Overview
This lecture covers the major periods, features, and genres of Anglo-American (British and American) literature, highlighting their historical backgrounds and key literary developments.
Introduction to Anglo-American Literature
- Literature reflects the history, culture, and identity of the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Anglo-Americans are people of English ancestry or culture in North America, primarily in the U.S. and Canada.
Major Historical Periods of Anglo-American Literature
Ancient Times (Before 5th Century AD)
- Britons (Celts) inhabited England, later conquered by Anglo-Saxons who introduced a Germanic language.
- Oral tradition prevailed; epic poetry like "Beowulf" narrated heroic adventures.
- Poems often contained biblical and religious themes.
Middle Ages / Medieval (5th–15th Century)
- Christianity was dominant but plagued by church corruption and the feudal system.
- Literature was written in early English and vernacular, not Latin.
- Genres included heroic tales, chivalric romances (e.g., "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"), and anthologies (e.g., Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales").
Renaissance Period (1300s–1500s)
- Recovery from the plague led to cultural and intellectual rebirth.
- English church reforms, growth of optimism, and rise of lyric poetry (e.g., Shakespeare's sonnets).
- Theater flourished but faced periodic religious restrictions.
- American colonies established by English settlers (Pilgrims, Puritans).
Age of Enlightenment / Reason (1685–1815)
- Emphasized philosophy, reason, and skepticism toward authority.
- Genres included comedy of manners, satires (e.g., Swift's "A Modest Proposal"), and philosophical essays.
- Novels like Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" became prominent.
Romantic to Realistic Period (1770–1850)
- Focused on emotion, imagination, nature, and individualism (Romanticism).
- Gothic fiction and lyric poetry flourished (e.g., Poe, Wordsworth).
- Realist writers depicted societal issues and common people’s struggles.
- Key historical events: American Revolution, Civil War, abolition of slavery.
Modern to Contemporary Period (1900s–Present)
- World Wars and social changes deeply impacted literature.
- Modernist writers experimented with new forms and themes.
- Literature explored social injustice, disillusionment, and postwar realities (e.g., Woolf, Fitzgerald).
- Postmodernism involved genre blending and diverse voices (e.g., Harlem Renaissance poets).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Epic — a long narrative poem about heroic deeds.
- Chivalry — medieval code of morals and manners for the nobility.
- Lyric Poetry — poetry expressing personal emotions or thoughts.
- Satire — literary work using humor to criticize society or institutions.
- Gothic Fiction — genre featuring dark, mysterious, and supernatural elements.
- Modernism — literary movement emphasizing new forms and alienation.
- Postmodernism — movement characterized by genre mixing and challenging conventions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the six major periods and their literary features.
- Be able to identify and give examples of key genres from each era.
- Prepare to discuss how history influenced Anglo-American literature in class.