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Characterized by heroic poetry, warrior culture, and strong oral traditions. Works often explore fate, loyalty, and battles
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Epic poem about heroism, monsters, and the struggle between good and evil; foundational work of English literature.
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Shift toward a more recognizable English; increased use of rhyme and storytelling. Literature reflects social classes, religion, and everyday life
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Father of English literature; author of The Canterbury Tales, noted for social satire and vivid characterization. -
Revival of classical ideas, humanism, and artistic experimentation. Drama flourishes, especially with Shakespeare; focus on human nature and individualism.
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Playwright and poet; explores human nature, love, power, ambition, and tragedy in works like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. -
Reaction against industrialization and rationalism. Emphasizes emotion, imagination, nature, individuality, and the sublime. Wordsworth and Shelley exemplify the movement.
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Central figure of Romantic poetry; celebrates nature, emotion, and the inner life of the individual. -
Author of Frankenstein; explores creation, ethics, science, and the darker sides of human ambition. -
Literature addresses industrialization, social inequality, morality, and domestic life. Novels become the dominant form (Dickens, Brontës).
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Social critic; portrays poverty, injustice, and class struggles with memorable characters and strong moral themes. -
Social critic; portrays poverty, injustice, and class struggles with memorable characters and strong moral themes.
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Encompasses modernism and postmodernism; experimentation with form, psychology, political themes, and challenges to traditional narrative structures (Orwell, Woolf).
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Modernist author; pioneers stream of consciousness and explores identity, gender, and psychological depth. -
Political writer; critiques totalitarianism and propaganda in works like 1984 and Animal Farm.