The Restoration (1660-1789)
The Restoration (Enlightenment) was a time where the emphasis was on rules,
reason, and logic. Grammar was created and predominant genres included
satire, essays and novels.
7. Journalism was created. Research the creation, the role and function of The
Tatler and The Spectator, the newspapers of the period that included social
commentary, essays, and some gossip.
Romanticism (1789-1832)
The major element of the Romantic period was a love of nature. Romantics
saw patterns and meaning in the natural world around them. In addition to the
popular lyrical ballad, the gothic horror novel entertained the common man.
8. Compare and contrast the "Romantic" period in England and in America.
The Victorian Era (1832-1900)
The novel begins to rise in popularity. Contrived plot twists such as strained
coincidences and romantic triangles were often utilized. The period also saw a
heightened conflict between the rich and the poor.
9. What were the effects of the industrial revolution upon literature? At a time
when the general population is becoming devoted to certain authors, how do
those authors create and maintain a devoted audience? Choose from: Dickens,
Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, the Bronte Sisters.
The Modern/Post Modern Period (1900-1980)
This era heralded the loss of the hero in literature. One of the major themes
was technology’s destruction of society. Poets began to write in free verse;
novelists began writing in "stream of consciousness." The time has of course
been characterized by wars and large scale destruction, new national selfconcepts and power struggles, and a focus on politics.
10. Analyse the "literary of criticism." Discuss the loss of the "hero" and the
advent of the "anti-hero." Of note: James Joyce, Joseph Conrad, George
Orwell, Virginia Woolf ....
TIMELINE OF BRITISH LITERATURE
This is a brief, and by no means comprehensive, overview of literature from
the major time periods of British literary history. Please choose a research
topic from the suggestions below:
Anglo Saxon Period (449-1066)
Most of the storytelling in this time period was of the oral tradition, The major
themes were praise of heroes who triumphed in battle and religious/moral
instruction. The predominant genrd in this time period was epic poetry.
1. BEOWULF is considered to be the ideal Anglo Saxon hero. What does
that mean? Is it true or false?
2. Where have all the women gone? The role of women in Anglo Saxon
society.
Medieval Period (1066-1485)
This was a time of knights and their ladies fair. The chivalric code of honor
was important to literature, and romances became popular. Religion was still
a major force in literature, folk ballads emerged that told of the common man,
and the legend of King Arthur spawned a myriad of medieval romances and
adventures.
3. The Medieval Period is often referred to as "the Dark Ages" due to a lack of
advancement in technology, social and political secular culture. Defend or
refute this claim, using examples from literature and history.
The Renaissance (1485-1660)
This time period marks a shift from a focus on religion and the afterlife to
human life on earth. Love and the potential of humans were the major themes
included in such popular genres as metaphysical poems, sonnets, and drama
written in verse.
5. Called the greatest monarch of Britain’s history, Elizabeth’s name is attached
to her own glorious age. Who was she? Why did her countrymen so love her?
How did she further the arts by being their greatest patron?
6. Is Shakespeare REALLY Shakespeare? (There is some controversy!) Some
say the man could not possibly be the cultured, cultivated scholar and
nobleman who would have had to be the author of all those plays. What do
you think?