English Literature
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life.”
- Walt Disney
title page of Shakespeare's book of plays
About William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, an English poem writer, is recognized for his impactful work that still intrigues audiences today. One of his famous plays, "Romeo and Juliet", is one of the most well-known plays in the world. Many parts of the globe form stories based on Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare had also written lots of other plays, including Hamlet, Julius Caesar, King Lear, and more. His name is one of the most used authors in english literature.
Many school plays act out Romeo and Juliet, and almost every student recognizes it. It has almost become a educational tradition at this point.
pen on paper
What is English Literature?
English literature is the study of written works of art, such as musical plays, stories, novels, scriptures, poems, and more. Certain amounts of english literature is a requirement in every subject in school to ensure the students maintain learning the basic fundamentals even in other non-related classes. Some examples of this would be Food Studies 9, where the assignment requires the students to write their own recipe from scratch. Though this assignment is mainly focused on food studies, there is also hints of english literature in the work.
What Does It Focus On?
English literature focuses on writing and reading, which is why so many schools require teachers to include it in its curriculum. English literature strengthens linguistic intelligence, which is one of the seven intelligences that focuses on the English language, both orally and in writing. English Literature is mainly a subject that builds important skills in a person such as speaking, reading text, writing text, and more.​​
ancient English text
magnifying glass over English text
old English literature books
Reading - A Major Impact
Have you ever heard your teacher assign homework that was just reading a book for half an hour? That may sound like a short time for reading, since time passes by so fast, but reading daily and drastically improve your brain. Reading an also improve vocabulary. Reading is extremely helpful to the mind.
Why is English Literature Important?
English Literature build skills such as critical thinking, creative thinking, exploring ideas, and analysing text. Learning about this subject improves your ability to express yourself through written ideas in your own words.
pile of books
English Renaissance Painting
Romantic Period Painting
History of English Literature and The Works
​English literature can be divided into many categories depending on its timeline, such as Old English, Middle English, the English Renaissance, the Neoclassical Period, the Romantic Period, the Victorian Period, and the Modern Period
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Old English (c.450-1066)
Old english was the oldest type of English literature discovered today. Many works were produced in that time, such as poems. One of the most impressive and famous poems from that timeline was Beowulf. In that time, performances and literature were mostly presented orally (spoken and acted out). Also, early English Literature was influenced by German traditions until the Norman Conquest that took place in 1066.
Recommended Books
The Harry Potter Series
by J.K. Rowling
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The Summer I Turned Pretty Series
by Jenny Han
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Counting by Sevens
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
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Middle English (1066-1500)
After the Norman Conquest, the French language got introduced. Romance-themed and mystery-themed works were also rising up to the surface at this time. Geoffrey Chaucer was recognized in this period of time as the "Father of English Literature".
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English Renaissance (1500-1660)
This was one of the most influential and important stages in English Literature, where the subject had started to gain major popularity and began flourishing in England. This was also the time where famous works from William Shakespeare was introduced.​​
English literature timeline
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Neoclassical Period (1660-1785)​
This was the period with works emphasizing logic, such as reason and order. The Neoclassical Period got its name from its focus on classical works.
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Romantic Period (1785-1832)
The Romantic Period was known for shining its light on emotion and individualism. There had been famous works from this period that hinted at nature. Famous authors such as William Wordsworth​ were recognized at this time.​
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Victorian Period (1832-1901)
Novels, poetry, and stories were rising to the surface in this time. The name of this period was named after the Queen Victoria's reign. The works at this time expanded to a wide variety, nominating authors still famous today such as Alfred Tennyson.
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Edwardian Period (1901-1914)
Named after the King Edward VII, this period of English Literature basically the Victorian Period with a different name.
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Modern and Postmodern Periods (1914-Present)
This period began after World War I. It's recognized as a break from the traditional type of writing. Also, new types of English Literature were brought up, such as Modernism (story from the flow of the author's thoughts) and Postmodernism.
Neoclassical Period Painting
Victorian Period Painting
In conclusion, English Literature is the subject of reading and writing. This subject covers multiple topics (for instance, analyzing literary elements) and expanding vocabulary. English literature is all about diving into the word of books and picking up a pen to let out a student's imaginations.