Introduction to British Literature

English 11(1)

Jchsbritishlit.wikispaces.com

The Iron Age500 BC – 55 BC Celts were known as barbaric

warriors. Britain was named after the

Brythons, a Celtic tribe. Arthurian legend originated during

this time period. Celts established settled farming

communities.

Standard 15: Analysis of Language CV: Higher Order Thinking Skills

Romano Britain (43-449)The Romans invaded Britain in 43 AD and occupied Britain as a Roman territory until

he collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.

During the Roman occupation, Latin was

the official language.

Anglo Saxon Period (449-1066)Style/Genres: oral traditionpoetry

dominantunique verse

form caesura alliteration repetition four-beat

rhythm

Characteristics: strong belief in

fate juxtaposition of

church and pagan worlds

admiration of heroic warriors who prevail in battle Literary Selection (s): Beowulf

The Medieval Period (1066-1485)Style/Genres: oral tradition

continues folk ballads morality plays tock epithets kennings      moral tales

Literary Selection (s): Gawain and the Green Knight, Canterbury Tales

The Renaissance (1485-1660) Style/Genres: poetry

the sonnet metaphysical poetry conceits

drama written in verse supported by royalty tragedies, comedies,

histories

a cultural movement that began in Italy and spread to England

Literary Selections: Macbeth, Shakespearean and Petrarchan Sonnets

The Neoclassical Period (Enlightment) (1660-1798)

emphasis on reason and logic Stress on harmony, stability,

wisdom contract between the

government and the people guaranteeing “natural rights”

Literary Selection (s): “A Modest Proposal,” excerpts from Paradise Lost

The Romantic Period (1798-1832) The common man as

hero Idealization of nature Gothic elements:

mysterious deaths, supernatural happenings

Emphasis on feeling rather than reason

Romantic Period: Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, Pride and Prejudice,

The Victorian Period (1832-1900)

serialized novels

conflict between those in power and the common masses

heroines in physical danger

aristocratic villains

Literary Selection(s): Jane Eyre

The Modern Period

poetry: free verse

epiphanies begin to appear in literature  

speeches  memoirs  novels  

stream of consciousness

Literary Selection(s): Heart of Darkness, “A Room of One’s Own”