English literature we talk about literature written in England or do we take into
account other English speaking countries such as Canada, USA, Australia and other countries.
According to Johnson (1988, pg.107) “Literature is the fiction and poetry genres which use
creative words like visual arts and make artistic by use language.”
Periodization of English literature according to Andrew (1994) are following Old English
literature, Middle English literature, Elizabethan literature, The age of Milton, Restoration
drama, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, The Victorian period, The twentieth century(modern),
Postmodernism(present). By starting with;
Old or Angle Saxon literature; was written from 600-1100 the greatest old English
poem called Beowulf who author is unknown. The poem Beowulf which often begins the
English literature is the most famous work of old English literature. The Anglo Saxon
chronicle has also proven significant for historical study preserving a chronology of early
English literature history.
Middle English literature; refers to the English written in the form of English
language known as Middle English from the fourteenth century until the 1470s. During this
time the chancery standard a form of London based English become widespread and the
printing press regularized the language. Between the 1470s and middle of the following
century there was a transition to early modern English.
Elizabethan literature; was the period during the reign of the queen Elizabeth (1558-
1603) and is one of most splendid ages of the English literature. Elizabeth was presided over
vigorous culture that saw notable accomplishments in the arts. During her reign a London
culture both courtly and popular produced great poetry and drama English playwrights
combine the influence of the medieval theaters with the renaissances rediscovery of the
dramatists.
The age of Milton; John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, polemicist man of
letters and civil servant for the common wealth of England under its council of state and later
under Oliver Cromwell. He wrote at a time of religious flux and political upheaval and is best
know for his epic poem paradise lost undoubtedly Milton is regarded as one of the greatest
poets in English literature.
Restoration drama; refers to the monarchy to England after something more than a
decade of puritan rule. Late seventeen century British drama enjoyed a restoration in more
than a political sense. As the political structure of the country returned to an order form so too
the drama at least initially looked back to pre common wealth days to find its conventions
plots, characteristics and themes.
Neoclassicism 20th century; is name given to western movements in the decorative
and visual, arts, literature, music and architecture that draw inspiration from the classical art
and culture of classical antiquity. Neoclassicism was born largely thanks to the writings of
Joachim Winckelmann at the time discovery. In English the term neoclassicism is used
primary of the visual arts.
Romanticism; also known as the romantic era was an artistic literary musical and
intellectual movement that originated in European toward the end of the 18thcentury and in
most areas was at its peak the approximate period from 1800 to 1850 Romanticism was
characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all the
past and nature preferring the medieval rather than the classical. The nature of romanticism
may be approached from the primary importance of the free expression of the feeling of the
artist.
The Victorian period; it includes second half of the 19thcentury as the result of the
political change of confidence in Victorian literature is replaced by the loss of faith, suffering,
and uncertainty that modern literature expression stylistic experimentation and revolution
against all literary tradition are the mark of modern literature.
The 20thcentury (modern); is most applicable to western literary history the rise
globalization has allowed European literary ideas to spread in non western cultures fairly
rapidly so that Asia and Africa literature can be included into the divisions with only minor
qualification technological advances during the 20thcentury allowed cheaper production of
books resulting in a significant rise in production popular literature.
Postmodernism (present); 1945 is the post modern period begins about the time that
world war two ended. Many believe it is a direct response to modernism. Some say the period
ended about 1990, but it is likely too soon to declare this period closed. Poststructuralist
literary theory and criticism developed during this time. Some notable writers of the period
include Samuel Beckett, Joseph Heller, Antony Burgess, and John Fowles. Many postmodern
authors wrote during the modern period. .
Generally the periodization of English literature was the way of transition in the
language, culture, and lifestyle of England and results in what we can recognize today as form
of modern English literature.
REFFERENCES
Sanders, A. (1994): History of English literature. New York: Oxford University Press.
Fitzgerald, S.J. (1998): Greek literature in late of Antiquity. Britain: Ash gate Publishing
Limited.