Introduction to English – American Literature

English American Periods

Task 1. Research on the following English – American Periods.

Task 2. Write
Meta- learning logs/ short reflections on the learned summary, geography, history, language, society and
culture of English – American Literature.

Middle English / The Medieval Period ( 1066-1500 )

The Middle English or Medieval Period begins with the collapse of the Roman Empire, which occurred 476.
Literary works were originally composed in Latin, but poets began writing in vernacular as early as 7th century
CE. In secular medieval literature, the figure of King Arthur, an Ancient British hero, attracted the attention of
and imagination of these early writers. The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer is one of the first major work
written in English ( 1387-1400 ), it tells the story of 30 different people from all walks of medieval society.
Contents :
1. Romance and the courtly love lyric
2. Sermons, prayers, lives of saints and homilies
3. Legend and folktale
4. High medieval dream

Style/Genres :
1. Tales transmitted orally / storytelling
2. Books are read out loud to an audience
3. Arthurian
4. Poetry remain the preferred medium for artistic expression
a. Lyric poetry
b. Ballads
c. Hymns
d. Epics
5. Drama
a. Mystery play
b. Morality plays

The Renaissance / Early Modern Period (1500- 1660 )

The Renaissance was a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following
the Middle Ages. Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the
Renaissance promoted rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art.
The advances in knowledge which identify the shift from Medieval Literature to Renaissance Literature were
dependent upon a return to classical thought within the literature and philosophies of antiquity. This return to
classical ideas and worldview gave rise to Humanism.
Content :
a. Placing importance on classical thoughts
b. Tragedy and comedy
c. Having a real humanistic protagonist
d. Heroes, deities and monsters influenced by Roman and Greek mythology.
e. Political reformation which also includes monarchs and aristocrats

Styles/ Genres :
a. The mass – indicates the Eucharistic service rooted in early Christian and medieval liturgies.
It contains two liturgical parts ; the Ordinary ( Kyrie, Gloria , Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei ) and the
Proper ( Introit, Gradual, Alleluia/Tract/ Sequence, Offertory, Communion).
b. The motet – one of the pre- eminent polyphonic forms of Renaissance music.
c. The madrigale – a secular vocal genre of music, lyrics were based on poetry, and they were usually
performed a cappella and in polyphonic texture.
d. The laude – a type of Italian poetry or a nonliturgical devotional song in praise of the Virgin Mary, Christ
or the saints.
e. Poem and drama

A.Elizabethan Age ( 1558 – 1603 )

Elizabethan Period is generally regarded as the greatest in the history of English Literature coinciding with
reign of England's Queen Elizabeth I (1158-1603).
,The age of Elizabeth is called by the historians “ the first and greatest romantic epoch in English literature. A
great boom in literature, particularly in the area of tragedy. William Shakespeare emerged from this period as
poet and playwright never seen before.
Content :
a.allegorical
b.spirit of independence and adventure
c.Historical Chronicles

Style/ Genres :
1. Poetry
a. Sonnet – a popular classical form that has compelled poets for centuries. Traditionally, it is a fourteen-line
poem written in iambic pentameter, employing one of several rhyme schemes, and adhering to tightly
structured thematic organization.
b.Spenserian Stanza – the consist of eight lines of iambic pentameter followed by a single alexandrine, a
twelve – syllable iambic line. The final line typically has a caesura, or break, after the first three feet.
c. Dramatic blank verse – a literary device defined as unrhyming verse unrhyming written in iambic
pentameter. In poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables each line.
2.Prose
3.Drama, Tragedy and Romance
4.Theatre

B. Jacobean Age ( 1603 - 1625 )

The Jacobean era was the period in English and Scottish history that coincides with the reign of James VI of
Scotland who also inherited the crown of England in 1603 as James I. It is a period of visual and literary arts .
Content :
a. Theory of humours
b. Stylish satires
c. Feudalism and chivalry
d. Extensive use of paradox and oxymorons

Style / Genres
a.Revenge play ( tragedy)
b. Heroic couplets
c. Verse satires
d. Metaphysical Poetry
e. Essays and biographies

C.Caroline Age ( 1625 – 1649 )

Caroline era has its period of Charles I during 1625 – 1649 and the name Charles derived from the Latin word
‘Carolous’ which means Charles. During this period the spirit of the Renaissance began declining and become
fruitful in terms of its creative writings.
Caroline age is the age of poetry because poets wholeheartedly devoted themselves to writing poetry.
Content :
a. reflects revival and moral and intellectual awakening.
b. literary scenario is overshadowed by gloom and pessimism
c. rise of Puritanism
d. religion, faith , spirituality and being

Styles/Genres :
1.Poetry
a. Puritan Poetry – guided by strict codes and rules as was any Puritan writings. Themes are relevant in so-
far referred to the glory of God.
b.Metaphysical Poetry – spiritual and has often religious themes. Moreover, it focuses on love, as the union of
soul. It uses metaphors, puns, paradoxes and meter to create drama and tension.
c. Cavalier Poetry – refer to a kind of light lyric, often advocating a Carpe diem ( seize the day ) attitude.
Commonly held traits certainly exist in cavalier poetry in the most poems “ celebrate beauty, love, nature,
sensuality, drinking , good fellowship, honor and social life.
2.Prose
a. sermons, pamphlets, history and philosophy

D.Commonwealth Period / Puritan Interregnum ( 1649 – 1660 )

Commonwealth Age, also known as the Puritan Interregnum,( literally, between reigns), an age often classified
as the last of five literary eras within the Renaissance Period in English literature. It began with the beheading
of King Charles I in 1649 and ended with the restoration of the Stuart monarchy via the coronation of Charles II
in 1660.
Writers of prose and no dramatic poetry dominated the literary arena during the Commonwealth Age.
Content :
a.the used of English language
b.relationship between humankind and nature
c. Exploitation and alienation
d. Postcolonial society
e. Nationalists sentiments

Styles/Genres :
a.Poetry and fictional works
b. Magic realism
c. Novels and short stories
I've learned about English and American literature history. Each of them has its own distinct characteristics,
particularly in terms of the language used as their literary medium. English literary works are published in
British English, whereas American literary works are published in American English. English literature focuses
on traditional literary pieces, such as songs, poetry, and prose that are mostly concerned with religious
beliefs and faith. Novels and short stories, autobiographies, and even poetry were added to the canon of
American literature.

This topic helps me to better understand what distinguishes English and American literature because, at first
glance, they appear to be similar but are actually distinct in terms of origin, style, and genres present at each
time period. I've also learned how literature was influenced by the norms of each culture and society at the
time. The psychological circumstances of people at a given time have also influenced the content and type of
literary works that have been published.

I struggle to understand new literary terms, such as the different types of poetry that exist at different times.
They are all poetry, but they are all classified differently. And, of course, English literature is difficult to read
and cannot be understood simply by reading the words.

I'd like to learn more about the popular literary works of each era and have the opportunity to analyze them
in context. Understanding each work in depth, such as the topic of characterization, hidden truths behind the
text, and how it relates to the reality of society at the time it was written.