Characteristics of the Middle Ages.
Characteristics of the Renaissance.
English literature is rich in a history that spans back before the beginnings of Christianity. From the first piece of literature ever known to exist to the classics given to us by Shakespeare, the changing times of England can be seen in its literature. There are three stages of English literature: the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Restoration. It is evident that certain characteristics can be seen in each of these stages. .
The Middle Ages marked the beginning of English literature. The earliest known pieces of literature to survive dealt with Christianity, pagan views, and adventure.
First, Christianity is a prominent theme in the middle ages. For example, in the epic "Beowulf", Christianity is seen in the theme of good vs. evil. Beowulf, the good heroic figure battles three evil monsters, Grendel, the troll wife, and the dragon. Grendel, the monster, can also be a symbol of Christianity. He is said to be a descendent of Cain, a biblical figure, signifying fall from virtue. Beowulf himself can be seen as a Christ-like figure in his goodheartedness and his want to free people of oppression from evil monsters. He heroically battled Grendel and the troll wife out of charity to ride the country of evil. Likewise, he battles the dragon in his final battle because he wanted to avenge his kingdom. Like Jesus, his people also betrayed Beowulf. In his final battle with the dragon his men all run away cowardly and abandoned him to be fatally injured by the dragon which eventual killed him. Another example of Christianity can be seen in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". First the story begins with a Christmas celebration of the Knights of the round table. Sir Gawain's faith in God is seen in his journey to find the Green Knight, when he is on this journey he preys to God for his guidance. Sir Gawain's shield can be seen as a symbol of Christ, the pentangle representing the five wounds of Christ.
England experienced growth in spirituality, philosophy, and literature. ... As a result he moved to England. ... (Prentice Hall Literature: The American Experience 251). ... This new belief influenced literature in New England. ... These events brought changes especially in literature. ...
In 1042 AD, Magnus had made a deal with Harthacut the Danish ruler of England. ... Edward became the Anglo-Saxon King of England. ... Norman French became the language of the courts of law, of literature, and of most of the aristocracy. ... In addition to all these changes a further change in England was the introduction of the feudal system in England. ... The battle and conquer that William brought about changed England and history forever....
In 1042 AD, Magnus had made a deal with Harthacut the Danish ruler of England. ... Edward became the Anglo-Saxon King of England. ... Norman French became the language of the courts of law, of literature, and of most of the aristocracy. ... In addition to all these changes a further change in England was the introduction of the feudal system in England. ... The battle and conquer that William brought about changed England and history forever....
New England and Virginia were both settled by people of English decent. ... After many years of religious prosecution in their homeland of England they sought out refuge in the neighboring country of Holland. ... The Virginia Company, which funded the early settlements of Virginia, emphasized "quick economic prosperity" in the promotional literature that they handed out throughout England. ... Excuses such as these were sent to the king of England when the military of Virginia was defeated in battle. ... Although both New England and Virginia later went on to become prosperous areas of Ame...
Elizabethan England During Elizabethan England, people were much more creative than people are today. ... The people of Elizabethan England hand numerous reasons to be depressed and self-pitting. ... Football was much rougher in Elizabethan England than it is today. ... Hunting is another favorite sport of Elizabethan England. ... Another form of entertainment was literature. ...
Elizabethan England England was a nation that did not appeal too many. ... England began to change in size and in manner. ... This new Age of Idealism brought forth new faces to literature and other arts. ... It took a hundred years for England to achieve all the great feats that they did. ... Thus, in this even more notably than in other areas of the national literature, the process of growth was gradual; but, in the end, the shell was rapidly burst, and the new life issued forth into the force of freedom about the very time when the England of Elizabeth became conscious of its adva...
American literature has gone through many phases ever since it emerged in the mid-1600's. From puritanism to postmodernism, this form of literature has produced many classics, from which many themes, morals and motifs have emerged. ... These three themes have changed and developed throughout the course of American Literature, it can be seen most profoundly in rationalism, realism, and modernism. ... In The Declaration of Independence, the most important document of this time, explaining to the King of England why they have decided to break off of British rule and become their own nation...
Romantic literature" meant slightly different things in different countries and periods. In general, it meant literature that stressed the imaginative elements, and was not bound by formal rules. Romantic literature peaked in England and Germany before France. ... Methodism developed in England in the middle of the 18th century as a reaction against deism and rationalism in the Church of England. John Wesley led the movement, preaching in open fields in western England. ...
