Masterpieces of English Literature. famous english writers

We are a very specific nation, but at the same time we always compare ourselves with someone. We are very close to the French, we adore their comedies, their language, culture. We like the Italians, their love of life and love of singing. But we also like the British with their passion for gardens, tea drinking and boundless devotion to the Queen. So we made a selection british classics that will make your weekend truly worthy of delight.

Evelyn Waugh's classic British coming-of-age and character-building novel is one of the most iconic English Literature. It has been filmed several times, but this version will appeal to gourmets: 11 episodes plus sophisticated Jeremy Irons in leading role!

Charlotte Brontë's great novel has been filmed several times. In the USSR, everyone was shocked by the version with Timothy Dalton in the title role. But this version with Samantha Morton in the title role will not leave you indifferent: a cold and gray estate, terrible secret the owner of the castle and barely restrained feelings. Ah, what an idyll!

It's our classic this time, with Keira Knightley as Lara. Many critics consider this version to be the most reliable and the next letter of the legendary masterpiece of Boris Pasternak. The history of our state in the first decades of the 20th century through interweaving love story- one of the greatest masterpieces, it is impossible to tear yourself away!

Jane Austen's novel, not the most popular, but worthy and equally touchingly fabulous, tells the story of Fanny Price, a poor pupil in the Bertram family. The main role in this version was played by Frances O'Connor, after which Steven Spielberg himself invited the actress to Hollywood.

This detective story is based on the story of Agatha Christie, and the investigation is conducted by Miss Marple. The vicar's son discovers a dying man who, before dying, manages to utter a mysterious phrase. And in the pocket of the deceased they find a photograph of a beautiful woman.

David Suchet is back with us! The legendary series, adored by millions of viewers around the world, based on the works of Agatha Christie, whose hero is Hercule Poirot, can probably be watched endlessly. Of all the performers of this role, the best one is Suchet, this is recognized by numerous polls.

Another detective based on the novel by Agatha Christie. In an old mansion rented by a millionaire, a mysterious crime has been committed: before killing his victim, the killer for some reason put seven alarm clocks in a row.

And the last on the list is a detective based on the novel by Agatha Christie. In the difficult post-war years, the young spouses Tommy and Tuppence decide to become adventurers in order to earn some extra money. Their first client mysteriously disappears...

The plot of this series was based on the novels of the English writer and military historian Cecil Scott Forester. The son of a doctor, Horatio Hornblower, endowed with aptitude in mathematics and the study of languages, received a good education and joined the British Royal Navy at the age of 17. If you like adventure naval battles and the history of the 18th and 19th centuries, feel free to look!

Another version of Jane Austen's novel, a picture starring Gwyneth Paltrow was shot the same year. main character Emma is endowed with an attractive appearance, good manners and happy family. But something was missing in her life. And she decides to dispel her everyday life with the help of matchmaking to her friends who, in her opinion, are suitable suitors.

English literature is 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, as well as to say a few words about the era in which they lived and worked.

This article provides detailed periodization of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present day and the most famous works English writers, as well as less well-known works, but which are nevertheless worth reading.

To begin with, let's figure out what applies to English literature. English literature is the literature not only of the writers of England, but also of all parts of Great Britain, including: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is known that in English language more words than any other language in the world. As a result, there are many words with barely noticeable differences in meaning. This variety of words was skillfully used by English writers, and some of them even took responsibility for creating new words, one of these writers was the brilliant W. Shakespeare.

English literature- this is centuries-old history, brilliant authors, unforgettable works reflecting the peculiarity national character. We grow with the books of these great writers, learn and develop with their help. It is impossible to convey the meaning 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, in each of which their own writers and poets lived and created, in whose works certain events and facts from the history of the country were reflected.

It is customary to distinguish the following periods in English literature:

1 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.

Main genre: poem.

The most famous works: Beowulf

The works of this period are passed from mouth to mouth. They are characterized by the following features: fatality, juxtaposition of church and paganism, praise of heroes and successful battles.

Most important work this period is considered a poem Beowulf, which has a national epic status in England. Beowulf is the longest epic poem written in Old English. The poem contains over 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 fights with a monster, the mother of this monster and a dragon.

2 period: Middle Ages: 1066 - 1500

Main genre: folk tales, chivalric romance, ballad

In the 11th-12th centuries, ecclesiastical didactic works prevail in literature (“Ormulum”, “Ode to Morals”), starting from the middle of the 13th century, there is 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 collection of novels about the exploits of knights and his work "The Death of 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 earlier it was customary to write works in Latin, then Chaucer was the first to write in English. His most famous work was "".

3 period: Renaissance or Renaissance: 1550 - 1660

Main 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 Henry VIII was great writer and the humanist Thomas More, he 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. Notable writers of this period were Thomas Kidd, Robert Greene, Christopher Marlowe and a little later greatest playwright William Shakespeare.

• 1603-1625 — literature under James I

A difficult and gloomy period associated with the reign of James I. During this period, works from prose and also drama were actively published. Also, the period was marked by the translation of the Bible, carried out on behalf of the king. Shakespeare and Johnson, as well as John Donne, Francis Bacon, and Thomas Middleton lived and worked at this time.

• 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 which 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 witty and direct.

• 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 dominated this time. In September 1642, the Puritans closed the theaters out of moral and religious convictions. For the next 18 years, theaters remained closed due to lack of dramatic works written at this time.

4 period: neoclassicism: 1660 - 1785

Main genre: prose, poetry, novel

John Milton" Lost heaven"(Paradise Lost), Jonathan Swift "Gulliver's Travels", Daniel Defoe "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe" (Robinson Crusoe), Henry Fielding "Tom Jones" (The History of Tom Jones, a foundling "(1749))

Neoclassical literature was greatly influenced by French literature. The literature of this time had a philosophical character, and also possessed the features of skepticism, wit, refinement and criticism. It is 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 particular 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 – august period

The prevailing characteristics of the literature of that time are sophistication, clarity and elegance. Notable 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 "character novel" Pamela, written by Samuel Richardson in 1740.

• 1745-1785 – sentimentalism

Literature reflected the Enlightenment worldview, writers began to emphasize instinct and feeling rather than reason and restraint. Increasingly sympathy at this time aroused interest in medieval ballad and folk literature. The dominant authors of this period were Samuel Johnson, Edward Jung, James Thomson, Thomas Grey, in the period of late Sentimentalism, the emergence of the most talented singer of the people, Robert Burns.

5 period: romanticism: 1785 - 1830

Main genre: poetry, society romance, the birth of the gothic novel

Most famous authors and works: Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice", "Sense and Sensibility", Lord Byron "The Travels of Charl Harold", Poets of the "Lake School" (, Coleridge), John Keats, Robert Burns, Walter Scott "Ivanhoe" (Ivanhoe), Mary Shelley "Frankenstein" (Frankenstein)

Works are written with feeling, using a large number characters. Writers believed that literature should be rich in poetic images, it should be easy 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 Gothick style. Two of the most famous Gothic novelists are Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley.

6 period: Victorian era: 1830 – 1901

Dominant w enr: novel

The most famous authors and works:(a lot of works, "David Copperfield" (David Copperfield), "Great expectations", 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 Bronte "Jane Eyre" (Jane Eyre), Emily Bronte " Wuthering Heights"(Wuthering Heights), Ann Bronte "Agnes Grey" (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 life of people from the middle class. Among the literary genres, the novel dominates. Volumetric 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 resorted to this method of attracting readers, also famous writers of this time Robert Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, the Bronte sisters.

• 1848-1870 — interim period

In 1848 a group English artists, among whom was Dante Gabriel Rossetti, organized the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Their main goal was to restore the truthfulness, simplicity and adherence to religion that existed under Raphael to the paintings. In turn, Rossetti and his literary circle carried 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 opposed to "natural" moral standards.

7 period: modernism: 1901 - 1960

Main 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 start 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 denouncing 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 writers of the era of King Edward VII continue to write in 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 scenery, peace and tranquility of nature. Writers of this period experiment 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 impact on the work of writers of that time. And subsequent generations grew up on stories about this terrible war. Wartime poets Sidney Keyes, David Gascoyne, Philip Larkin, Pat Barker also wrote about the war.

8 period: postmodernism 1960 - today

Main genre: novel

The most famous authors and works: 20th century became 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 (Chronicles of Narnia)
- J.K. Rowling "Harry Potter" (Harry Potter)

Postmodernism confuses literary genres and styles in an attempt to break free from modernist forms. Unlike modernists, who took themselves and their work very seriously, postmodernists took everything with irony. The concept of "black humor" appears in the literature. Nevertheless, postmodernism borrows some features from its predecessor and even enhances 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" - a prime 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 his time. When starting to read a book, do not be lazy and read the biography of the writer, get acquainted with the time when the work was created. Reading literature is not just an exciting activity, but also a great responsibility, because after reading something, we share our opinion with friends and relatives. Classical literature, which came out from the pen of the great creators of the word and plot, cannot be bad. Sometimes we just don't get it...

Everyone knows the plot of the novel by Daniel Defoe. 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 the character of Robinson, he is unlikely to cope with this task.

In the mass consciousness, Crusoe is an intelligent character without character, feelings and history. In the novel, the image of the protagonist is revealed, 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 like a normal 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 artistically and not the most outstanding, definitely iconic in the history of literature. After all, in many respects he predetermined the development of the scientific genre.

But it's not just an entertaining read. It raises the problems of relations between the creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating a being that is destined to suffer?

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the main works science fiction, as well as to feel the difficult problems that are often lost in film adaptations.

Difficult 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 still better: to be or not to be?

The main theme of English literature in 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 dawns ahead, which we all will have to think about sooner or later.

Why you need to read

To learn to relate more easily to the life and 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 dialogues are the epitome 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 the 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 amazing language of the UK's wittiest writer, to see how much the moral image can not match the external, and also to become a little better. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all mankind.

The ancient Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his creation acquires a new, socially significant sound in the play by Bernard Shaw. What should a work feel for its author if this work is a person? How can it refer 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" - landmark work English dramaturgy.

A universally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who, at the mention of Mowgli, does not hear Kaa's long hissing in his head: "Man-cub ..."?

Why you need to read

In adulthood, hardly anyone will take up The Jungle Book. A person has only one childhood to enjoy the creation of Kipling and appreciate it. So be sure to introduce your children to the classics! They will be grateful to you.

And again comes to mind soviet cartoon. It's really good, and the dialogue in it is almost entirely taken from the book. However, the characters and general mood narratives in the original source are different.

Stevenson's novel is realistic and rather harsh in places. But this is a good adventure work that every child and adult will read with pleasure. Boarding, 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 disassembled into quotes, which everyone must know.

Interest in the deductive abilities of the great detective is still great today thanks to the huge number of film adaptations. A lot of people are only from films and are familiar with the classic detective story. But there are many screen adaptations, and 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 science fiction genre. Before him, people were not at enmity with, he was the first to write about time travel. Without The Time Machine, we would not have seen either the movie Back to the Future or the cult TV series Doctor Who.

They say that all life is a dream, and also a nasty, pitiful one, nap, although the other still does not dream.

Why you need to read

To look at the origins of many of the sci-fi ideas that have become popular in modern culture.