The middle Ages (1100 - 1500)
The oldest literary monument of the Anglo-Saxon period is the old Germanic legend about Beowulf (from the 8th century). This heroic poem is about the strong and courageous pagan hero Beowulf.
The Renaissance and Humanism (1500-1650)
The end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance in literature is marked by Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (1345 - 1400). It is a brilliant portrait of 30 pilgrims who travel to Canterbury and each tells four stories. In this way we are given a vivid picture of the l4 century society. The Middle Ages scholastic philosophy was under theological influence while the renaissance philosophy turned to Plato and Aristotles and formed a new philosophical learning - humanism.
The greatest personality of the English renaissance is William Shakespeare (1564- 1616).
The Age Of Reason (1650- 1780)
John Milton (1608- 1674) is the main figure of this period. He was one of the first who stated in his work that a king who was a tyrant and not worthy of ruling should be legally punished. His masterpiece is Paradise Lost, which is about the revolt of Satan against Heaven and God, who is presented as despotic and unjust in his treatment of Satan. Satan In his discussions with the fallen angels supports the principles of independence and reason.
In the l8th century, with the development of the society and economy, journalism, novels and drama developed very much. Literature became popular among the middle class and the first authors emerged from these circles.
Jonathan Swift. His most popular work is Gulliver’s Travels, an allegory of Lemuel Gulliver’s traveling through imaginary countries. He criticizes politics in England, kingdoms, corruption, armies, bad politicians, etc.
Daniel Defoe (1600 - 1731) was a politician, traveler and journalist. Hs most famous work is Robinson Crusoe. Robinson, shipwrecked on a lonely Island, represents the qualities which the middle class needed in capitalist competition to be successful.
