Cary was also known for her translations of works from French and Spanish into English,
including the French essay collection “The Mirror of the Soul” and the Spanish novel “The
Spanish Rogue”. Her translation of the latter was considered the first novel written by a
woman in English.

Cary was a notable figure in her time for her intellectual pursuits, as well as her support for
the Stuart monarchy during a period of political turmoil in England. She was a devout Christian
and wrote extensively about her faith, including her own religious conversion experience.

Despite her contributions to literature and her pioneering role as a female playwright and
novelist, Cary’s work was largely forgotten for centuries after her death. However, in recent
years there has been renewed interest in her life and writings, as scholars seek to highlight
the contributions of early women writers.

15. Anne Finch

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Anne Finch (1661-1720) was an English poet, essayist, and letter-writer who is known for her
lyrical and introspective poetry. She was born in Kent, England, into a prominent family and
grew up in a highly cultured environment. Her father was a member of Parliament, and her
mother was a writer and a patron of the arts.

Finch’s poetry often deals with themes of love, nature, and the self, and she is known for her
use of personal experience and emotions in her work. Her most famous poem is probably
“The Spleen,” a witty and satirical work that explores the experience of melancholy and
boredom.

In addition to her poetry, Finch was also a prolific letter-writer and essayist. Her letters and
essays provide insight into her life and times and are valuable historical documents.

Despite her talent, Finch struggled to gain recognition for her work during her lifetime. She
was overshadowed by male writers of the day, and her work was often dismissed as being too
personal and emotional. However, her poetry has enjoyed renewed interest in recent years,
and she is now recognized as an important figure in English literature.

16. Amelia Lanyer

Amelia Lanyer (also spelled Aemilia or Emilia Lanier) was an English poet, musician, and writer
who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She was the first woman in England to
publish a book of poetry, and is also known for her advocacy of women’s rights and her proto-
feminist views.

In 1611, Lanyer published a volume of poetry called “Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum” (Hail God,
King of the Jews), which consisted of a collection of religious poems and a long narrative poem
called “The Description of Cooke-ham.” The latter poem was a tribute to Margaret Clifford,
Countess of Cumberland, who had been Lanyer’s patron and friend. In “Salve Deus Rex
Judaeorum,” Lanyer also included a series of dedicatory letters to various women, which
advocated for women’s equality and the recognition of their intellectual and artistic
capabilities.

Lanyer’s work has been recognized in recent years as an important contribution to early
modern literature, particularly in the areas of gender and feminist studies. Her writing
challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, and she frequently uses biblical and
historical references to argue for women’s equality and the importance of their voices in
society.

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17. Fanny Burney

Fanny Burney (1752-1840) was an English novelist, diarist, and playwright. She was born in
King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, and was the daughter of musician and music historian Dr.
Charles Burney. Burney is best known for her novels “Evelina,” “Cecilia,” and “Camilla,” which
were immensely popular in their time and are still read today.

Burney’s writing was characterized by a sharp wit and social commentary, as well as a focus
on the experiences of women in 18th-century England. In addition to her novels, Burney also
kept a diary, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and social customs of the
time. She was also a friend of several prominent literary and intellectual figures of the day,
including Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke.
Later in life, Burney became an accomplished playwright, and her plays were performed at
London’s Drury Lane and Covent Garden theaters. She was also appointed as a Keeper of the
Robes to Queen Charlotte, and later served as Second Keeper of the Robes to Queen
Charlotte’s successor, Queen Caroline. Burney’s writing and life experiences have made her
an important figure in the history of English literature and women’s writing.

18. Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter (1717-1806) was an English poet, classicist, and writer. She was born in Deal,
Kent, England, and was the eldest of three children. Her father was a Church of England
minister, and her mother died when she was young.

Carter was a gifted child and learned several languages, including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
She was educated at home by her father, and she later attended a boarding school in London.
She became a prominent scholar and was highly regarded for her knowledge of classical
languages and literature.

Carter was also a prolific writer and published several works in her lifetime. Her most famous
work was her translation of the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus, which was
highly praised for its accuracy and clarity. She also wrote poetry, essays, and translations of
other classical works.

Carter was well-respected in literary circles and corresponded with many of the leading
writers and intellectuals of her time, including Samuel Johnson, who called her “the first of

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womankind for learning.” She was also involved in philanthropy and supported several
charitable causes, including the education of poor children.

Elizabeth Carter never married and lived most of her life with her close friend and fellow
scholar Catherine Talbot. She died in London in 1806 at the age of 88.

II Some major Works of Important writers

1. The Fairy Queen

“The Fairy Queen” is a masque or a semi-opera written by the English playwright and poet,
Edmund Spenser. It was first performed in 1692, and is considered one of the most significant
works of English Renaissance literature.

“The Fairy Queen” is set in a mythical world and features a range of allegorical characters,
including knights, nymphs, and fairies. The work is structured around six individual “books,”
each of which tells a different story, with its own characters and themes. The stories are
loosely connected by the overarching theme of love and the central figure of the Fairy Queen.

The work is notable for its complex structure, poetic language, and intricate use of allegory.
It incorporates elements of classical mythology, Christian symbolism, and courtly romance.
The music for the masque was composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most celebrated English
composers of the time.

Overall, “The Fairy Queen” is an important work of English literature that reflects the artistic
and cultural trends of the Renaissance period. Its combination of music, poetry, and drama
make it a significant contribution to the genre of masque and an enduring example of the
beauty and creativity of English literature.

2. King Lear

King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The play tells the story of an aging king,
Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, based on how much they
love him. However, Lear’s plan backfires when his youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to
flatter him, leading to her disinheritance and a chain of events that ultimately results in chaos
and tragedy.

Throughout the play, Shakespeare explores themes of power, madness, loyalty, betrayal, and
the consequences of one’s actions. The character of Lear undergoes a dramatic
transformation from a proud and arrogant king to a broken and humbled man who eventually
comes to understand the true meaning of love and forgiveness.

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King Lear is widely regarded as one of Shakespeare’s greatest works and is often studied and
performed in theaters around the world.

3. As You Like It

“As You Like It” is a pastoral comedy play written by William Shakespeare, believed to have
been written in 1599 or early 1600. The play tells the story of Rosalind, the daughter of an
exiled duke, who flees to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia to escape the tyranny of
her uncle. In the forest, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and takes on the name Ganymede,
while Celia disguises herself as a poor woman named Aliena.

The play explores themes such as love, gender roles, and the nature of identity, as Rosalind,
in the guise of Ganymede, teaches the lovestruck Orlando how to woo her as Rosalind, while
also counseling other couples in the forest on matters of the heart. Along the way, the play
also features memorable supporting characters such as the melancholy Jacques and the
clown Touchstone.

As a pastoral comedy, “As You Like It” presents an idealized vision of rural life and the natural
world, with characters finding solace and love in the idyllic setting of the Forest of Arden. The
play is notable for its witty language and use of cross-dressing, as well as its exploration of
the fluidity of gender and the performance of identity.

4. Volpone

“Volpone” is a play by the English playwright Ben Jonson, first performed in 1606. The play is
a satirical comedy that explores the themes of greed, deception, and the corrupting influence
of wealth.

The main character, Volpone, is a wealthy Venetian who feigns illness and invites several
wealthy men to his home, leading them to believe that they are his heirs. As they compete
for his favor and his inheritance, they offer him gifts and money, which he gladly accepts.
Meanwhile, his servant Mosca plays a key role in manipulating the visitors, furthering the
deception and ensuring that Volpone’s plan succeeds.

Throughout the play, Jonson uses witty dialogue, puns, and clever wordplay to mock the vices
and follies of his characters. He also provides a commentary on the corrupt nature of society
and the lengths that people will go to gain wealth and status.

“Volpone” is considered one of Jonson’s finest plays and a masterpiece of Jacobean drama. It
has been adapted for the stage and screen many times and continues to be a popular work
of literature today.

5. Paradise Lost

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Paradise Lost is an epic poem written by the English poet John Milton, first published in 1667.
The poem is divided into twelve books and tells the story of the fall of man, as depicted in the
Bible’s Book of Genesis.

The poem begins with Satan and his followers being cast out of heaven and falling into Hell.
Satan then hatches a plan to corrupt Adam and Eve and bring about their downfall. Satan
disguises himself as a serpent and tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of
Knowledge. Eve then persuades Adam to eat the fruit as well, and as a result, they both fall
from grace and are banished from the Garden of Eden.

The poem explores themes such as sin, temptation, and free will, and has been interpreted in
many different ways over the years. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of
English literature, and has influenced many writers and artists throughout history.

6. Absalom and Achitophel

“Absalom and Achitophel” is a political allegory written by John Dryden in 1681, which uses
the biblical story of King David and his son Absalom to satirize the political situation in England
during the reign of King Charles II. The poem tells the story of Absalom’s rebellion against his
father David, with Achitophel serving as Absalom’s cunning advisor.

In the poem, King David represents King Charles II, while Absalom represents the Duke of
Monmouth, Charles II’s illegitimate son who was considered a threat to the succession of the
throne. Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, a powerful politician who opposed
Charles II and supported Monmouth’s claim to the throne.

Dryden uses the story to comment on the political situation of his time, criticizing the
corruption and greed of politicians who sought to gain power at any cost. He also emphasizes
the importance of loyalty and obedience to the rightful authority.

“Absalom and Achitophel” is considered one of the greatest political satires in the English
language, and it continues to be studied and analyzed today for its insights into the political
climate of the late 17th century.

7. Rape of the Lock

“The Rape of the Lock” is a mock-heroic poem by the English poet Alexander Pope, first
published in 1712. The poem is a satirical take on a real-life incident where a young man, Lord
Petre, cut a lock of hair from the head of Arabella Fermor, a prominent society lady, without
her consent. The incident caused a rift between the two families, and Pope’s poem was
intended to defuse the tension and make light of the situation.

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The poem is written in the style of an epic poem, with elaborate language and grandiose
descriptions, but it uses this form to poke fun at the triviality of the situation. Pope
exaggerates the importance of the lock of hair, turning it into a symbol of the social hierarchy
and the power struggle between men and women in polite society. He also lampoons the
fashions and manners of the day, and the vanity and superficiality of the upper classes.

“The Rape of the Lock” is a masterpiece of English literature, and is considered one of Pope’s
greatest works. It is an example of the mock-heroic genre, which uses the trappings of epic
poetry to satirize contemporary society. The poem is a witty, elegant, and entertaining
commentary on the manners and morals of early 18th century England, and it remains a
popular and influential work today.

8. Pamela
“Pamela” is a novel written by Samuel Richardson and published in 1740. The novel is an
epistolary novel, meaning it is written in the form of letters between the characters. The story
is about a young maidservant named Pamela who resists the advances of her wealthy
employer Mr. B, who tries to seduce her. The novel is known for its exploration of themes
such as class, gender, and social mobility.

“Pamela” was a bestseller and became very popular upon its publication. It was also
controversial, as some readers felt that the novel glorified the idea of a woman using her
virtue and purity to win the love of a wealthy man. Despite this criticism, “Pamela” was
influential in the development of the novel as a literary genre, and its impact can still be seen
in modern literature today.

9. Letters of Elizabeth Carter

The “Letters of Elizabeth Carter” is a collection of personal correspondence by Elizabeth

Carter, an 18th century English writer and translator. The letters were addressed to various
friends and acquaintances, and cover a wide range of topics, including literature, philosophy,
religion, and personal matters.

Elizabeth Carter was known for her erudition and intellectual pursuits, and her letters reflect
her keen intellect and broad interests. She corresponded with many prominent figures of her
time, including Samuel Johnson, and her letters provide a fascinating glimpse into the
intellectual and social milieu of 18th century England.

The “Letters of Elizabeth Carter” were published posthumously in 1809, and they continue to
be valued as a rich source of insight into the life and thoughts of a remarkable woman of
letters.

10. Elegy in Churchyard

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“Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” is a poem by Thomas Gray, first published in 1751.
The poem is written in elegiac stanzas, which are quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The
poem reflects on the lives of humble, rural people buried in a churchyard, meditating on the
universal experience of death and the fragility of human life.

Gray’s poem is noted for its elegant language and vivid imagery, as well as its exploration of
themes such as mortality, the passage of time, and the power of memory. It has been widely
praised for its universal appeal and its ability to evoke a sense of melancholy reflection in
readers.

Overall, “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” is considered a masterpiece of English

literature and a classic example of the elegy form.

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