PERIOD OF

LITERATURE IN
ENGLISH
English literature has a rich and diverse history that
spans centuries. It is typically divided into periods
that correspond to significant cultural shifts and
movements. Here are the main periods of English
literature:
1. Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period (450–1066)
2. Middle English Period (1066–1500)
3. The Renaissance (1500–1660)
4. The Enlightenment (1660–1790)
5. Romantic Period (1790–1830)
6. Victorian Period (1832–1901)
7. Modernist Period (late 19th Century to mid-20th
Century)
8. Postmodern Period (mid-20th Century to
present)
1. Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period
(450–1066)

The Old English, or Anglo-Saxon, period

in literature spans from 450 to 1066 AD.
This era begins with the migration of
Germanic tribes, including the Angles,
Saxons, and Jutes, to England and ends
with the Norman Conquest in 1066.
During the Old English period, literature
was primarily oral, with stories, poems,
and songs being passed down through
generations. Written literature began to
emerge in the later part of this period,
with manuscripts written in Old English, a
Germanic language that is significantly
different from the English we use today.
One of the most famous works from the Old
English period is the epic poem "Beowulf".
Set in Scandinavia, "Beowulf" tells the story
of a hero named Beowulf who battles
monsters and dragons. It explores themes
of heroism, loyalty, and fate, and is
considered one of the greatest works of Old
English literature.
Religious literature was also prominent
during this period, reflecting the
Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons.
Notable examples include religious poems
like "The Dream of the Rood" and
translations of biblical texts.

In addition to poetry, Old English literature

also includes historical writings, such as "The
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle", which records the
history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
2. Middle English Period (1066–1500)

The Middle English period in literature

spans from 1066 to 1485 AD. This era
begins with the Norman Conquest of
England in 1066 and ends with the
advent of the Renaissance in the late
15th century
One of the most well-known works from
the Middle English period is Geoffrey
Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales". This
collection of stories, written in verse,
follows a group of pilgrims traveling to the
shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
Each pilgrim tells a tale, offering a diverse
range of narratives that provide social
commentary and insight into medieval
life.
Religious literature also thrived during
this period, with the production of
numerous religious texts, such as
morality plays and religious allegories.
One notable example is "Everyman", a
morality play that explores the themes of
life, death, and the afterlife.
Romance literature, which often depicted
chivalry, courtly love, and adventure, was
another popular genre during the Middle
English period. The works of Sir Thomas
Malory, particularly "Le Morte d'Arthur",
which recounts the legends of King Arthur
and the Knights of the Round Table,
exemplify this genre.
3. The Renaissance (1500–1660)

The Renaissance, which took place

from 1485 to 1660, was a period of
cultural and intellectual revival in
Europe. It marked a transition from the
medieval period to the modern era
and had a profound impact on
literature, art, science, and philosophy.
In literature, the Renaissance saw a shift
from religious and moralistic themes to a
more secular and individualistic approach.
The works of William Shakespeare, one of
the most renowned playwrights of all
time, exemplify the spirit of the
Renaissance. His plays, such as "Romeo
and Juliet," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth,"
explore complex human emotions,
political intrigue, and the human
condition.
The invention of the printing press by
Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th
century also played a significant role in the
dissemination of knowledge during the
Renaissance. It made books more
accessible, leading to an increase in
literacy and the spread of new ideas.
Other notable writers of the Renaissance
include Christopher Marlowe, Edmund
Spenser, and John Milton. Marlowe's play
"Doctor Faustus" delves into themes of
ambition and the pursuit of knowledge,
while Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie
Queene" combines allegory and romance
to celebrate the virtues of chivalry.
The Renaissance period also witnessed the
rise of the essay as a literary form. Michel
de Montaigne, a French philosopher and
writer, popularized the genre with his
collection of essays, where he explored a
wide range of topics, including human
nature, education, and morality.
In addition to literature, the Renaissance
had a profound impact on art, with artists
like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and
Raphael creating masterpieces that
showcased their technical skill and artistic
vision.
4. The Enlightenment (1660–1790)

The Enlightenment, which spanned from

1660 to 1798, was a period of intellectual
and philosophical movement in Europe. It
emphasized reason, logic, and the power of
human intellect as a means of
understanding and improving the world.
One of the key figures of the Enlightenment
was the French philosopher René
Descartes, who famously stated, "I think,
therefore I am." Descartes emphasized the
importance of individual reasoning and
skepticism, encouraging people to question
accepted beliefs and ideas.
The Enlightenment also saw the
emergence of social contract theory, which
proposed that governments derive their
authority from the consent of the
governed. Thinkers such as John Locke and
Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued for the
protection of individual rights and the idea
of a social contract between citizens and
their government.
In literature, the Enlightenment gave rise to
the development of the novel as a popular
literary form. Writers like Daniel Defoe,
Jonathan Swift, and Voltaire used fiction to
explore social and political issues, satirizing
the flaws of society and advocating for
social reform.
The Enlightenment also had a profound
impact on science and philosophy. Isaac
Newton's laws of motion and universal
gravitation revolutionized the
understanding of the physical world, while
philosophers like Immanuel Kant explored
the nature of knowledge and morality.
5. Romantic Period (1790–1830)

The Romantic Period, which took place

from 1798 to 1832, was a literary and
artistic movement that emerged as a
reaction against the rationality and
scientific focus of the Enlightenment. It
emphasized emotion, imagination, and
individualism, celebrating the beauty of
nature and the power of the human spirit.
During the Romantic Period, there was a
renewed interest in the supernatural, the
mysterious, and the sublime. Romantic
writers sought to explore the depths of
human emotions and the complexities of
the human experience. They often depicted
intense passion, longing, and a sense of
awe and wonder.
One of the key themes of Romantic
literature was a reverence for nature.
Writers like William Wordsworth and
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, known as the Lake
Poets, celebrated the beauty and power of
the natural world. They believed that
nature was a source of inspiration and
spiritual renewal.
The Romantic Period also saw the rise of
the Gothic genre, which blended elements
of horror, mystery, and the supernatural.
Writers like Mary Shelley, with her novel
"Frankenstein," and Edgar Allan Poe, with
his macabre tales, explored the darker
aspects of human nature and the
consequences of unchecked ambition.
In addition to literature, the Romantic
Period had a significant impact on art and
music. Artists like J.M.W. Turner and
Caspar David Friedrich depicted awe-
inspiring landscapes and dramatic
scenes, capturing the sublime power of
nature. Composers such as Ludwig van
Beethoven and Franz Schubert created
emotionally charged music that
expressed the depths of human
emotions.
The Romantic Period also witnessed the
emergence of nationalism as a powerful
force. Poets like Lord Byron and Percy
Bysshe Shelley expressed a sense of
national pride and advocated for political
freedom and social justice.
6. Victorian Period (1832–1901)

The Victorian Period, which lasted from

1832 to 1901, was a time of significant
social, cultural, and technological changes
in Britain. Named after Queen Victoria,
who reigned during this period, it was
characterized by a focus on morality, social
order, and progress.
One of the defining features of the
Victorian Period was the Industrial
Revolution, which brought about
significant advancements in technology,
transportation, and manufacturing. This
led to urbanization and the growth of
cities, as well as an increase in wealth and
economic prosperity.
In literature, the Victorian Period saw the
rise of the novel as the dominant literary
form. Writers such as Charles Dickens,
Jane Austen, and the Brontë sisters
explored social issues, class divisions, and
the challenges faced by individuals in a
rapidly changing society. Their works
often reflected the struggles and
aspirations of the Victorian era.
The Victorian Period also witnessed
significant advancements in science and
medicine. The discoveries of Charles
Darwin and the development of the
theory of evolution challenged traditional
religious beliefs and sparked debates
about the origins of life. Medical
advancements, such as the use of
anesthesia and the development of germ
theory, greatly improved healthcare and
public health.
In terms of architecture and design, the
Victorian Period is known for its ornate
and elaborate style. Gothic Revival and
Neo-Gothic architecture became popular,
with buildings like the Houses of
Parliament in London showcasing
intricate details and grandeur.
7. Modernist Period (late 19th Century
to mid-20th Century)

The Modernist Period, which spanned

from 1901 to 1965, was a cultural and
artistic movement that emerged as a
response to the rapid changes and
upheavals of the early 20th century. It
was a time of experimentation,
innovation, and a break from traditional
forms and conventions.
In literature, modernist writers like T.S.
Eliot, Virginia Woolf, and James Joyce
pushed the boundaries of narrative
structure, language, and form. They
experimented with stream-of-
consciousness writing, fragmented
narratives, and nonlinear storytelling,
reflecting the fragmented and uncertain
nature of modern life.
The Modernist Period also saw the
emergence of new artistic movements,
such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract
Expressionism. Artists like Pablo Picasso,
Salvador Dali, and Jackson Pollock broke
away from traditional artistic
representation, exploring new ways of
depicting reality and expressing emotions.
Technological advancements, such as the
invention of the automobile, the
telephone, and the airplane, greatly
influenced the Modernist Period. These
new technologies transformed the way
people lived, communicated, and
experienced the world. The rapid pace of
industrialization and urbanization also had
a profound impact on society and culture.
The Modernist Period was deeply
influenced by the traumatic experiences
of World War I and World War II. The
devastation and loss caused by these
wars led to a sense of disillusionment and
a questioning of traditional values and
beliefs. Many modernist works explored
themes of alienation, existentialism, and
the search for meaning in a chaotic and
uncertain world.
The Modernist Period was also
characterized by a growing awareness
of social and political issues.
Movements such as feminism, civil
rights, and labor rights gained
momentum, challenging existing power
structures and advocating for equality
and justice.
8. Postmodern Period (mid-20th
Century to present)

The Postmodern Period, which began in 1965

and continues to the present day, is a cultural
and intellectual movement that emerged as a
response to and critique of the modernist ideals
of the previous era. It is characterized by a
rejection of grand narratives, a skepticism
towards objective truth, and a focus on the
fragmented and diverse nature of
contemporary society.
In literature, postmodern writers like Italo
Calvino, Jorge Luis Borges, and Thomas
Pynchon employ metafiction,
intertextuality, and nonlinear narratives to
deconstruct traditional storytelling
conventions. They often blur the
boundaries between fiction and reality,
challenging the reader's assumptions and
expectations.
Postmodern art embraces a wide range of
styles and mediums, including installation
art, performance art, and multimedia.
The Postmodern Period is also characterized
by a heightened awareness of social and
cultural diversity. It emphasizes the
importance of marginalized voices and
challenges dominant power structures.
Feminism, multiculturalism, and
postcolonialism are important movements
within postmodern thought, advocating for
inclusivity, equality, and social justice.
Technology and the digital revolution have
had a profound impact on the Postmodern
Period. The internet, social media, and
digital communication have transformed
the way we interact, access information,
and construct our identities. The
boundaries between the virtual and the
real have become increasingly blurred,
challenging traditional notions of space
and time.
Postmodernism is often criticized for its
perceived relativism and nihilism. Critics
argue that the rejection of objective truth
and the focus on individual perspectives
can lead to a sense of moral and
intellectual confusion. However,
proponents of postmodernism argue that it
offers a valuable critique of power
structures and encourages a more inclusive
and democratic society.