The development of literature throughout history has been shaped by authors’ perception of reality. This influence is evident in the themes and characteristics of literary works, which are representative of the specific era in which they were created. Themes in literature are often inspired by the periods in which authors lived and the prevailing perceptions of reality.
In this presentation, I will explore how the characteristics of three periods in English literary history influenced the themes of the literary works created during each era. I will examine the medieval, Renaissance, and Enlightenment epochs to highlight the main characteristics of each period. Additionally, I will analyze one significant literary work from each period and discuss how its themes reflect the era or connect to the specific epoch.
Medieval Epoch: Medieval literature encompasses all the literary works produced during the Middle Ages. These works were primarily written in Latin or local dialects, and many were authored anonymously. Literature during this period was originally intended for performance rather than solitary reading. Consequently, numerous medieval literary works incorporate elements of legends, fables, and myths (Mark, 2019).
One of the most iconic literary works representing this epoch is the poem Beowulf, which is among the oldest known poems written in English. This epic poem, written in Old English and consisting of 3,182 lines, tells the story of the legendary character Beowulf, a hero who battles monsters. The author of Beowulf remains unknown, and the poem is named after its protagonist. The poem’s theme celebrates legendary figures and is written in Old English, both of which are typical characteristics of medieval literary works.
Renaissance Epoch: The Renaissance period, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century, produced some of the most important authors and literary works in history. This era was characterized by a desire to rediscover and revive the ancient and classical periods. The Renaissance emphasized the importance of humanity and considered humans as the center of their own universe. The movement originated in Italy and spread throughout Europe, reaching its peak in England. Notable developments during this period include the invention of printing, which facilitated communication and increased knowledge among the population. Other defining features of the era were the development of vernacular languages at the end of the Middle Ages and a decrease in the influence of the church on daily life. Celebrated authors and works from this period include William Shakespeare, one of the greatest dramatists and poets of all time. Shakespeare’s sonnets, a collection of poems published in a quarto in 1609, exemplify the verse form popular during the Renaissance. These sonnets often presented contrasting concepts that challenged prevailing perceptions (Britannica, 2021).
Enlightenment Period: The Enlightenment Age occurred between the 17th and 18th centuries and was characterized by the use of reason and human intellect to explore the world. This period also saw skepticism towards inherited wisdom and a widespread challenge of the dogmas upheld by the church. Instead, the focus shifted to the rational human being who could achieve goals through systematic work. In essence, the Enlightenment epoch emphasized the power of rationality and hard work in attaining one’s desires.
One notable work from the Enlightenment period is ”A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift. This essay presents a logical yet ironic solution to address poverty and overpopulation in Ireland by suggesting that poor children be fed to wealthy English landlords. The essay symbolizes England’s exploitation of Ireland. However, it concludes with an unexpected suggestion to serve the poor Irish children as food and butcher them. Ultimately, the essay serves as a call to reason and rationality in solving problems, which is at the core of the Enlightenment epoch.
Conclusion: Literary epochs throughout history have significantly influenced and characterized literature with their distinct features. Each epoch gave birth to literature that encapsulated the prevailing perceptions of reality during that period.