Indian English Dramatists

Rabindranath Tagore He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature and was entitled as “the epitome of Indian Spiritual Heritage”. He wrote primarily in Bengali, but most of his plays were translated into English. His best-known works are Chitra, Sacrifice, The Post Office, The Cycle of Spring etc. Tagore was first to use symbolism and … Read more

The Puritan Age: Main Characteristics

Historical Background After the death of James I in 1625, the new monarch Charles I took religious persecution to a new level. He was asked by the Parliament to sign the petition of rights but he continued to show open disregard to Parliament and people. He also suffered unsuccessful foreign expeditions to France etc. After … Read more

Elizabethan Poetry Characteristics

Introduction The first great age of the English language was during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) in England. Named after the monarch, the Elizabethan age, produced some of the biggest marvels of English Literature in history. The influence of Italy, France, and Spain on English literature continued in this age. Drama, novels, and poetry all … Read more

5 Characteristics of Elizabethan Drama

Introduction The reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) ushered in an era of well being, new discoveries and artistic pursuits in England. The theatre (as Elizabethan Drama) as entertainment flourished and became popular in. Its popularity matched that of 5th Century Greece. The Elizabethan Age is often extended till 1642 when the theatres were closed … Read more

The Caroline Age Characteristics

Introduction The Caroline Age has its time span of Charles First during 1625-1649 and the name Charles derived from Latin word ‘Carolus’ which means Charles. After the demise of James First, Charles First appointed as the King in 1625 and in 1649, he was executed as a result of Puritan uprising under the leadership of … Read more

Victorian Poetry Characteristics

Introduction Victorian poetry refers to the verses composed during the reign of Queen Victoria in English (1837-1901). This period was marked by tremendous cultural upheaval. There were a drastic change and development in the form of literature, art and music. Although Victorian Poetry was quite different from that of the preceding era, yet there were … Read more

Old English Literature; Anglo Saxon Period Characteristics

Introduction Anglo-Saxons came from three powerful nations of Germans (Saxones, Angli and Iutae) to England in 600 A.D. Heroic poetry of surviving Anglo-Saxon literature tells about the Germanic origins of invaders. About 30,000 lines of Anglo-Saxon poetry have survived in four manuscripts- Junius Manuscript (Caedmon manuscript): an illustrated poetic anthology. Exeter Book: also a poetic … Read more

Notes on Victorian Prose Writers

Early Victorian Prose Writers Conservative by temperament and religious by inheritance, most of the first generation Victorians were against the new forces of industry, utilitarian ethics and political democracy. They fought these forces. Thomas Carlyle: Carlyle was the dominant figure of the Victorian Age. He is famous for his works like Hero and Hero-Worship, Oliver … Read more