literature Flashcards
Longest Novel
“Clarissa” by Samuel Richardson is one of the longest novels in the English language, with around a million words.
Oldest English Epic
“Beowulf” is the oldest known English epic poem, dating back to the 8th or 9th century.
Pseudonym Use
The Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—initially published their works under male pseudonyms (Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell) to overcome gender bias in the 19th century literary world.
Shakespeare’s Vocabulary
William Shakespeare is credited with adding over 1,700 words to the English language.
First Published Novel
“Pamela” by Samuel Richardson is often considered the first modern English novel. It was published in 1740.
Shortest Tragedy
“Macbeth” is Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Origins
Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” originated from a story he told to entertain Alice Liddell and her sisters during a boat trip.
Dystopian Classic
George Orwell’s “1984” introduced terms like Big Brother and doublethink into common usage.
Harry Potter Impact
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is the best-selling book series in history, with over 500 million copies sold.
First English Novel
Often considered the first English novel, “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe was published in 1719.
First English Poet
Caedmon, an Anglo-Saxon poet, is often considered the first known English poet.
The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” is a collection of stories told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury.
Gothic Novel Pioneer
Horace Walpole is credited with writing the first gothic novel, “The Castle of Otranto” (1764).
“Paradise Lost” Author
John Milton wrote the epic poem “Paradise Lost” in blank verse
Jane Austen’s Anonymous Works
Some of Jane Austen’s early works were published anonymously.
The Romantic Poets
William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and William Blake are often referred to as the “Big Six” Romantic poets.
Shakespeare’s Sonnets
Shakespeare’s collection of 154 sonnets covers themes like love, time, and mortality.
“Wuthering Heights” Setting
Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” is set in the desolate Yorkshire moors.
The Brontë Sisters’ Novels
Charlotte Brontë wrote “Jane Eyre,” Emily Brontë wrote “Wuthering Heights,” and Anne Brontë wrote “Agnes Grey.”
Pride and Prejudice” Opening Line
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” famously begins with “It is a truth universally acknowledged…”
“1984” Publication Year
George Orwell’s “1984” was published in 1949.
“Frankenstein” Author
Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein” when she was just 18 years old.
“Dracula” Author
Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” popularized the modern vampire myth.
“Great Expectations” Protagonist
Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” follows the life of Pip.
