Truly admirable. It is based on the works of a whole galaxy outstanding masters. No country in the world has given birth to as many outstanding wordsmiths as Britain. There are numerous English classics, the list goes on for a long time: William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, Daphne Du Maurier, George Orwell, John Tolkien. Are you familiar with their works?
Already in the 16th century, the British William Shakespeare earned the reputation of the world's best playwright. It is curious that to this day the plays of the “spear-shaking” Englishman (as his last name is literally translated) are staged in theaters more often than the works of other authors. His tragedies “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth” are universal values. Getting to know him creative heritage, we recommend that you MUST read philosophical tragedy"Hamlet" is about the meaning of life and moral principles. For four hundred years now she has headed the repertoires of the most famous theaters. There is an opinion that English classic writers started with Shakespeare.
She became famous thanks to the classic love story"Pride and Prejudice", which introduces us to the daughter of an impoverished nobleman, Elizabeth, who has a rich inner world, pride and an ironic look at the environment. She finds her happiness in love with the aristocrat Darcy. It’s paradoxical, but this book, with a fairly simple plot and a happy ending, is one of the most beloved in Britain. It traditionally outstrips the works of many serious novelists in popularity. At least for that reason it is worth reading. Like this writer, many English classics came to literature precisely in early XVIII century.
He glorified himself with his works as a deep and genuine expert on the life of ordinary British people in the 18th century. His heroes are invariably heartfelt and convincing. The novel "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" shows the tragic fate of a simple, decent woman. She commits the murder of a scoundrel nobleman who is ruining her life in order to free herself from his persecution and find happiness. Using the example of Thomas Hardy, the reader can see that the English classics had a deep mind and a systematic view of the society around them, saw its flaws more clearly than others, and, despite having ill-wishers, still courageously presented their creations for the assessment of the entire society.
Showed in many ways autobiographical novel"Jane Eyre" emerging new morality- the principles of an educated, active, decent person who wants to serve society. The writer creates a surprisingly holistic, deep image of the governess Jane Eyre, who goes towards her love for Mr. Rochester even at the cost of sacrificial service. Bronte, inspired by her example, was followed by other English classics, not from the noble class, calling on society for social justice and an end to all human discrimination.
Possessed, according to the Russian classic F.M. Dostoevsky, who considered himself his student, “instinct of universal humanity.” Huge talent the writer did the seemingly impossible: he became famous in his early youth thanks to his first novel, “The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club,” which was followed by “Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield,” and others, which earned the writer unprecedented fame and established him on a par with Shakespeare.
William Thackeray is an innovator in the style of writing a novel. None of the classics before him turned into central images his work of bright, textured depictions negative characters. Moreover, as in life, often something individually positive was inherent in their characters. His outstanding work- “Vanity Fair” - written in the unique spirit of intellectual pessimism mixed with subtle humor.
With her “Rebecca” in 1938, she did the impossible: she wrote the novel at a key moment, when it seemed that English literature had run out of steam, that everything possible had already been written, that the English classics had “run out.” Having not received worthy works for a long time, the English reading audience was interested and delighted by the unique, unpredictable plot of her novel. The opening phrase of this book has become a catchphrase. Be sure to read this book by one of the world's best masters of creating psychological images!
George Orwell will amaze you with the merciless truth. He wrote his famous novel“1984” as a powerful universal denouncing weapon against all dictatorships: present and future. His creative method borrowed from another great Englishman - Swift.
The novel “1984” is a parody of a dictatorship society that has completely trampled on universal human values. He exposed and called to account for the inhumanity of the ugly model of socialism, which was actually becoming a dictatorship of leaders. An extremely sincere and uncompromising man, he endured poverty and hardship, passing away early - at the age of 46.
Is it possible not to love “The Lord of the Rings” by Professor This is a real miraculous and surprisingly harmonious temple of the epic of England? The work conveys deep humanistic messages to its readers and it is no coincidence that Frodo destroys the ring on March 25 - the day of the Ascension. The creative and competent writer showed insight: all his life he was indifferent to politics and parties, passionately loved “good old England”, and was a classic British bourgeois.
This list goes on and on. I apologize to dear readers who had the courage to read this article that, due to limited space, it did not include the worthy Walter Scott, Ethel Lilian Voynich, Daniel Defoe, Lewis Carroll, James Aldridge, Bernard Shaw and, believe me, many, many others. English classical literature is a huge, interesting layer of achievements human culture and spirit. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of meeting her.
English literature inextricably linked in the minds of many of us with such names as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. However, I would like to introduce the reader to other less famous, but no less talented English writers, and also say a few words about the era in which they lived and worked.
This article provides detailed periodization English literature from the Middle Ages to the present day and indicates the most famous works of English writers, as well as lesser-known works, but which are nevertheless worth reading.
First, let's figure out what belongs to English literature. English literature is the literature not only of writers from England, but also from all parts of Great Britain, including: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is known that in English language there are more words than in any other language in the world. As a result, there are many words with subtle differences in meaning. English writers masterfully used this variety of words, and some of them even took responsibility for creating new words, one of such writers was the brilliant W. Shakespeare.
English literature- This centuries-old history, brilliant authors, unforgettable works that reflect the peculiarity national character. We grow up with the books of these great writers, learn and develop with their help. It is impossible to convey the importance of English writers and the contribution they made to world literature. It is difficult to imagine a world without the works of Shakespeare, Dickens, Wilde and many others. English literature is divided into periods, each of which had its own writers and poets, whose works reflected certain events and facts from the history of the country.
It is customary to distinguish the following periods in English literature:
1st period: early Middle Ages or Anglo-Saxon period 450-1066
Historical fact: in 1066 England was conquered by the Normans led by William the Conqueror. This conquest ends this period.
Predominant genre: poem.
The most famous works: Beowulf
Works from this period are passed on by word of mouth. They are characterized by the following features: fatality, comparison of the church and paganism, praise of heroes and successful battles.
The most important work of this period is considered the poem Beowulf, which has a national epic status in England. Beowulf is the longest epic poem written in Old English. The poem contains more than 3000 lines and is divided into 3 parts. Beowulf - classic fairy tale about the triumph of good over evil. It describes the exploits of a hero named Beowulf, his battles with a monster, the mother of this monster and a dragon.
2nd period: Middle Ages: 1066 - 1500
Predominant genre: folk tales, chivalric romance, ballad
In the 11th-12th centuries, church-didactic works predominated in literature (“Ormulum”, “Ode to Morality”), starting from the middle of the 13th century, there was a transition to more everyday genres(folk “Cuckoo Song”, “Bev of Amton”, “Horn” and “Havelock”).
In the XIII-XIV centuries - the creation of chivalric novels about King Arthur and his knights. In 1469, Thomas Malory collected a whole set of novels about the exploits of knights, and his work “Le Morte d’Arthur” became a monument of English literature of the late Middle Ages.
The beginning of the development of the genre folk poetry- ballads. Ballads about the brave robber Robin Hood are very popular.
And finally, the second half of this period is considered a new page in the history of English literature and is associated with the name of Geoffrey Chaucer. If previously it was customary to write works in Latin, then Chaucer became the first to write in English. His most famous work was “”.
3rd period: Renaissance or Renaissance: 1550 – 1660
Predominant genre: sonnets, lyrical works, plays for the theater
- 1500-1558 — literature under the Tudors
The Renaissance begins with the development of the lyric genre, the leading role was assigned to poetry. Poets Philip Sidney and Edmund Spenser. One of the most notable writers during the reign of Henry VIII was great writer and the humanist Thomas More, who became famous for his book “Utopia” published in 1516.
- 1558-1603 — literature under Elizabeth
This period is associated with the reign of Elizabeth I; medieval traditions and Renaissance optimism were mixed here. Poetry, prose and drama were the main styles that flourished during this period. However, the drama had a special flourishing. Famous writers of this period were Thomas Kyd, Robert Greene, Christopher Marlowe and a little later greatest playwright William Shakespeare.
- 1603-1625 — literature under James I
Complex and dark period, associated with the reign of James I. During this period, works of prose and also drama were actively published. The period was also marked by the translation of the Bible, carried out on behalf of the king. At this time, Shakespeare and Johnson lived and worked, as well as John Donne, Francis Bacon, and Thomas Middleton.
- 1625-1649 — literature under Charles I
The works of writers of this period were distinguished by sophistication and elegance. During this period, a circle of so-called “Cavalier poets” arose, among whom were Ben Jonson, Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew and others. Their poetry described the life of the upper class, and the main themes were: beauty, love, fidelity. They were distinguished by their wit and directness.
- 1649-1660 — protectorate period(or Puritan interregnum)
The period is associated with the name of Oliver Cromwell. The political writings of Milton, Thomas Hobbs, and the writings of Andrew Marvel predominated during this time. In September 1642 the Puritans closed theaters out of moral and religious convictions. Over the next 18 years, theaters remained closed due to the lack of dramatic works written during this time.
4th period: neoclassicism: 1660 - 1785
Predominant genre: prose, poetry, novel
John Milton " Lost heaven"(Paradise Lost), Jonathan Swift "Gulliver's Travels", Daniel Defoe "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe", Henry Fielding "Tom Jones" (The History of Tom Jones, a foundling" (1749))
The literature of the neoclassical period was greatly influenced by French literature. The literature of this time was philosophical in nature and also possessed features of skepticism, wit, sophistication and criticism. Divided into several periods:
- 1660-1700 – period of restoration
This was the time of the restoration of the monarchy, the time of the triumph of reason and tolerance over religion and political passions. All this was marked by an abundance of prose and poetry and the emergence of a special comedy of manners known as the “Restoration Comedies.” It was during this period that John Milton wrote Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. Other writers of this time were John Locke, John Dryden and John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester.
- 1700-1745 – Augustinian period
The predominant characteristics of the literature of that time: sophistication, clarity and elegance. Famous writers: Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, and Daniel Defoe. A significant contribution of this period was the publication of the first English novels Defoe, and the "novel of character" Pamela, written by Samuel Richardson in 1740.
- 1745-1785 – sentimentalism
Literature reflected the Enlightenment worldview, and writers began to emphasize instincts and feelings rather than reason and restraint. Interest in medieval ballads and folklore literature. The dominant authors of this period were Samuel Johnson, Edward Young, James Thomson, Thomas Gray, and during the period of sentimentalism of late Sentimentalism the appearance of the most talented folk singer Robert Burns.
5th period: romanticism: 1785 - 1830
Predominant genre: poetry, secular romance, the birth of the Gothic novel
The most famous authors and works: Jane Austen “Pride and Prejudice”, “Sense and Sensibility”, Lord Byron “The Travels of Charles Harold”, poets of the “Lake School” (Coleridge), John Keats, Robert Burns, Walter Scott “Ivanhoe”, Mary Shelley "Frankenstein"
Works are written with feeling, using large quantity characters. Writers believed that literature should be rich in poetic images, it should be relaxed and accessible. Famous writers of that time were Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Walter Scott, poets William Blake, Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Keats, Lake School poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth. At this time is born Gothic style. Two of the most famous Gothic novelists are Anne Radcliffe and Mary Shelley.
6th period: Victorian era: 1830 – 1901
Predominant genre: novel
The most famous authors and works:(a lot of works, “David Copperfield”, « Big hopes» , William Thackeray “Vanity Fair” (Vanity Fair), “Treasure Island” (), “The Adventures of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (), Rudyard Kipling fairy tales “Just So Stories”, (a lot of works, “Notes on Sherlock Holmes” ), (Charlotte Brontë "Jane Eyre", Emily Brontë "Wuthering Heights", Anne Brontë "Agnes Grey", "The Picture of Dorian Grey" Thomas Hardy (stories, )
- 1830-1848 — early period
The works of the early Victorian period are emotionally expressive, mostly describing the lives of middle-class people. Among literary genres the novel dominates. Long novels are divided into many episodes, which are then published in newspapers, which made it possible to reduce their cost and thus make them accessible to the lower class. Charles Dickens, William Thackeray and Elizabeth Gaskell also resorted to this method of attracting readers. famous writers this time Robert Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, the Bronte sisters.
- 1848-1870 — intermediate period
In 1848, a group of English artists, among whom was Dante Gabriel Rossetti, organized the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Their main goal was to return to the paintings the truthfulness, simplicity and adherence to religion that existed under Raphael. In turn, Rossetti and his literary circle transferred these ideals into their works.
- 1870-1901 — late period
For literature, this is a period of aestheticism and decadence. Oscar Wilde and other authors of this style insisted on experimentation and believed that art was categorically against “natural” moral norms.
7th period: modernism: 1901 – 1960
Predominant genre: novel
- 1901 – 1914 — literature under Edward VII
The period is named after King Edward VII and spans the time from the death of Queen Victoria (1901) to the outbreak of the First World War (1914). At this time, the British Empire was at its height, and the rich were drowning in luxury. However, four-fifths of the English population lived in poverty. And the works of this period reflect these social conditions. Among the writers exposing class injustice and selfishness of the upper class were such writers as George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells. Other writers of the time: Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, Henry James, E. M. Forster.
- 1910 – 1936 — literature under George V
Many Edwardian writers continue to write during this period. In addition to them, the so-called Georgians write, including such poets as Rupert Brooke and David Herbert Lawrence. They describe beauty in their poems rural landscapes, peace and tranquility of nature. Writers of this period experimented with themes, forms and styles. Among them: James Joyce, D. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf. Playwrights: Noel Coward and Samuel Beckett.
- 1939 – 1960 - literature during the Second World War and the post-war period
Second World War had a huge influence on the work of writers of that time. And subsequent generations grew up hearing stories about this terrible war. Wartime poets Sidney Keyes and David Gascoyne also wrote about the war, Philip Larkin and Pet Barker.
8th period: postmodernism 1960 – today
Predominant genre: novel
The most famous authors and works: XX century has become very fruitful in the field popular literature, the following names are probably well known to you:
- (1890-1976): " " and other detectives
— Ian Fleming (1908-1964): James Bond novels
— J. Tolkien (1892-1973): The Lord of the Rings
— S. Lewis (1898-1963): Chronicles of Narnia
— J.K. Rowling "Harry Potter"
Postmodernism mixes literary genres and styles in an attempt to free themselves from modernist forms. Unlike the modernists, who took themselves and their work very seriously, the postmodernists treated everything with irony. The concept of “black humor” appears in literature. However, postmodernism borrows some features from its predecessor and even strengthens them, this concerns pessimism and the desire for the avant-garde. The features of postmodernism are especially clearly reflected in the drama. So Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" - shining example theater of the absurd and combines pessimistic philosophy and comedy.
Studying English Literature should be inextricably linked with the study of the era, historical events and culture of its time. When starting to read a book, do not be lazy and read the biography of the writer, get acquainted with the time of creation of the work. Reading literature is not just an exciting activity, but also a great responsibility, because after reading something, we share our opinion with friends and family. Classic literature, which came from the pens of the great creators of words and plot, cannot be bad. Sometimes we just don't understand it...
Everyone knows the plot of Daniel Defoe's novel. However, the book contains many other interesting details about the organization of Robinson’s life on the island, his biography, and inner experiences. If you ask a person who has not read the book to describe Robinson’s character, he is unlikely to cope with this task.
In the popular consciousness, Crusoe is a smart character without character, feelings or history. The novel reveals the image of the main character, which allows you to look at the plot from a different angle.
Why you need to read
To get acquainted with one of the most famous adventure novels and find out who Robinson Crusoe really was.
Swift does not openly challenge society. Like a true Englishman, he does it correctly and witty. His satire is so subtle that Gulliver's Travels can be read as an ordinary fairy tale.
Why you need to read
For children, Swift's novel is a fun and unusual adventure story. Adults need to read it to get acquainted with one of the most famous artistic satires.
This novel, let it artistically and not the most outstanding, definitely iconic in the history of literature. After all, in many ways he predetermined the development of the scientific genre.
But this is not just entertaining reading. It raises problems of the relationship between creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating a being who is destined to suffer?
Why you need to read
To get acquainted with one of the main works science fiction, as well as to experience complex issues that are often lost in film adaptations.
It's hard to single out best play Shakespeare. There are at least five of them: “Hamlet”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth”. The unique style and deep understanding of life's contradictions made Shakespeare's works an immortal classic, relevant at all times.
Why you need to read
To begin to understand poetry, literature and life. And also to find the answer to the question, what is better: to be or not to be?
The main theme of English literature of the early 19th century was social criticism. Thackeray in his novel denounces his contemporary society with the ideals of success and material enrichment. To be in society means to be sinful - this is approximately Thackeray’s conclusion regarding his social environment.
After all, the successes and joys of yesterday lose their meaning when a well-known (albeit unknown) tomorrow looms ahead, which we all will sooner or later have to think about.
Why you need to read
To learn to relate more simply to life and the opinions of others. After all, everyone in society is infected with “fair ambitions” that have no real value.
The language of the novel is beautiful, and the dialogue is an example of English wit. Oscar Wilde is a subtle psychologist, which is why his characters turned out to be so complex and multifaceted.
This book is about human vice, cynicism, the difference between the beauty of the soul and body. If you think about it, to some extent each of us is Dorian Gray. Only we do not have a mirror on which sins would be imprinted.
Why you need to read
To enjoy the stunning language of Britain's wittiest writer, to see how much one's moral character can deviate from one's appearance, and to become a little better person. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all humanity.
The ancient Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his creation takes on a new, socially significant meaning in Bernard Shaw's play. How should a work feel towards its author if this work is a person? How can it relate to the creator - the one who made it in accordance with his ideals?
Why you need to read
This is the most famous play Bernard Shaw. It is often staged in theaters. According to many critics, Pygmalion is iconic work English drama.
A universally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who, at the mention of Mowgli, does not hear Kaa’s drawn-out hiss in his head: “Man-cub...”?
Why you need to read
As an adult, it is unlikely that anyone will take up The Jungle Book. A person has only one childhood to enjoy Kipling's creation and appreciate it. So be sure to introduce your children to the classics! They will be grateful to you.
And again it comes to mind soviet cartoon. It's really good, and the dialogue in it is almost entirely taken from the book. However, the images of the characters and general mood the narratives in the original source are different.
Stevenson's novel is realistic and quite harsh in places. But this is a good adventure work that every child and adult will read with pleasure. Boarding boards, sea wolves, wooden legs - marine theme beckons and attracts.
Why you need to read
Because it's fun and exciting. In addition, the novel is divided into quotes, which everyone should know.
Interest in the deductive abilities of the great detective is still great today thanks to the huge number of film adaptations. Many people are familiar with the classic detective story only from films. But there are many film adaptations, but there is only one collection of stories, but what a one!
Why you need to read
H.G. Wells was in many ways a pioneer in the genre of science fiction. Before him, people were not at odds with, he was the first to write about time travel. Without the Time Machine, we would not have seen either the film Back to the Future or the cult TV series Doctor Who.
They say that all life is a dream, and a nasty, pathetic one at that, nap, although you still won’t dream of another one.
Why you need to read
To look at the origins of many science fiction ideas that have become popular in modern culture.
