Britain questions Flashcards
1) Medieval English society and culture. Characteristic features and genres of Anglo-Saxon and medieval literature. The Age of Chaucer.
- Beowulf (8th century)
- Geoffrey Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales (1387-1400)
- Everyman (Late 15th century)
- COLONIZATION
- celts - britons
- romans
- anglo-saxons (scandinavian pirates)
-beowulf - heroic epic poem
- 1066 Roman Conquest => normandy, french nobles
- hundred years war (w french)
- war of roses - lancastersXyorks
=> henry lancaster + elizabeth of york
=> tudors - age of chaucer - wars, plagues
- use of english as vernacular language
- inspiration from italy and spain
- morality plays (no theatres!)
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MEDIEVAL ENGLISH SOCIETY AND CULTURE.
Early Medieval:
This period saw the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066 and the establishment of Norman rule. The Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures began to blend, influencing various aspects of society.
Middle and Late Medieval:
-The emergence of common law, the growth of towns and trade, and the increasing influence of the Church.
-This period witnessed challenges such as the Black Death, the Hundred Years’ War with France, and the Wars of the Roses. Despite these difficulties, there were also cultural and intellectual developments, including the flowering of medieval literature, art, and the early stages of the Renaissance.
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES AND GENRES OF ANGLO-SAXON AND MEDIEVAL LITERATURE.
Anglo-Saxon Literature:
- Epic Poetry: epic poems, such as “Beowulf,” an Old English masterpiece that tells the story of a heroic warrior battling monsters and dragons.
- Heroic Ideal: A portrayal of heroic ideals, emphasizing courage, loyalty, and the pursuit of glory. Heroes, often kings or warriors, face supernatural challenges.
- Oral Tradition: Much of Anglo-Saxon literature was transmitted orally before being written down. The use of alliteration, kennings (compound expressions), and a strong rhythmic structure.
- Religious Influence: Christianity became a dominant force in Anglo-Saxon literature, with biblical stories adapted alongside heroic themes. Blending Christian and pagan elements.
Medieval Literature:
Romance: tales of chivalry, courtly love, and adventures. Arthurian legends, such as the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Chivalric Code: The concept of chivalry, with its emphasis on honor, loyalty, and courtly behavior. Knights are often portrayed as noble and virtuous.
Allegory: Many medieval works incorporate allegorical elements, where characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.
Moral and Religious Plays: Medieval literature includes morality plays and religious dramas, often performed in cycles. These works conveyed moral lessons and depicted biblical stories for educational and religious purposes.
Courtly Love Poetry: Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer explored the theme of courtly love, depicting idealized and often unattainable relationships between knights and noblewomen. Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is a prime example.
THE AGE OF CHAUCER.
-Chaucer, often referred to as the “Father of English Literature,” was a poet, author, and civil servant and knights emissary. His most famous work is “The Canterbury Tales,” a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims journeying to Canterbury.
-Chaucer’s writings reflect the diversity of medieval society, incorporating elements of romance, fabliau, allegory, and social commentary.
-His use of the vernacular (common language) contributed to the development of English as a literary language. (as latin was othervise the formal, noble language)
-Chaucer was influenced by Italian literature, particularly the works of Dante and Boccaccio. He traveled into italy and spain, evel learned the languages. His exposure to Italian literary forms, such as the Decameron, influenced the structure and themes of “The Canterbury Tales.”
Cultural and Historical Context: The 14th century was a time of political, social, and religious upheaval, including the effects of the Black Death, the Hundred Years’ War.
EVERYMAN:
“Everyman” is a medieval morality play that explores the universal theme of the human soul’s journey toward death and the afterlife. The play’s central character, named Everyman, represents all of humanity. The story follows Everyman as he faces death and encounters allegorical figures representing various aspects of life, such as Fellowship, Goods, and Knowledge. The play’s purpose is didactic, intending to convey moral lessons about the fleeing nature of worldly possessions and the importance of spiritual values. “Everyman” emphasizes the idea that individuals must be accountable for their actions and strive for salvation by embracing virtues like Good Deeds, Knowledge, and Confession. The play serves as a moral and religious allegory showing the significance of spiritual preparedness for the afterlife.
BEOWULF
-“Beowulf” is an Old English epic poem that tells the heroic deeds of Beowulf. The narrative unfolds in three parts, showcasing Beowulf’s battles against the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. The poem reflects the values of the Anglo-Saxon warrior society, emphasizing bravery, loyalty, and the pursuit of glory.
-The purpose of “Beowulf” is multifaceted. It serves as a historical and cultural document, offering insights into the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the early medieval period. The poem also conveys moral and ethical lessons, illustrating the importance of honor, loyalty.
-Moreover, “Beowulf” functions as an epic, celebrating the heroic ideals of its time and conveying a sense of national identity and cultural pride. Through its rich use of language, imagery, and storytelling, “Beowulf” remains a significant literary work that has influenced subsequent generations and offers readers a window into the world of the early Germanic tribes.
2) The Period of the English Renaissance. Shakespeare and his contemporaries. English Renaissance poetry.
- Shakespeare: The Taming of The Shrew (1590-1592)
- Shakespeare: Richard III (1592)
- Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595-96)
- Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (1597)
- Shakespeare: Macbeth (1606)
Renaissance
French word - rebirth
Came from Italy
Henry Viii - divorced, beheaded, died, divorced beheaded, survived - broke away from pope in rome so he can divorce, also made the county protestant
- Mary I - the bloody mary
- tried to radically make briton catholic
- by hanging people
- puritans fleeing to holland, france…
- Elizabeth I - the virgin queen
- loved her country too much
- supported theatre x banned political plays
=> actors as vagrants - theatres out of london (plague fear)
- Red Lion, The Theatre, The Globe
James I
- King James bible
- Daemonologie
Shakespeare
- comedies, tragedies, romances
- sonnets for mysterious young men and dark women
Contemporaries:
Christopher Marlowe - Doctor Faustus
Ben Johnson - The Alchemist
John Milton - Paradise lost
Sonnets:
Elizabethian/Shakesperean sonnet
- 14stanzas (lines) ABABCDCDEFEFGG
- iambic pentameter: repetition of stressed x unstressed syllables
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THE PERIOD OF THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE.
- a French word meaning “rebirth.” It refers to a period in European civilization that was marked by a revival of Classical learning and wisdom.
Humanism: A renewed interest in classical learning, literature, and philosophy, emphasizing human potential and achievements.
Literary Revival: The period saw a flourishing of literature, including poetry, drama, and prose, often drawing inspiration from classical works.
Cultural Exchange: Increased contact with continental Europe facilitated the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and artistic styles.
Colonial successes: Jamestown
King James Bible:
The King James Bible, commissioned by King James I and published in 1611, is a renowned English translation of the Bible. Known for its linguistic elegance.
King James Daemonologie:
a treatise on witchcraft and demonology. It addresses the existence of witches and the dangers they pose to society.
CTHOLICISM VS PROTESTANTISM
PURITANS AND THE PILGRIMS FLEEING TO HOLLAND)
ROANOKE AND JAMESTOWN
THEATRES:
-Public Theaters: The construction of public theaters like the Globe allowed for the widespread popularity of plays.
-Diversity of Plays: Plays ranged from tragedies to comedies and histories.
-Actors : only men, women could watch but rather went in dressed as men
- political plays banned by Elizabeth I. => shakespeares plays performed in far places like verona or athens or in the past
Use of Blank Verse: Playwrights, especially Shakespeare, popularized the use of blank verse in drama.
SHAKESPEARE AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES.
- the story of shakespeare -
his contemporaries:
CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE - Doctor FAUSTUS
- A TRAGEDY PLAY
- clever man who is greedy for knowledge and power
- he makes a deal with the devil for 24 years of magical powers
- he wastes his life doing stupid little tricks to amaze people
- then when his day comes, he descents into hell
- two angels symbolizing the inner turmoil of the character
- Doctor Faustus’s journey can be seen as a cautionary tale, and the play raises questions about the consequences of one’s actions, the pursuit of knowledge, and the boundaries between good and evil.
BEN JOHNSON - The ALCHEMIST
- A SATIRICAL COMEDY
- satirizes human greed and naivity and the pursuit of wealth through various forms of deception. Set in London, the trio of characters (the alchemist, his assistant and a prostitute) deceive people, claiming they can turn metal into gold. At the end of the story, the deception is revealed and the characters face consequences of their actions.
- the play mocks naive people that seek quick riches and magical solutions to their problems
JOHN MILTON - PARADISE LOST
- A NARRATIVE POEM
- consists of 10 books and is written in blank verse
- satan and his rebel angels were cast out of heaven and they plot a revenge against god
- god has created adam and eve on earth, where satan infiltrates to the garden of eden and leads eve to taste the forbidden fruit. Adam tastes one as well.
- god, aware of the disobedience, passes judgement on adam and eve, humanity is sentenced to suffering.
- the concept of redemption: adam and eve are given a glimpse into a future - humanity will achieve redemption through the sacrifice of christ
- satans rebellion and the fall of adam and eve are actually a part of gods divine plan
- the story shows the consequences of the misuse of FREE WILL
- its a heroic epic - larger-than-life theme of good and evil
ENGLISH RENAISSANCE POETRY.
Elizabethian/Shakesperean sonnets: 14 lines: ABABCDCDEFEFGG
- iambic pentameter 10syllables in line (5 stressed, 5unstressed)
- Shakespearean sonnets, also known as Elizabethan or English sonnets, are a collection of 154 sonnets written by William Shakespeare. These sonnets are considered one of the greatest achievements in English literature and were likely composed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Here’s a brief overview:
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- vs
- italian sonnets
- sonnets are mostly personal, adressed to the loved ones
- shakesperean sonnets were adreassed to a mysterious young men and later a black women
Themes:
The sonnets cover a wide range of themes, including love, beauty, time, mortality, and the poet’s relationship with a mysterious figure known as the “Fair Youth.”
The first 126 sonnets are commonly addressed to the Fair Youth, and many explore the complexities of love, desire, and the passage of time.
Sonnets 127 to 152 are often referred to as the “Dark Lady” sonnets, addressing a more mysterious and complex relationship.
Sonnets:
The Renaissance era saw the rise of the sonnet form. Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, introduced the Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnet forms, respectively.
Metaphysical Poetry:
Characterized by intellectual exploration, unconventional metaphors (conceits), and wit. John Donne is a key figure in this movement.
Epic Poetry: Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene” is a significant epic poem of the period.
Lyric Poetry:
Short, emotional, and often musical poems expressing personal feelings or reflections.
Themes:
Love and Courtly Life: Many poets explored themes of love, often in the context of courtly life and the conventions of chivalry.
Religious Devotion: Religious themes were prevalent, reflecting the religious turbulence of the era, including the English Reformation. George Herbert’s “The Temple” is an example.
Nature and the Classical World: Poets drew inspiration from nature and classical Greek and Roman literature, embracing humanism.
Time, Mortality, and Transience: Reflections on the passage of time, mortality, and the transient nature of life were common.
3) English life and culture in the 17th and 18th century. Roots of the novel.
- Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe (1719)
- Jonathan Swift: A Modest Proposal (1729)
Jacobean era (James I)
- gunpowder plot 1605 - unscuccesful try of catholic man Guy Fawkes against protestantism
Enlightenment:
- successes in science, technology and colonialism
- individualism, common sense
- Industrial revolution
Pilgrims onboard Mayflower travel into the new world in 1920, followed by Puritans in 1930.
Charles I
- divine power of kings (king rules over church) - people didnt like it
- english civil war: (1642-1651) charles I + loyalists vs parlamentarians (including puritans)
=> parliamentarians win, charles i executed
Cromwellian era - Lord Protector
- there was no king
- interregnum
Charles II
- re-establishes monarchy
James II
- CATHOLIC
- no support from people, flees to france and faces the consequences of DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
William of Orange and Mary II
- are “invited” rather succesfully invade britain to rule in a shared rule and lay grounds for constitutional monarchy
- they obey BILL OF RIGHTS 1689
Society:
- rising middle class
- roots of novel and journalism
- diary and epistolary, robinsonades
- female characters as protagonists
- letters as important source of historical events
- poverty and dissaticfaction in Ireland
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ENGLISH LIFE AND CULTURE IN THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURY.
Main Events:
English Civil War (1642-1651):
Conflict between Royalists (supporters of the monarchy) and Parliamentarians (supporters of Parliament) resulted in the temporary establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.
Execution of Charles I (1649):
King Charles I was executed, leading to the establishment of the Commonwealth and the rule of Oliver Cromwell.
Restoration (1660):
The monarchy was restored with the return of Charles II to the throne after the death of Cromwell.
Glorious Revolution (1688):
William of Orange and Mary, daughter of James II, took the throne peacefully, leading to constitutional changes and the Bill of Rights.
Main Rulers:
Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, Charles II, James II, William III, and Mary II.
Emerging Middle Class: Economic changes led to the rise of a merchant class with growing influence.
Working Class: Urbanization and economic shifts affected the working class, contributing to social changes.
Act of Union (1707):
England and Scotland united to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Industrial Revolution: A period of significant economic, technological, and social change marked by industrialization.
American Revolution (1775-1783):
Thirteen American colonies gained independence from British rule.
Expansion of the British Empire: Colonization and global trade expanded the empire’s influence.
Augustan Age: Emphasis on reason, order, and classical forms in literature. Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” is a notable work.
Rise of the Novel: Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” and Samuel Richardson’s “Pamela” marked the rise of the novel as a literary form.
Social Classes:
Rise of the Middle Class: Economic growth and urbanization led to the expansion of the middle class.
Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to work and society, leading to the rise of the working class.
Cultural Influences:
Enlightenment: Emphasis on reason, science, and intellectual progress.
Colonial Expansion: Britain’s global influence expanded, shaping cultural exchanges and the British identity.
ROOTS OF THE NOVEL.
4) The historical, social and cultural background of Romanticism. Aesthetics and poetics of Romanticism. Main representatives of British Romanticism.
- William Blake: Songs of Innocence and of Experience - selected poems: “Holy Thursday”, “The Tyger”, “The Lamb” “The chimney sweeper” (1789-1794)
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798)
Romanticism:
- reaction to the enlightenment
- and industrial revolution
- romantics understood the need for technological progress, but it went too far and too wrong
- viewed cities as grimy and ugly, Blake in his poem Jerusalem: compares the cities and factories of england to the ultimate devil, citing:
“And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?”
Jerusalem was later called an unoficial anthem of Britain. It compares England to Jerusalem, the holy city, celebrating the beauty of the land but corrupted by industrialism.
Romantics were not activists, they didnt fight back about what was happening, they wrote poems about it, in sorrow. They escaped into nature.
Romanticism started with the lyrical Ballads by Coleridge and wordsworth. This already symbolized the new approach to poetry, as ballads were narrative bbut lyrical poetry was lacking the plot ???
Main themes:
The beauty of nature, nature agains human, emotions, the purity of childhood.
People moved from countrysides to cities, as many labourers lost their jobs due to new machines and they had to work in factories, even children worked as chimney sweepers, many were wounded or died.
Blake
writer + artists
ENGRAVING his poems
collestion of songs of innocence first, followed by experience, poems from two points of view in both collections.
naivity, purity of children - often collected to lambs, (pastoral poems or nursery rhymes), happiness, warmth, sunshine…
vs
the harsh reality, sadness, death, grimy experience, portraying the world as it was, clearer, stronger words and rhythm
- religious themes
- allusions to bible (mainly jesus)
Colerdige:
THE RIME OF ANCIENT MARINER
- a longer poem (or ballad)
- a journey from innocence to experience
- a christian journey from sin to repentance
- sailor kills an albatros - who is viewed as a good and a bad omen by sailors - and then after life-in-death wins his soul, he is kept alive to suffer .. and he is forced to tell this story to other people, to relieve his pain
5) The economic, political and social conditions of the Victorian period (1837-1901) and their impact on Victorian literature (poetry and prose and drama).
- Christina Rossetti: Goblin Market (1862)
- Charles Dickens: The Signalman (1866)
- Oscar Wilde: The Importance of Being Earnest (1895)
Victorian era is the time when Queen Victoria rules England, Scotland and Ireland and later even becomes an empress of India.
- the country has many international successes, but at home its an era of big contrasts.
POVERTY VS. LUXURY
- poverty of lower classes, living in crowded cities full of litter and illnesses vs the upper class living in luxury, having servants, wearing corsets and fancy dresses, making balls and tea parties… born of ARISTOCRACY
- common people for the first time realized this unfairness and they were public and loud about their needs. => CHARTIST MOVEMENTS (rights to vote!)
- men achived it, progressively through REFORM ACTS in 19th century - 1880s, even lower classed labourers could vote, women not until early 20th century (1928)
Queen Victoria gets to throne at the age of 18, moves into the buckingham palace where she lives permanently, marries from affection to prince Albert, together they support Art and culture. She broughts new traditions such as marriage in red dress, christmas with christmas tree and presents = beggining of consumeristic christmas. After the death of prince albert she only wears black clothes and mournes. SHE RULES FOR 63 YEARS!
60 000 BOOKS PUBLISHED
during Victorias reign!
At first 3-volume format, but too expensive for the commoners, so novels get serialized in newspapers, until they proove to be liked by people => CLIFHANGERS
PENNY DREADFULS:
- cheap books, cheap paper - just a penny
SOCIETY:
- interest in egypt, trips to egypt, buying mummies and uncovering them in britain, fascination with the curses of pyramids
- fascination with the occult - invention of ouja board - tries to contact the dead relatives
=> SPIRITUALISM, ghost stories
RISE OF FEMINISM
6) The colonial and postcolonial periods in British history. Multiculturalism in British literature: representatives, topics, the greatest literary achievements.
- Salman Rushdie: Midnight’s Children (1981)
- Joseph Conrad: Heart of Darkness (1899)
MULTICULTURALISM
- its an ideology
- its an acceptance of multiple ethnics and cultures within one country without the pressure of assimilation of the minority
- like a postive view of multiple cultures sharing one land, while enriching one another
- important these days to lead children to accept multiculturalism, let them read both cinderella and indian or african folk tales
- teach them about the cultures that are both similar and different from their own
- present day britain is not as multicultural as america, but there are people of other ethnics, mainly asians and africans. Jews fled to britain during the naciz movements in europe.
- for a long time, british supremacy was hard to overcome and aceept the people of other ethnics as equal. Such as the slogan: “No irish, no blacks, no dogs.”
- britain even limited racially the imigration shortly after the ww2, which was later canceled in 1965.
COLONIALISM
Britain started late - due to civil wars (100years + war of roses)
- the first strategy was to steal from spanish ships through pioneers that they hired from italy
- 1607, the first colonial succes in jamestown
- however britain wanted more
Africa:
ivory, timber
transatlantic slave trade - africans deported to america
- divine mission to teach this savages, to teach them to christianity…
HEART of DARKNESS
- two approaches / interpretations
1) conrad was racist! CHINUA ACHEBE writes an essay where he literally says the novel is “overrated” and shouldnt be getting as much attention bcs conrad was racist
- “bunch of black limbs and arms”
- “like a dog”
- he said its like a journey back to past etc.
2) its against imperialism
- the harsh words and descriptions portray the cold reality, the modernist approach, its a cautionary tale against european greediness…
India:
“East India Company” - spices and tea, textiles, indigo (colour)
After Indian rebellions -> BRITISH RAJ
India was ruled directly by British crown (queen victoria becomming the empress of india to make the relationship better)
Two different views of this colonialism:
British: indian food, art and culture - viewed as “cooperation” - developing the industry in india, a divine mission to help the inferior country
India:
- brutal, violent occupation, rape, opression…
pre-colonial india:
independent princely states with many religion minorities
then princely states had political and economical agreements with britain
- after british raj, britain controlled india
- india sent men and supply during ww1 and ww2
- protest led by gandhi after ww2 for india’s independance => success, in 1947 india becomes two independent nations of india and pakistan - borders “drawn” in only a few weeks by british rulers - all wrong, many dead, massive migrations, separations of families, rape of women…
The midnight children
portray the pre-colonial india through the story of saleems grandpa Adam, the traditions of old india
- the partition of india at the strike of midnight of 1947 when saleem and the two independent nations were born
- the post colonial india, such as the indian-pakistani war where saleem fights, however confused
- the magical realism
- it happens in the real world, real india, there is portrayal of the history, but it is mixed with indian traditions and magical elements such as the magical powers of the midnight children
Shiva: the old india, unwilling to progress, change
Parvati: the modern india, welcoming the changes
The story is linked to the stories of 1001 nights by sehrezada telling it to her husband “to keep herself alive”
- saleem also retrospectively tells this story to his wife padma
- at the age of 31 he dissolves into dust ???
7) The changing role of women in Great Britain from the 19th century to the present day. Female and/or feminist writings in contemporary British literature.
- Virginia Woolf: A Room of One’s Own (1929)
- Doris Lessing: To Room Nineteen (1963)
- Angela Carter: The Bloody Chamber - selected short stories: “The Bloody Chamber,” “The Werewolf,” (1979)
In the 19th century, women were still led to be taking care of house (with the help of servants, if from higher class) and taking care of children.
- limited educational opportunities - learned to sew, needlework, religion, music… until the middle of 19th century!
- then the first wave of feminism appeared…
in 1870’s the first university for (also) women - real successes to equalize education in 20th Century
- real changes with the feminist movements and ww1 and ww2 when women did “man-only” jobs due to shortages and realized they are capable and independent.
VIRGINIA WOOLF
in her essays starts with the history - women being opressed, a property of their husbands, treated as weak and independent
- they couldnt express themselves through writing - shakespeare’s fictional sister that would never be succesful, she would be called a witch and sent to live in some cottage in the woods
- women were forced to write secretely into the drawer, which was a shame, she compares asuten with shakespeare, while both were great writers, she says that austen could be much better writer, if she were allowed to write without hiding it, she couldnt go outside and so her protagonists didnt either…
- she advocates for the need of women to have PLACE OF THEIR OWN and FINANCIAL STABILITY to be able to create creative work
- she puts an emphasis on ANDROGYNOUS WRITING - where there would be no difference who wrote the story
- she wrote the story in 1920’s, and talks about the fact, she was stopped by police in park, what is she doing there on her own…
- she was from the luckier ones who got the education - uni, and had the space of her own and money, she fought for other women, trying to support them, claiming that this fictional sister of shakespeare lives in all the women that couldnt be present here now, as they are “doing the dishes or putting children to sleep”
Dorris lessing - to the room 19
- talks about the societal expectations that are forced on women = being good mothers and wives
- their unfulfilled needs of time of their own, the ability to express themselves, creatively, to enjoy life
- a initialy perfect family slowly uncovers that isnt so perfect, the mother, Susan, has psychollogical problems (depression?) she needs some peace from her duties and she finds it in an old dirty room in hotel
- she escapes there rather telling his husband shes meeting someone then telling the truth about being overwhelmed with her responsibilities (she finds out the husband is for real unfaithful…)
- she decides to kill herself with gas in the room
Angela carter
THE BLOODY CHAMBER
- with the focus on the 3 wolf stories (adn the titular one)
- carter rewrites the old stories, fairytales, but with more empowered, independent female characters, often changing the narrative to the first person.
- the connection between sexuality and violence (even sadism, in bloody chamber)
- empowered women
- feministic approach to traditional tales
- sexuality, from innocence to experience…
- the women tame the men or dangers
- in bloody chamber (retelling of blue beard) the protagonist is rescued by her mother, not brothers.
8) The cultural development of Great Britain between 1900 and 1930, the most important events and their impact on literature. Modernism in fiction, the Great War poetry, Irish writing.
- John Millington Synge: Riders to the sea (1904)
- James Joyce: Dubliners - selected short stories: “An encounter,” “A mother,” “A little cloud” “The dead” (1914)
- T. S. Eliot: The Hollow Men (1925)
This period started with the Edwardian era which was a generally prosperous, positive time during 1900-1910. This however changed with the FIRST WORLD WAR (1914-1918)
IRISH RENAISSANCE
Irish Literary Revival or Celtic Revival, was a cultural, literary, and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Ireland. It sought to revive and celebrate Irish language, literature, folklore, and cultural traditions. The movement was driven by a desire to assert a distinct Irish identity and cultural heritage, separate from the influence of British colonialism.
=> SYNGE! RIDERS TO THE SEA
the irish rural poor, their dependence on the sea, their traditions (the blessing to the son, the language, the irish trickster in form of horse, the sea as a symbol of fishing - income, but also death - wild tide, stormy weather…)
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James Joyce
DUBLINERS - collection of short stories
of the lives of people in Dublin
- their paralyses, stagnation
- unfulfilled dreams, missed opportunities
- inability to leave dublin or to change the social class (stories: A mother, The little cloud)
the WORLD WAR 1
ALLIES: Britain + France + Italy + Russia + China
vs.
CENTRAL POWERS: Germany, Ottoman empire, austria-hungary, bulgaria
In 1997, as an american civilian ship was attacked by german submarine + british heard the zimmerman transmitter between germany and mexico plotting against america, AMERICA FINALLY JOINS THE WAR AND ALLIES WIN. => treaty of versailles
IRISH STRUGGLES
during the WW1, Irish people demand the home rule, however it gets posponed, twice, due to the war… so after EASTER RISING and no change to their self-goverment, the ANGLO-IRISH (1919-1921) war starts, with the victory of Ireland, splitting into independent state of Ireland and the Northern Ireland remaining a part of Britain.
- however, not everyone in Ireland is happy about the partition => IRISH CIVIL WAR (1922-1923) the pro treatise vs anti-treatise war, pro treatise wins.
INFLUNCE FROM AMERICA
- after the war, there were ROARING TWENTIES, the jazz age, music from america, the postive period
- shortly ended with the crash on the walstreet in america, as britain had an important trading agreements with america, plus the crash of the banks.
THE ROLE OF WOMEN
rising feminism
=> women did the “men-only” jobs
- fought for their rights to vote, job equality
- feministic literature
MODERNISM
- fragmentation, alienation, “hollowness” of both the returning soldiers and the humanity
- what was the war even about???
- the nonsense of war
- the GREAT WAR, THAT WILL END ALL THE WARS (= sadly not true)
war literature: at first celebrating war, used for propaganda, to recruit more soldiers…
- the soldier
The poem portrays a sense of patriotism and a willingness to sacrifice one’s life for the greater good. It envisions a soldier’s death as a noble and honorable act.
The overall tone of “The Soldier” is more optimistic, and it expresses a belief in the eternal nature of England and the lasting impact of the soldier’s sacrifice.
this however changed to cautionary tales about the horrible stuff happening and the nonsence of war.
post war poetry:
THE HOLLOW MEN
by T. S. Eliot
- showing how soldiers and society felt after the nonsencial war, how people were hollow somewhere between life and death
- bodies without the emotions or souls, unable to get back to the normal life
- two important epigraphs!
MISTEH KURTZ - HE DEAD
- adresses to the heart of darkness by conrad, comparing the soulless evil kurtz to the straw men
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ONE PENNY TO THE OLD GUY
- adressing to the gunpowder plot in 1605 by catholic GUY FAWKES, against the protestan king James I. => national holiday, when people burn straw dolls that should represent guy fawkes
=> empty soul + empty body => hollow men
MODERNISM:
Modernism is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It represents a significant shift in art, literature, music, and thought, characterized by a strong desire for progress and a break from traditional forms and techniques. Modernism often focuses on the inner self and consciousness. It experiments with form and style, seeking new ways of expression. This movement reflects the changes and challenges of the modern world, including rapid industrialization and the aftermath of World War I. Modernists often questioned old values and sought to portray the complexities and uncertainties of the modern experience.
Emerged in late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Represents a shift in arts and thought, aiming for progress.
- Breaks from traditional forms and techniques.
- Focuses on inner self and consciousness.
- Experiments with new forms and styles.
- Reflects changes in the modern world like industrialization.
- Questions old values.
- Portrays complexities and uncertainties of modern life.
Modernist prose:
Experimental forms: Breaking away from traditional narrative structures.
Stream of consciousness: A technique that depicts the flow of thoughts in the human mind.
Complex language: Often challenging conventional syntax and punctuation.
Emphasis on subjective experience: Focusing on characters’ internal thoughts and feelings.
Themes of alienation and dislocation: Reflecting the uncertainties of the modern world.
Ambiguity and symbolism: Open to multiple interpretations.
Rejection of straightforward storytelling: Preferring indirect and fragmented narrative approaches.
Modernist Poetry as a Formal and Intellectual Experiment:
Formal Experiments: Innovation in poetry structures, including free verse and new rhythms.
Intellectual Exploration: Deep engagement with new ideas in psychology, philosophy, and other fields.
Contemporary Issues Engagement: Addressed modern world challenges like technology, war, and societal changes.
Complexity and Intentional Difficulty: Known for challenging readability, reflecting complex modern experiences.
Dialogue with Past and Present: Maintained connections with traditional literary forms while innovating.
9) British society between 1940-2000 and its reflection in the development of modern British novel and poetry. Themes: tradition and experiment, postmodern poetry/fiction.
- George Orwell: 1984 (1949)
- Burgess Anthony: A Clockwork Orange (1962)
- Carol Ann Duffy: The World’s Wife - selected poems: “Little Red-Cap,” “Pygmalion’s Bride,” “Mrs Midas” “Mrs Tiresias” (1999)
HISTORICAL/SOCIAL BACKGROUND
World War II (1939-1945):
The war had a profound impact on British society, shaping the collective consciousness and influencing artistic expressions. Writers like George Orwell (author of “Animal Farm” and “1984”) reflected on the political implications of the war and its aftermath.
Post-war Reconstruction:
The post-war period witnessed efforts to rebuild Britain.
The rise of the youth culture
rock ‘n’ roll, and the “Swinging Sixties” brought about changes in societal norms.
The Angry Young Men movement, including writers like John Osborne (“Look Back in Anger”), challenged traditional British class structures and explored themes of alienation.
Cultural Changes in the 1960s:
The counterculture, influenced by the Beat Generation and psychedelic movements, contributed to a more experimental and unconventional approach in literature.
The emergence of the British Invasion in music and the influence of American pop culture impacted the arts.
Civil Rights Movement:
The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of civil rights activism, with movements addressing issues of race, gender, and sexuality.
Multiculturalism and Immigration:
Increased immigration in the latter half of the 20th century led to a more diverse and multicultural society.
Late 20th Century and Beyond:
The late 20th century saw a diversification of voices in literature, with more representation from women, minority groups, and LGBTQ+ authors. Young adult novels.
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POSTMODERNISM
Postmodernism is a cultural and artistic movement that challenges traditional norms. It often mixes different styles and rejects clear boundaries between high and popular culture. In postmodernism, there’s a focus on images and media, and it reflects the consumer-oriented society. This movement in art and culture emphasizes variety, contradiction, and a mix of the past and present.
“High culture” refers to the cultural products and activities that are often seen as sophisticated, intellectual, and associated with a higher social status. This includes classical music, opera, literature, fine arts, and theater. It’s typically linked to formal education and is often supported by national or private institutions.
On the other hand, “popular culture” (or “pop culture”) is more mainstream and widely accessible. It includes things like pop music, television shows, movies, fashion, and social media trends. Popular culture is often associated with mass media and consumerism, and it’s generally seen as more entertaining than intellectually challenging.
THEMES:
- pastiche:
- ironic narrator
- intertextuality
- political themes¨
- black humor
- fragmentation
DYSTOPIAS:
Definition: Dystopias are speculative societies that are extremely bad or frightening.
Opposite of Utopias: They are often treated as the antonym of utopias, ideal societies with minimal crime, violence, and poverty.
Characteristics: Common features include tyrannical governments, environmental disasters, and societal decline.
Themes: Explore themes like control over society, loss of individuality, and the dangers of unchecked power and technology.
Purpose: Serve as warnings or critiques of current societal norms or potential future trajectories.
Literary Examples: Famous examples include George Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” and Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.”
Reflection of Societal Anxieties: Often reflect contemporary societal fears and critiques, especially in young adult literature and films.
PASTICHE:
- Imitation of Style: Pastiche imitates the style of another artist or work, often combining multiple styles.
- Respectful and Celebratory: Unlike parody, pastiche is respectful and celebrates the original work.
- Common in Fan Fiction: Pastiche is often found in fan fiction, where fans create new stories based on beloved characters or settings.
- Intertextuality: It represents an example of intertextuality, requiring the original work for context.
- Not Typically Famous: While enjoyable, pastiche is usually seen as derivative and less likely to become famous compared to the original work.
10) British culture in the first half of the 20th century. 20th century drama from Shaw to contemporary dramatic achievements. Theatre as a form and function of cultural expression in Britain.
- George Bernard Shaw: Pygmalion (1912)
- Samuel Beckett: Waiting for Godot (1953)
- World War I (1914-1918):
The trauma of World War I had a profound impact on British society. The loss of lives, economic hardships, and the changing role of women during the war contributed to a shift in cultural attitudes. - Interwar Period (1918-1939):
The Roaring Twenties brought a sense of cultural liberation, with the emergence of jazz, dance, and new fashions. However, economic challenges, like the Great Depression, also influenced cultural expressions. - The Bloomsbury Group:
A group of intellectuals, writers, and artists known as the Bloomsbury Group played a significant role in shaping cultural discourse. Members included Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and John Maynard Keynes. - Literature: Modernism
The interwar period saw the flourishing of modernist literature. Writers like Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and D.H. Lawrence explored new narrative techniques and themes, reflecting the changing perspectives of the time. - The Roaring Twenties:
The 1920s in Britain witnessed a cultural shift marked by a more liberated and rebellious spirit, especially among the younger generation. This era saw the rise of flapper culture, jazz music, and the Charleston dance. - Women’s Suffrage:
The suffragette movement achieved a major victory in 1918 when some women gained the right to vote. This marked a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and influenced cultural perceptions of gender roles. - Great Depression (1929-1939):
The economic challenges of the Great Depression impacted cultural life. Literature and the arts often reflected the struggles and hardships faced by individuals and communities during this period. - World War II (1939-1945):
World War II had a profound impact on every aspect of British life. The Blitz, rationing, and the evacuation of children from urban areas were prominent experiences. The war effort brought about a sense of national unity. - Evacuation and Changing Social Structures:
The evacuation of children from urban areas to the countryside during World War II had a lasting impact on societal structures. It highlighted class differences and challenged pre-existing social norms. - Post-War Reconstruction:
The aftermath of World War II saw efforts at reconstruction, leading to the establishment of the welfare state. The National Health Service (NHS) was founded in 1948, symbolizing a commitment to social equality. - Cultural Changes in the 1940s and 1950s:
The post-war period brought about changes in popular culture, with the emergence of youth culture and the beginning of the “Swinging Sixties” in the later part of the century. - The Welfare State:
The establishment of the welfare state marked a commitment to social welfare and economic reforms. It had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. - Empire and Decolonization:
The decline of the British Empire and the process of decolonization shaped cultural attitudes. Writers and artists grappled with the complexities of identity and the legacies of imperialism.
Overall, the first half of the 20th century in Britain was a time of tumultuous change, marked by the impact of two World Wars, shifts in cultural attitudes, and the beginnings of social and political reforms that would shape the post-war era.
11) Cultural changes that led to the development of children’s literature in Britain. The changes children’s literature in English has gone through from its early stages to the present day. The factors which have contributed to the changes.
- Lewis Carroll: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865)
- Kenneth Grahame: The Reluctant Dragon (1898)
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