HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE

The earliest English literature emerged in Old English, the earliest form of the language
comprising Anglo-Frisian dialects. English Literature's history spans various epochs, including
the Old English or Anglo-Saxon, Renaissance, Victorian, Modern, and Postmodern eras.
Originating from the Germanic tradition of Anglo-Saxon settlers from the 5th to the 11th century
AD, the earliest narrative poems included Beowulf and Widsith. Beowulf is recognized as the
first English epic poem, alongside other notable works like Genesis, Exodus, The Wanderer, and
The Battle of Maldon. Writers of this era often utilized alliteration over rhyming schemes.
Renowned figures in Old English literature include Cynewulf and Caedmon.

8 Periods of English Literature:

The Old English Period:

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who invaded Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries, brought
with them the common Germanic meter. However, little or no surviving evidence of their earliest
oral poetry exists, which was likely used for panegyric, magic, and short narratives. Following
the conversion of King Aethelberht I of Kent to Christianity around 600, there is a century-long
gap in evidence of English poetry. According to St. Bede the Venerable's "Ecclesiastical History
of the English People," Caedmon, an illiterate Northumbrian cowherd, was inspired in a dream to
compose a hymn praising creation in the late 7th century. Caedmon later expanded his
compositions to include verses based on Scripture, which were explained to him by monks at
Streaneshalch (now Whitby). His adaptation of native verse forms to Christian themes
established a tradition of vernacular poetry in England unparalleled in Europe by the end of the
1st millennium.

Middle English Period: 1066-1500

The Norman Conquest did not immediately change the English language or literature.
Old poetry continued to be copied into the late 11th century, and two early 12th-century poems,
"Durham" and "Instructions for Christians," demonstrated that correct alliterative verse remained
viable after 1066. However, even before the conquest, rhyme had started replacing alliteration in
some poems. These poems still used the older four-stress line, but their rhythms varied from
classical Old English verse. An example after the conquest is "The Grave," which includes
rhyming lines. Similarly, a poem from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle lamenting William the
Conqueror's cruelty and greed contained more rhyme than alliteration.

Renaissance: 1500-1600:
The English Renaissance, spanning from the late 15th to the 17th century, marked a
cultural renaissance and poetic advancement, heralding the onset of modern English poetry. The
period witnessed a surge in literary brilliance, notably in the late 1570s, with Spenser and Sidney
leading a shift towards more refined and self-aware artistic expression. This artistic flourishing
culminated in the 1590s and 1600s, characterized by remarkable productivity across various
genres and skill levels. The groundwork for this renaissance was laid in the preceding decades, as
confidence in English literature grew alongside advances in education and printing technology.
Richard Tottel's Miscellany, published in 1557, played a pivotal role in democratizing access to
poetry, previously confined to courtly circles. Spenser notably embraced print as a means to
showcase his poetic talent, setting the stage for the vibrant literary landscape of the English
Renaissance.

Neoclassical Period: 1600-1785:

The main theme of the Neoclassical period was emulation of classical antiquity,
influencing architecture, art, music, and literature. Notable structures like the White House were
designed to echo ancient temples, while paintings aimed to capture the essence of classical times.
Artistic characteristics included symmetry, simplicity, precise detail, and classical or
mythological themes. In literature, emphasis was placed on common sense, order, accuracy, and
structure, often following models from ancient works. Neoclassical writers revered the perfection
of classical literature, leading to a 'traditional' approach. The period saw a proliferation of literary
genres such as parody, fables, melodrama, satire, letters, diaries, novels, and essays, with
increased focus on grammar and etymology.

Romantic Period: 1785-1832:

Romanticism, spanning from 1785 to 1832 in Western Europe, emerged amidst the
Industrial Revolution, French Revolution, and societal shifts post-Augustan Age. It diverged
from empirical views, emphasizing imagination and nature as sources of insight. Writers revered
nature and favored intuition, emotion, and imagination over empiricism and reason. The
Romantic Period rejected Augustan values and sought to break free from classical writing styles,
encouraging individuality and creativity among poets and authors. Despite common elements in
Romantic poetry, there was little conformity among poets, with their aim being to reshape the
intellectual climate of their era rather than solely express personal feelings.

Victorian Age: 1832-1901:

The Victorian Era, spanning Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, witnessed a surge
in education, literacy, and critical thinking about religion and politics. Literature's influence grew
as reading became a popular social activity due to improved literacy rates and widespread
availability of printed materials. Periodicals flourished, offering monthly installments of various
literary genres and helping launch the careers of renowned Victorian writers like Dickens, Eliot,
Tennyson, and the Brownings. Studying Victorian literature is essential for understanding the
era's attitudes and concerns, shaped by rapid changes in science, morality, and society. Victorian
writers sought to balance Romantic subjectivity with Augustan objectivity, giving rise to the
dramatic monologue and autobiographical fiction as means to convey personal experiences
without appearing self-absorbed.

Edwardian Period: 1901-1914:

Edwardian literature, succeeding the Victorian era, brought about significant changes in
storytelling without strictly adhering to a singular style or movement. While the period's work
encompasses a wide range of themes, some common characteristics emerged. Writers of the
Edwardian era often reflected on society's transition into a new century, with George Bernard
Shaw and E.M. Forster using their works to critique societal norms and repression. Although
modernism didn't fully flourish until after the Edwardian era, its origins can be traced back to
this period as writers explored new narrative techniques and delved into the complexities of
human psychology. Additionally, Edwardian literature witnessed a shift in reading habits, with a
clear distinction between 'high' culture and 'popular' works, the latter being lighter in tone and
more fast-paced to engage readers.

Georgian Period: 1910-1936:

The Georgian poets, active during King George V's reign, produced works anthologized
as Georgian Poetry from 1910 to 1922. Notable poets include Robert Graves, Edmund Charles
Blunden, D.H. Lawrence, and Siegfried Sassoon. Positioned between Victorian Aestheticism and
the rise of Modernism after World War I, Georgian poetry rejected the former's focus on artificial
beauty and the motto "art for art's sake." Instead, Georgian poetry embraced romanticism and
sentimentality, often described as "innocent." This period coincided with the emergence of
Modernism in literature, characterized by experimentation in storytelling techniques. Georgian
poetry can be seen as a departure from the principles of Modernism.

References:
https://leverageedu.com/blog/history-of-english-literature/
https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/The-Old-English-period
https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/The-early-Middle-English-period
https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/The-Renaissance-period-1550-1660
https://www.studeersnel.nl/ph/document/tilburg-university/academic-english/the-neoclassical-period-1600-
1785/17537761
https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/the-victorians/#:~:text=While%20the%20novel%20was%20the,the%20writing
%20of%20Robert%20Browning.
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english-literature/literary-movements/edwardian/#:~:text=Edwardian
%20literature%20became%20more%20critical,societal%20issues%20like%20women's%20suffrage.
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english-literature/literary-movements/georgian/#:~:text=In
%20literature%2C%20the%20Georgian%20period,the%20forefront%20of%20literary%20Modernism.

Beowulf
Background
 Beowulf is an Old English epic poem comprising 3182 alliterative long lines, possibly the
oldest surviving work of its kind. Penned by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, it was written in
England between the 8th and early 11th centuries. Set in Scandinavia, the poem follows
Beowulf, a Geatish hero, as he aids King Hroðgar of the Danes in defeating the monster Grendel
and his mother. After his triumph, Beowulf returns home to Geatland, eventually becoming king.
Fifty years later, he battles a dragon and is mortally wounded. His death marks the end of an era,
and he is laid to rest in a burial mound in Geatland. The full poem is preserved in the Nowell
Codex, housed in the British Library, though it was damaged in a fire in 1731.

Summary

The epic poem "Beowulf" unfolds in two main parts. In the first part, Beowulf, a young
prince of the Geats, arrives in Denmark to help King Hrothgar defeat the monster Grendel, who
has been terrorizing the land. Beowulf succeeds in killing Grendel and his vengeful mother,
bringing peace to the kingdom. The Danes celebrate his heroic deeds, and Beowulf returns home
to Geatland, where he eventually becomes king.

In the second part, Beowulf faces a new threat—a fire-breathing dragon ravaging his
kingdom. Despite his age, Beowulf confronts the dragon in battle but is mortally wounded. With
the help of his loyal kinsman Wiglaf, Beowulf defeats the dragon but succumbs to his injuries.
He names Wiglaf as his successor before dying. Beowulf is cremated and buried in a barrow by
the sea, leaving his people mourning his loss and fearing for the future of Geatland without their
beloved leader.

Literary Analysis

In "Beowulf," an iconic work of Old English literature, the narrative unfolds within the
context of Germanic heroic tradition, blending elements of folklore, mythology, and Christian
allegory. Rooted in the oral tradition, the poem's significance extends beyond its historical
context, influencing contemporary fantasy works and enduring as a testament to the timeless
themes it explores.

The plot centers on Beowulf's heroic exploits, characterized by his battles with evil forces
and his eventual demise, which underscores the theme of mortality. Symbolism and themes of
loyalty, good versus evil, and death permeate the narrative, reflecting the ethical values and
existential concerns of the Anglo-Saxon culture in which the poem originated. Beowulf's
portrayal as a heroic figure embodies these values, showcasing traits of bravery, honor, and
loyalty that are revered in his society. Moreover, "Beowulf" reflects the synthesis of pagan and
Christian traditions prevalent in Anglo-Saxon England, evident in its treatment of religious
themes and motifs. While the poem is steeped in Germanic mythology and warrior ethos, it also
incorporates Christian symbolism, suggesting a dualistic worldview that resonates with the
cultural milieu of its time. The poem's somber tone and lyrical elegy-like quality contribute to its
enduring appeal and thematic depth. Through ominous references and a sense of fatalism,
"Beowulf" explores the existential plight of mortal beings and the inevitability of fate, echoing
the existential themes found in the "Epic of Gilgamesh. Despite being set in different
geographical and cultural contexts, both "Beowulf" and the "Epic of Gilgamesh" share thematic
similarities, particularly in their treatment of mortality and the heroic quest for meaning and
immortality. Both narratives depict heroic figures grappling with their mortality and striving for
greatness, embodying the ethos of their respective cultures while transcending temporal and
cultural boundaries.

In conclusion, "Beowulf" remains a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with

readers today, offering profound insights into the human condition and the enduring quest for
meaning and immortality. Through its synthesis of myth, legend, and Christian allegory, the
poem transcends its historical context to speak to universal themes and truths that transcend time
and culture.
References:
https://youtu.be/qrm3PJjD7gU?si=l19JDBCRLsxVpaZZ
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gilgamesh/plot-analysis/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/beowulfs-ending-summary-analysis.html#:~:text=When%20Beowulf%20tries
%20to%20stab,fighters%20who%20fled%20the%20battle.
https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=fall2010#:~:text=Especially%20seen
%20through%20the%20characters,bravery%20in%20everything%20he%20does.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-britlit1/chapter/beowulf-background/