ENGLISH LITERATURE UPTO 1590 – INTRODUCTION TO THE AGE

ENGLISH LITERATURE UPTO 1590 – INTRODUCTION TO THE AGE

SAXON AGE: AN INTRODUCTION

***In this Video you will take in: A short blueprint of the political history of early England and the Celtic human advancement

***The happening to the Anglo-Saxons and the ensuing changes in the legislative issues, financial aspects and the social establishments

***The coming of Christianity and its impact of the Anglo-Saxon society

***How the English personality and country is made

***The early history of England indicates how the English personality has been shaped of various social characters and ethnic birthplaces.

***The Migration Age occasioned for this extraordinary blending of societies while the English soil suited them, and the courageous culture joined them for the quest for a shared objective: greatness and pride.
***As the economy turned out to be increasingly subject to horticulture and landed property, it could never again bolster the estimations of a heroic society: the errand of joining the general population was then done by Christianity and great administration

The period up to 1590 in English literature marks a significant phase in the cultural and literary history of England. This era, often referred to as the early Renaissance or the Elizabethan Age, was shaped by profound socio-political, religious, and intellectual transformations. It includes the latter part of the Middle Ages and the burgeoning spirit of the Renaissance, which began to flourish in England later than in continental Europe. One of the defining features of this age was the rediscovery of classical texts and the humanistic ideals of the Renaissance. Writers began to focus on human experiences, individuality, and the complexities of the human condition. The invention of the printing press by William Caxton in 1476 played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and literary works to a broader audience, leading to an increased literacy rate and a more informed public. This period also witnessed the consolidation of the English language. With the works of Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century and the contributions of Tudor writers, English evolved into a more standardized form, capable of expressing complex ideas and emotions. Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, introduced sonnets and blank verse to English poetry, drawing inspiration from Italian masters like Petrarch. Religious upheavals, such as the Reformation, significantly influenced literature. The translation of the Bible into English, most notably by William Tyndale, made sacred texts accessible to common people, fostering a sense of religious inquiry and individual interpretation. Drama also began to thrive during this time, laying the groundwork for the achievements of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Early playwrights, including John Lyly and Christopher Marlowe, started exploring themes of ambition, morality, and human frailty, which resonated deeply with audiences. Thus, English literature up to 1590 reflects a period of transition, marked by the merging of medieval traditions with Renaissance innovation, paving the way for the Golden Age of English letters.

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Introduction to the Age of English Literature up to 1590

English literature up to 1590 encompasses a vast period, beginning with Old English (Anglo-Saxon) works, transitioning through Middle English, and culminating in the early Renaissance. This era laid the foundation for the flourishing of English drama and poetry in the later Elizabethan age.

Old English Literature (c. 450–1066)

The earliest English literature emerged after the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain. Written in Old English, it was predominantly oral before being transcribed by monks. Key works include:

Beowulf (c. 8th–11th century): An epic poem blending pagan heroism with Christian themes.

The Exeter Book (c. 10th century): A collection of elegies, riddles, and religious poems.

Caedmon’s Hymn (7th century): One of the oldest surviving Old English poems.

Middle English Literature (1066–1500)

After the Norman Conquest (1066), French and Latin influences reshaped English literature. Middle English became dominant, marked by:

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400): His Canterbury Tales (late 14th century) is a masterpiece of narrative poetry, offering a vivid portrait of medieval society.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (late 14th century): A chivalric romance blending Arthurian legend and moral themes.

William Langland’s Piers Plowman: A religious allegory critiquing social corruption.

Mystery and Morality Plays: Early drama, such as Everyman (c. 1500), conveyed moral lessons.

Early Renaissance (1500–1590)

The Renaissance brought humanism, the printing press (introduced by Caxton in 1476), and classical influences. Key developments:

Sir Thomas More’s Utopia (1516): A visionary political work in Latin.

Elizabethan Poetry: Wyatt and Surrey introduced the sonnet form, influencing later poets like Shakespeare.

Early Drama: University Wits (Marlowe, Lyly) paved the way for Shakespeare’s rise post-1590.

This period set the stage for the Golden Age of English literature, blending medieval traditions with Renaissance innovation.