History of english literatuređź“š
Semester : M. A Part 1
Paper : History of the English Literatuređź“š
(Paper no 105)
~Class Assignment :
Q~ write short note on 'William Shakespeare as Dramatist.
∆ Introduction
Name : William Shakespeare
Bron : 23 April 1564
Death : 23 April 1616
Occupations : Playwright, poet,actor
Resting place :Church of the Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon
Years active : c. 1585–1613
Parents : John Shakespeare
Mary Arden
Spouse : Anne Hathaway (m. 1582)
Movement : English Renaissance
Children : Susanna Hall
Hamnet Shakespeare
Judith Quiney
William Shakespeare Was great dramatist of the Elizabeth age. He was the also a great poet and best write of his period of time. His was mostly well known for his dream and tragedy and comedy. greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" or simply "the Bard". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language. rich natural beauty and historical influences, which deeply impacted his imagination and writing. After marrying Anne Hathaway at a young age, he eventually moved to London, where he began working in the theater-first as an actor and later as a playwright.
Despite his simple background, Shakespeare quickly became associated with scholars and dramatists, contributing masterpieces that reflected the human condition. His works like
stand as unparalleled explorations of love, ambition, and tragedy.
There are two main theories about his genius: one suggests it was innate, while the other credits his environment. Shakespeare's success was a combination of his natural talent and his ability to observe and reflect the life and thoughts of his audience. His plays often used existing stories or historical events but transformed them into something new and profound, filled with deep emotional and philosophical insights.Though Shakespeare retired from London in 1611 and returned to Stratford, his legacy continued. through the plays he wrote. His works have since become timeless, studied and revered for their poetic beauty, character depth, and universal appeal.
Works of Shakespeare:
When Shakespeare died, twenty-one of his plays were only in handwritten copies kept in different theaters. A few of his plays had already been printed in small books called quartos. These printed versions might not have been approved by Shakespeare. It's possible that someone listened to the plays, wrote them down quickly, and then sold them for money.
The first big collection of his plays, called the 'First Folio', was printed in 1623 by two actors, Heming and Condell. They said they had access to Shakespeare's own papers and wanted to make a perfect edition to honor their friend. This collection included thirty-six of his thirty-seven plays, leaving out 'Pericles'. The 'First Folio' was made from theater copies and printed versions that had been changed by actors and stage managers. It also had many printing mistakes, even though the editors said they were very careful.
Even though the 'First Folio is the most important edition we have, it doesn't help much with figuring out when Shakespeare wrote his plays or how he organized them. However, reading his plays and poems shows that he went through four different writing periods, probably matching the different stages of his life.
Shakespeare's works can be divided into four main periods:
1. Early Experimentation (Before 1595):
During this time, Shakespeare's writing was full of youthful energy, imaginative ideas, and dramatic language. He often used rhymed couplets along with blank verse. His plays and poems from this period show his early attempts to find his style. Examples include his poems and plays like 'Love's Labour's Lost", "Two Gentlemen of Verona', and 'Richard III".
dramatic language. He often used rhymed couplets along with blank verse. His plays and poems. from this period show his early attempts to find his style. Examples include his poems and plays like 'Love's Labour's Lost", "Two Gentlemen of Verona", and "Richard III'.
:2. Growth and Development (1595-1600)
In this period, Shakespeare's writing became more polished, with better plots and a deeper understanding of human nature. His plays were more artistic and carefully crafted. Notable works from this time are 'The Merchant of Venice", "A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'As You Like It', and 'Henry IV'.
3. Gloom and Tragedy (1600-1607);
This was a darker period in Shakespeare's life, marked by sadness and personal disappointment. The reasons for his sorrow are not clear, but it may have been due to personal experiences and the political troubles of his friends. During this time, he wrote some of his greatest tragedies, such as 'Hamlet', 'King Lear', 'Macbeth', 'Othello', and 'Julius Caesar'. His Sonnets and "Twelfth Night' also reflect this gloomy mood.
4. Restored Calm (1607-1613)
In the final period of his career, Shakespeare's writing showed a sense of peace and serenity, though his later works were not as powerful as his earlier ones. Plays like 'The Winter's Tale' and "The Tempest' belong to this period, where he experimented again, this time trying to satisfy the changing tastes of his audience.
Shakespeare was deeply passionate about his craft and worked hard to revise old plays, gaining practical knowledge in the process. His efforts paid off with plays like Henry VI', 'Richard III", 'Richard II', 'King Lear', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Romeo and Juliet', which pleased his audience, as his main goal was to entertain them. One of his works, "Venus and Adonis', dedicated to the Earl of Southampton, became very popular in London and earned him a significant amount of money.
∆ Characteristics of the Shakespearean comedy
What is comedy?
~~ Comedy is a piece of literary work that may produce laughter among the audience. The purpose of comedy is to entertain the audience.
Comedy always ends happily for the protagonist.
Shakespearean comedy
~~Shakespeare did not follow the rules of classical poetry. He broke all rules of comic play. He mixed comic elements with tragic elements because no human life is completely tragic or comic. It is a combination of both.
"This thing made his play more realistic. His comedies are full of creativity and imagination."
A comedy from Shakespeare's time is not necessarily what a modern audience would expect it to be. Whilst there may be some funny moments, a Shakespearean comedy may involve some very dramatic storylines. Usually what defines a Shakespearean play as a comedy is that it has a happy ending, often involving a marriage. The main characteristics of Shakespeare's comedies are.
There are many characteristics of Shakespearean comedies:
1) Love and marriage
2) Mistaken identity or disguise
3) Idyllic setting.
4) Fools and clowns
5) Music and dance
6) Blending of pathos and joy
7) Happy ending
∆ Characteristics of Shakespearean Tragedy:
Tragedies may involve comedic moments but tend towards more serious, dramatic plots with an ending that involves the death of main characters. The main features of Shakespearean tragedy are that
~Characters become isolated or there is social breakdown
~Ends in death
~There is a sense that events are inevitable or inescapable
~There is usually a central figure who is noble but with a character flaw which leads them
~towards their eventual downfall
Major Works
Tragedies:
Hamlet
A play about revenge, madness, and moral conflict, centering on Prince Hamlet's quest to avenge his father's murder.
Macbeth:
.
Focuses on ambition and the corrupting power of unchecked desires, following the rise and fall of the Scottish nobleman Macbeth
Othello:
A study of jealousy and manipulation, as the noble Moor Othello is led to tragic actions by his deceitful subordinate, lago.
King Lear
A deep exploration of power, familial relationships, and madness, as King Lear divides his kingdom and faces the consequences of his decisions.
Comedies:
A Midsummer Night's Dream:
A whimsical play about love, magic, and transformation, set in a mythical forest.
Twelfth Night:
A comedic tale of mistaken identity and love, revolving around the shipwrecked Viola and her
twin brother Sebastian.
Much Ado About Nothing:
A witty romantic comedy that plays with misunderstandings and the battle of the sexes, especially in the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick.
Histories:
Richard III:
A portrayal of the villainous Richard III's ruthless pursuit of the English throne.
Henry V:
Chronicles the reign of King Henry V and his military campaigns in France, culminating in the famous Battle of Agincourt.
Romances:
The Tempest:
A magical story of reconciliation, redemption, and forgiveness, set on an isolated island ruled by the sorcerer Prospero.
The Winter's Tale :
A tale of jealousy redemption and reunion, blending tragic and comic elements.
Conclusion :
William Shakespeare's contribution to drama is unparalleled. His ability to blend complex characters, universal themes, and innovative language made him a master of his craft. Whether through his tragedies, comedies, histories, or romances, Shakespeare's plays continue to captivate audiences and remain a vital part of literary and theatrical culture worldwide. His profound. understanding of human nature and society ensures that his works are as relevant today as they were in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Home Assignment :
Q ~ Describe the Characteristics of Elizabeth
age :
Introduction:
As any great development of the national life is connected with the development of national literature, the age of Elizabethan can be considered as,
"The first creative period of English Literature"
In Milton's world it can be considered as,
"A noble and puissant nation, rousing herself, like a strong man after sleep, and shaking
her invisible locks"
In the administration of Queen Elizabeth, the nation has progressed by gigantic leaps rather than a slow historical process, and English literature reached the very highest point of its development. Elizabeth with all her vanity and inconsistency, steadily loved England and England's greatness and by this she inspired all her people with unbounded patriotism.
Elizabeth was the queen of England from 1558 to 1603. It was an era of social, religious and political peace. Men and women were free to explore themselves in the field of art and literature. This age is also known as the golden age of literature. She allowed multiple regions within her religion to establish peace among people. She was the source of inspiration for the people with the unbounded patriotism which finds a voice in Fairy Queen. English Literature was gaining popularity under the reign of Queen Elizabeth by male writers and poets but female writers did not have such independence. Though the age produced some excellent works of prose but essentially it was an age of poetry for its freshness, youth and romantic feeling.
Literary characteristics:
1. Religious Toleration:
Elizabeth found that England is divided in two parts, North was of Catholics and southern countries were of Protestants. Elizabethan has favored both religious parties and for the first time Catholics and Protestants were acting together as trusted counselors of a great self-governing nation. This environment has united all the Englishmen. For the first time the question of religious tolerance seems to be settled, and the mind of man, freed from the religious fears and turned into other forms of activity With religious tolerance and freedom of thinking, Englishmen were ready to have the taste of literature. Great writers emerge from this freedom and inspiration.
2. Social contentment:
This was a time of satisfaction, because people were getting employment. The development of towns and in manufacturing, gave employment to those who was unemployed and discontented. Incensement in trading business brought wealth in England. Rich people were in support to help
the poor and were providing them employment. This new attitude of living life and wealth has also helped in new literary activities.
3. Enthusiasm
People were getting rich and were getting employment. They were happy and this happiness has
filled them with the joy of living life. Bacon has said,
"I have taken all knowledge of my province"
There was a flow of imagination and thinking in a positive manner. Poets of this age were creating poems which became young forever. Cabot, Drake, Frobisher, Gilbert, Raleigh, Willoughby and Hawkins explored new earth to men's eyes. Dreams and deeds were going parallel in the age of Elizabethan. People were dreaming bigger and also working on their dreams.
4. The Drama
The Age of Elizabethan can be considered as the age of Drama. There were also poets sus Edmund Spenser and Shakespeare, but the plays of Christopher Marlow and Shakespeare more famous. There was a dominant position of the drama and play in the minds of pe Neither poetry, nor the story can express the whole man but drama can. By the writing Shakespeare, drama is still alive after 400 years of his writing.
Conclusion :
Thus to conclude we can say that the Elizabethan age was a very important in history of in English literature.
Essay :
Q ~ characteristics of Chaucer age
1. Introduction:
The Age of Chaucer (1343-1450) is one of the most important periods in English literary history This era was marked by significant changes in society, politics, religion, and literature, and is known as a time of transition, where medieval traditions were giving way to new, modern ideas.
1.1 An Era of Transition:
The Age of Chaucer was a time of great change. The old ways of the medieval world were slowly being replaced by modern thoughts and ideas. This was the period when John Wycliffe and his followers began challenging the Church, which laid the foundation for the Reformation. People began focusing more on individualism the idea that individuals and their thoughts were important. At the same time, military conflicts like the Hundred Years War were increasing national pride and unity. Industrial development, such as the growth of towns and trade, was creating a middle and working class, which contributed to the end of the feudal system, where peasants worked under lords.
1.2 Growth of National Sentiment:
During this time, England was fighting in the Hundred Years' War against France and Scotland. Victories in major battles like Crecy and Poitiers gave people a sense of national pride. Englishmen hegan feeling more united and proud of their country. This period also saw the end of the divide between the Normans and Saxons, which had existed since the Norman Conquest in 1066. The shared victories and national pride during this time helped to create a stronger sense of English identity.
1.3 The Black Death, Famine, and Social Unrest:
This period was also marked by natural disasters and social unrest In 1348-49, the Black Death, a devastating plague, wiped out one-third of England's population. It was an epoch of natural. calamities which increased the sufferings of the common people. It reappeared in 1362, 1367 and 1370. The plague reappeared several times in the following decades, along with famines, which worsened the lives of the common people. The shortage of labor due to the death toll led to higher taxes, which angered the people and contributed to the Peasants Revolt of 1381. This revolt was a clear sign of the growing dissatisfaction and unrest among the working class
1.4 Corruption of the Church and the Reformation:
The Church was incredibly powerful during Chaucer's time, but it had become corrupt. Many church officials were more interested in wealth, luxury, and worldly pleasures than in serving the people or maintaining religious purity. This corruption led to criticism from reformers like John. Wycliffe, who called for changes in the Church. His ideas paved the way for the Reformation, a major religious movement that aimed to correct the abuses of the Church.
Chaucer's writings often satirized corrupt church officials, highlighting how far they had strayed from their spiritual duties. His famous work, 'The Canterbury Tales', paints a realistic picture of the clergy and their worldly behavior.
1.5 The Dawn of New Learning (The Renaissance Influence):
Although the Renaissance had not yet fully arrived in England, the seeds of new learning being planted. This was a time when people began to question old ideas and explore new wa thinking. Writers like Petrarch and Boccaccio in Italy inspired people with their humar ideas, which focused on the value of human beings, their thoughts, and their potential. This sp of humanism slowly began to spread in England, challenging the dominance of the Church in education and thought. People were starting to break free from strict religious teachings, opening up the path for the Renaissance, which would later sweep across Europe.
1.6 Influence of Chaucer:
Geoffrey Chaucer is often called the "Father of English Literature" because he played a major role in shaping English writing during this period. His works, particularly "The Canterbury Tales, reflect the changes happening in his time. Chaucer captured the spirit of the Age of Transition, criticizing the corruption of the Church, portraying the social unrest, and embracing the new ideas of the Renaissance. He gave a voice to the English people, and his works were among the first to be written in the English language instead of Latin or French, helping to establish English as a respected literary language.
Summing up:
The Age of Chaucer was a time of great change, where the old medieval world was slowly giving way to new ideas and ways of life. There was a growing sense of nationalism, unrest due to social and economic issues, and widespread criticism of the Church's corruption. At the same time, the beginnings of the Renaissance were starting to take root, bringing new ideas and a more humanistic way of thinking. Chaucer's works reflected these changes, and his influence he shape the future of English literature.
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