KEY DATE PERIODS AND THEIR AUTHORS

1). 450-1150 ----- OLD ENGLISH

a)Bede (c. 672-735): he was an Anglo-Saxon monk, historian, and scholar.

Bede is renowned for his work "Ecclesiastical History of the English People,"
completed in 731. This historical text is a crucial source for our
understanding of early English history and culture.

King Alfred the Great (849-899): Alfred was the King of Wessex from 871
to 899. He is remembered for his efforts to defend England against Viking
invasions and for promoting education. Alfred also contributed to the
translation of several works into Old English, fostering the development of
written literature in the vernacular. While he was not a poet himself, his
reign had a significant impact on the preservation and promotion of Old
English literature.

Caedmon is a significant figure in the history of Old English literature. He

was an Anglo-Saxon poetaedmon's contributions to early English literature
are important as they mark an early instance of vernacular poetry in Old
English, setting the stage for the rich literary tradition that would follow in
subsequent centuries. Unfortunately, only a small fragment of Caedmon's
poetry survives today.

Cynewulf: Another Old English poet known as Cynewulf wrote religious

poetry during the 9th century. His signed works include "Christ," "Elene,"
"The Fates of the Apostles," and "Juliana."

2). 1150-1500----- MIDDLE ENGLISH

1.Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400): Widely regarded as the father of

English literature, Chaucer authored "The Canterbury Tales," a collection of
stories that provides a vivid snapshot of medieval society.
 2.Sir Thomas Malory (c. 1405-1471): Author of "Le Morte d'Arthur,"
Malory compiled the Arthurian legends into a cohesive narrative, exploring
themes of chivalry, honor, and the quest for the Holy Grail.

3.Margery Kempe (c. 1373-1438): An English mystic, Margery Kempe

wrote "The Book of Margery Kempe," an autobiographical account of her
spiritual experiences and pilgrimages.

1. 4.John Gower (c. 1330-1408): A contemporary of Chaucer, Gower wrote

in both Latin and Middle English. His major work is "Confessio Amantis," a
narrative poem exploring love, morality, and social issues.
2. 5.William Langland (c. 1330-1400): Traditionally attributed to him, "Piers
Plowman" is an allegorical dream vision that critiques the societal and
religious issues of the time.
6.Julian of Norwich (c. 1342-1416): An anchorite and mystic, Julian
wrote "Revelations of Divine Love," offering insights into her mystical
experiences and reflections on God's love.

These authors and poets played crucial roles in shaping the literary
landscape of Middle English, capturing the diverse themes and concerns of
their time.

C)1500-1900 -- MODERN ENGLISH

1. William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Often regarded as the greatest

playwright in the English language, Shakespeare's works, including
"Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Macbeth," are central to the literary
canon.
2. John Donne (1572-1631): A metaphysical poet, Donne's works, such as
"The Flea" and "Holy Sonnets," are known for their intellectual depth and
exploration of complex themes.
3. Jane Austen (1775-1817): A novelist known for her keen observations of
social manners and relationships, Austen's works include "Pride and
Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma."

18th Century:

4Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): A lexicographer, essayist, and critic,

Johnson is celebrated for his "A Dictionary of the English Language" and
contributions to literary criticism.
5. William Blake (1757-1827): An artist and poet, Blake's visionary and
mystical works, including "Songs of Innocence and of Experience," had a
significant impact on Romantic literature.

19th Century:

6Charles Dickens (1812-1870): A prolific novelist, Dickens wrote classics

such as "A Tale of Two Cities," "Great Expectations," and "Oliver Twist,"
capturing the social issues of Victorian England.
7. Robert Browning (1812-1889): A Victorian poet known for his dramatic
monologues, Browning's notable works include "My Last Duchess" and "The
Ring and the Book."
8.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900): An Irish playwright and author, Wilde's wit
and satire are evident in works like "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and plays
such as "The Importance of Being Earnest."

These writers and poets played pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of
Modern English literature during the 1500-1900 period.

D).1900—PRESENT –LATE MODERN ENGLISH

contemporary writers who have made significant contributions to literature

in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Here's a brief overview of each:
1. Stephen King: An American author known for his prolific work in the
horror and supernatural fiction genres. King has written numerous
bestsellers, including "Carrie," "The Shining," "It," and "The Stand."
2. J.K. Rowling: A British author best known for the "Harry Potter" series,
which has become one of the most successful and beloved franchises in
literary history. Rowling has also written novels under the pseudonym
Robert Galbraith, such as the Cormoran Strike series.
3. John Green: An American author of young adult fiction, Green's novels
often explore themes of love, loss, and identity. His most well-known works
include "The Fault in Our Stars," "Looking for Alaska," and "Paper Towns."
4. Elif Shafak: A Turkish-British author and essayist, Shafak's works often
explore themes of identity, politics, and culture. Notable novels include
"The Bastard of Istanbul," "The Forty Rules of Love," and "10 Minutes 38
Seconds in This Strange World."
5. Alice Walker: An American author and activist, Walker is best known for
her novel "The Color Purple," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Her
works often address issues of race, gender, and social justice.
6. Khaled Hosseini: An Afghan-American author whose novels often center
around the experiences of individuals in Afghanistan. His best-known works
include "The Kite Runner," "A Thousand Splendid Suns," and "And the
Mountains Echoed."

These authors have had a significant impact on contemporary literature,

addressing a wide range of themes and genres, and attracting diverse
readerships around the world.

INDIAN WRITERS AND POETS

1. Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941): A polymath and the first non-

European Nobel laureate in Literature, Tagore wrote poetry, short stories,
novels, and essays. His notable works include "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings)
and "The Home and the World."
2. R.K. Narayan (1906-2001): A prolific Indian author known for his
humorous and satirical novels set in the fictional town of Malgudi. His
famous works include "Swami and Friends" and "The Guide."
3. Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004): A prominent novelist addressing social
issues in his works, Anand's notable books include "Untouchable" and
"Coolie."
4. Khushwant Singh (1915-2014): An author, journalist, and editor, Singh's
notable works include "Train to Pakistan" and "I Shall Not Hear the
Nightingale."
5. Arundhati Roy: An activist and author, Roy won the Booker Prize for her
debut novel "The God of Small Things." She is also known for her non-
fiction works on social and political issues.

Poets:

1. Gulzar (1934-): A prominent poet, lyricist, and filmmaker, Gulzar's poetry

often reflects on love, life, and societal issues. He has also won several
awards for his film lyrics.
2. Javed Akhtar (1945-): A poet, lyricist, and scriptwriter, Akhtar has
contributed significantly to Indian cinema. His poetry often reflects on
human emotions and societal concerns.
3. Kamala Das (1934-2009): An English-language poet and Malayalam
author, Das's works explore themes of love, gender, and identity. Her
notable works include "The Descendants" and "My Story."
4. Agha Shahid Ali (1949-2001): A Kashmiri-American poet known for his
ghazals and intricate poetry. His collections include "The Beloved Witness:
Selected Poems" and "The Beloved: Reflections on the Path of the Heart."
5. Meena Kandasamy: A contemporary poet, novelist, and activist,
Kandasamy addresses issues such as caste, feminism, and social justice. Her
works include "Touch" and "When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a
Young Wife."
These are just a few examples, and there are many more Indian writers and
poets who have made substantial contributions to literature in various
languages across the country.

INVICTUS---POEM BROWN SHEET

"Invictus" is a short Victorian poem written by the English poet William

Ernest Henley. It was penned in 1875 and gained significant popularity for
its powerful and resilient tone. The title, "Invictus," is Latin for
"unconquered" or "undefeated." The poem reflects Henley's personal
strength and determination in the face of adversity, particularly as he dealt
with health challenges, including the amputation of one of his legs.

The poem's famous closing lines express the poet's indomitable spirit:

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

These lines encapsulate the central theme of self-mastery and resilience in

the face of life's difficulties. "Invictus" has been widely quoted and
referenced in popular culture, serving as an anthem of strength and
determination for individuals facing challenges. The poem's enduring
appeal lies in its universal message of personal empowerment and the
triumph of the human spirit.

THE NEW COLOSSUS --POEM

The New Colossus" is a sonnet written by the American poet Emma Lazarus
in 1883. It was composed to help raise funds for the pedestal of the Statue
of Liberty, which was a gift from France to the United States. The poem
captures the statue's symbolism as a welcoming symbol for immigrants
arriving in America.
The most famous lines from the poem are:

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe
free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless,
tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

These lines emphasize America as a haven for those seeking freedom and
opportunity. Over time, "The New Colossus" has become synonymous with
the Statue of Liberty and the ideals of inclusivity and refuge associated with
the United States.