Major periods in British and Irish literature Flashcards
Medieval literature
English medieval literature was influenced by the continent after the Norman Conquest, and Celtic legends and Northern sagas (e.g. Beowulf) gave way to romances (chivalry, courtly love, honour and courage). Among the best examples are Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1375-1400) and Le Morte d’Arthur (about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table).
until 1509
The Renaissance
The theatre became hugely popular in the second half of the 16th century. Plays were mainly performed outside, in a court or inn, and attended by people from all classes. Women’s parts were performed by young men, which led to a great deal of sexual ambiguity.
1509 - 1660
The Restoration and the early 18th century
The theatres, which had been closed during the Commonwealth, reopened during the Restauration and drama became a favourite court entertainment.
1660 - 1740
The second half of the 18th century
The second half of the 18th century is marked by a spirit of sensibility.
1740 - 1790
The Romantic Age
1780 - 1837
The Victorian Age
The contradictions of the age ( religious interrogations and philistinism, philanthropy and complacency) are reflected in both poetry and the novel.
1837 - 1901
The early 20th century
The shock and horror of the Great War, the depression of the thirties, the rise of Nazi Germany and the gradual loss of the empire provided a background of gloom and anxiety which was reflected in literature. Thanks to Freud’s work, the emphasis was increasingly laid on the inner life.
1901 - 1945
After WWII
1945 - now
until 1509
Medieval literature
English medieval literature was influenced by the continent after the Norman Conquest, and Celtic legends and Northern sagas (e.g. Beowulf) gave way to romances (chivalry, courtly love, honour and courage). Among the best examples are Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1375-1400) and Le Morte d’Arthur (about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table).
1509 - 1660
The Renaissance
The theatre became hugely popular in the second half of the 16th century. Plays were mainly performed outside, in a court or inn, and attended by people from all classes. Women’s parts were performed by young men, which led to a great deal of sexual ambiguity.
1660 - 1740
The Restoration and the early 18th century
The theatres, which had been closed during the Commonwealth, reopened during the Restauration and drama became a favourite court entertainment.
1740 - 1790
The second half of the 18th century
The second half of the 18th century is marked by a spirit of sensibility.
1780 - 1837
The Romantic Age
1837 - 1901
The Victorian Age
The contradictions of the age ( religious interrogations and philistinism, philanthropy and complacency) are reflected in both poetry and the novel.
1901 - 1945
The early 20th century
The shock and horror of the Great War, the depression of the thirties, the rise of Nazi Germany and the gradual loss of the empire provided a background of gloom and anxiety which was reflected in literature. Thanks to Freud’s work, the emphasis was increasingly laid on the inner life.
