Literary Periods (4) Flashcards
- Mythology
A collection of myth is, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.
- also the study of myths
- Titanomachy
the cosmological struggle between the Greek gods and their parents/ the Titans. Features Prometheus
- Prometheus
himself a Titan- managed to avoid being the direct confrontational cosmic battle between Zeus and the other Olympians against Cronus and the other Titans. His struggle would be of vast merit to human society as he was to be credited with the creation of humans and therefore all of humanity as well. Pandora’s Box derives from this myth as one of Zeus’ creations to destroy Prometheus.
- Medieval Period
Ranges from 476 AD to the 15th Century and the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy. Lots of Biblical/Catholic teaching/ Includes Epic Poems like Beowulf and The Song of Roland/ and Fabliaux/ a style of writing in the 13th century that was sarcastic/ cynical/ and comic stories/ usually in poetic verse (like in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales).
- Epic Poems Examples
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri/ Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas/ Sir Gawain and The Green Knight/ Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory/ The Book of the City of Ladies by Christina Pizan/ Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius/ Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio/ Scivias by Hildegard of Bingen.
- Troubadours
In the 11th century/ composers and performers of lyric poetry wrote about chivalric romance.
- King Arthur
According to the medieval histories/ King Arthur was the British leader who led Britain’s army against invaders in the 5th and 6th centuries. Historical sources: Annales Cambriae/ Historian Brittonum.
- Death Be Not Proud
Also known as Sonnet X. John Donne uses personification of death to criticize and confront it. Instead of cowering in its face/ Donne denies the finality of death by stating that it will eventually be conquered/ which aligns with his strong Christian faith in the body’s resurrection. Part of John Donne’s collection/ Holy Sonnets.
- Piers Plowman by William Langland
An allegorical moral and social satire/ written as a “vision” of the common medieval type. A Medieval poem written in allegory and alliterative verse/ detailing the crucifixion of Christ and identifying works and grace as pillars of Christianity.
- Renaissance Period
Started in the 16th century. Key developments included the invention of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg and Europe’s newly formed trade routes with India and China. The Sonnet became popular during this time/ with later evolution into metaphysical poetry (using the poem to understand faith and environment instead of accepting standard religious teaching) through John Donne.
- Restoration Period
Right after the Renaissance/ celebrated the restored court of Charles II. Key works include John Milton’s epic poem/ Paradise Lost/ and John Bunyan’s Christian allegory/ Pilgrim’s Progress.
- Hamlet
The protagonist of Hamlet is Prince Hamlet of Denmark/ son of the recently deceased King Hamlet/ and nephew of King Claudius/ his father’s brother and successor. Hamlet seeks revenge on Claudius for murdering his father/ leading to a tragic conclusion where Hamlet/ Claudius/ and most of the royal family die.
- Macbeth
Macbeth and Banquo are generals under King Duncan when they meet the Witches/ who tell them prophecies. Macbeth harbors ambitions of becoming king/ leading to a tragic downfall. Lady Macbeth urges him to murder Duncan/ and Macbeth’s reign is marked by tyranny and guilt/ ending in his death by Macduff.
- Othello
Roderigo/ upset over Desdemona’s marriage to Othello/ is manipulated by Iago/ leading to tragic events fueled by jealousy and deceit. Othello/ misled by Iago/ kills Desdemona and ultimately himself.
- Romeo and Juliet
Set in Verona/ Italy/ the play tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families. Their secret marriage and tragic deaths ultimately reconcile their families.
