Page 5
Semester 5: Classical Literature & history of English Literature
Historical Background: The Epic, Birth of Tragedy, Comedy and Tragedy in Classical Drama, The Athenian City State, Literary Cultures in Augustan Rome
Historical Background: The Epic, Birth of Tragedy, Comedy and Tragedy in Classical Drama, The Athenian City State, Literary Cultures in Augustan Rome
The epic genre emerged as a significant form of literature in ancient cultures, characterized by lengthy narrative poems that often celebrate heroic deeds and events. Examples include Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, which laid the foundation for storytelling in Western literature.
Tragedy as a dramatic form can be traced back to ancient Greece, evolving from religious festivals honoring Dionysus. Key figures like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides developed the genre, focusing on themes of fate, suffering, and moral dilemmas.
Comedy also originated in ancient Greece, with playwrights like Aristophanes using humor to comment on societal issues and politics. The genre evolved over time, influencing later forms of comedic literature and performance.
Athens was a center of cultural and intellectual growth during the 5th century BCE. The city's political structure, democracy, and patronage of the arts contributed to the flourishing of drama, philosophy, and literature, creating a vibrant cultural legacy.
Augustan Rome saw a revival and transformation of literary culture, influenced by earlier Greek traditions. Notable figures like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid emerged, producing works that reflected Rome's values, politics, and expansion, while also engaging with themes from classical drama and epic.
Prose: Plato – The Republic (Book VII)
Plato – The Republic (Book VII)
Allegory of the Cave
This allegory illustrates the difference between the world of appearances and the world of reality. It describes prisoners in a cave who only see shadows of objects, representing people who perceive only the superficial aspects of life, unaware of the true forms and realities beyond their limited experience.
Role of Education
Plato emphasizes the importance of education in transforming the soul. He argues that education should guide individuals from ignorance to knowledge, allowing them to perceive the true forms and understand the world.
Philosopher Kings
Plato argues that the most qualified rulers should be philosopher kings, who understand the Forms and possess knowledge of the good. Only those who have attained true knowledge can lead society effectively.
The Divided Line
The Divided Line is a metaphor illustrating the levels of knowledge. It separates the world of the senses from the world of forms. The line represents levels of understanding, moving from shadows and reflections to the ultimate truth.
Nature of Reality
Plato discusses the distinction between sensory perception and intellectual understanding. He suggests that true knowledge comes from intellectual insight rather than sensory experience, emphasizing the importance of reasoning.
Poetry: Homer – The Iliad (Book I)
Poetry: Homer – The Iliad (Book I)
Overview of The Iliad
The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It explores themes of heroism, honor, and the human condition.
Key Themes in Book I
Central themes include the wrath of Achilles, the concept of fate versus free will, and the nature of honor and glory in warfare.
Character Analysis
Important characters include Achilles, the Greek hero whose anger drives the narrative, Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks, and Briseis, who symbolizes the personal cost of war.
Literary Techniques
Homer employs various literary techniques such as epithets, similes, and a formulaic structure that contribute to the poem's oral tradition.
Cultural and Historical Context
The Iliad reflects the values of ancient Greek society, including the warrior ethos and the importance of fate, as well as the historical backdrop of the Trojan War.
Drama: Sophocles – Oedipus Rex
Drama: Sophocles – Oedipus Rex
Introduction to Oedipus Rex
Oedipus Rex is a tragic play by Sophocles, composed around 429 BCE. It is part of the Theban plays and explores themes of fate, free will, and tragic guilt.
Plot Summary
The play follows Oedipus, the King of Thebes, as he seeks to rid the city of a plague. He discovers that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling a prophecy.
Themes
Key themes include the inevitability of fate, the nature of guilt and shame, and the quest for truth. The play examines how Oedipus struggles against his fate.
Character Analysis
Main characters include Oedipus, Jocasta, Creon, and Teiresias. Oedipus is a tragic hero, characterized by his determination and intelligence, yet blinded by hubris.
Dramatic Irony
The play is rich in dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of Oedipus's true origins long before he is. This creates a sense of tension throughout the play.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a crucial role, with elements like sight and blindness representing knowledge and ignorance. The crossroads symbolizes metaphorical choices.
Cultural and Historical Context
Set in Ancient Greece, the play reflects societal beliefs in fate and the gods. It serves as a commentary on human nature and moral responsibility.
Conclusion
Oedipus Rex remains a seminal work in the study of tragedy and literature, influencing countless works and discussions about fate and moral dilemmas.
English Literature from Chaucer to Renaissance: The Age of Chaucer, The Dark Ages, Renaissance and Reformation; Miracle and Morality Play; University Wits; Elizabethan Poetry; Metaphysical Poetry
English Literature from Chaucer to Renaissance
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The Age of Chaucer marks a significant era in English literature, where Geoffrey Chaucer emerged as a pivotal figure. His most renowned work, 'The Canterbury Tales,' showcases a variety of characters from different social standings, each telling their own stories. This collection reflects the societal norms and values of 14th-century England, employing humor and satire to critique social classes.
The Age of Chaucer
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The Dark Ages, covering the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance, saw a decline in literary output due to social and political instability. However, this period was not devoid of literary works, with the emergence of religious texts and oral traditions. Notable works like 'Beowulf' reflect the culture and values of early medieval England, serving as a blend of Christian and pagan elements.
The Dark Ages
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The Renaissance was a period of renewed interest in art, science, and literature, characterized by a humanistic approach. This era led to significant changes in English literature, with the exploration of new themes and styles. The Reformation introduced religious questioning, influencing writers to examine spiritual and moral dilemmas. This resulted in a rich tapestry of literary texts, exploring individualism and the human experience.
Renaissance and Reformation
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Miracle and morality plays were essential components of medieval drama that conveyed moral lessons through allegorical narratives. Miracle plays depicted the lives of saints, while morality plays, such as 'Everyman,' presented moral dilemmas faced by individuals, emphasizing the importance of virtue and the consequences of vice.
Miracle and Morality Play
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The University Wits were a group of late 16th-century English playwrights and poets educated at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Figures such as Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Kyd significantly influenced the evolution of English drama by introducing complex characters and sophisticated themes, setting the groundwork for the Elizabethan theatre.
University Wits
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Elizabethan poetry flourished during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and is characterized by its exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and the passage of time. Poets like Sir Philip Sidney and Edmund Spenser made notable contributions with their sonnets and epic poems, utilizing intricate meter and forms to convey deep emotional resonance.
Elizabethan Poetry
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Metaphysical poetry, prominent in the 17th century, is distinguished by its intellectual and philosophical engagement. Poets such as John Donne and Andrew Marvell employed wit, paradox, and elaborate metaphors to explore complex concepts like love, faith, and mortality. Their work delves into the human experience, reflecting an intricate interplay between emotion and intellect.
Metaphysical Poetry
Seventeenth Century & Eighteenth Century: Neo-Classicism, Growth of the Novel; Precursors of Romanticism; French Revolution; Growth of Romantic Literature (Prose, Poetry, Drama and Novel)
Seventeenth Century & Eighteenth Century: Neo-Classicism, Growth of the Novel; Precursors of Romanticism; French Revolution; Growth of Romantic Literature (Prose, Poetry, Drama and Novel)
A literary movement that sought to emulate the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome.
Emphasis on order, symmetry, and discipline.
Use of reason and logic over emotion.
Focus on themes of morality and social critique.
John Dryden
Alexander Pope
Joseph Addison
The novel emerged as a dominant literary form during this period, characterized by its narrative complexity.
Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe
Samuel Richardson's Pamela
Henry Fielding's Tom Jones
Individualism
Social class
Morality
Literary movements and writers that set the stage for the Romantic era, focusing on emotion and nature.
William Blake
Robert Burns
William Wordsworth
Reaction against Neo-Classicism
Inspiration from nature and emotion
Focus on the common man and personal experience
The revolution influenced literature by challenging traditional authority and promoting themes of freedom and equality.
Political pamphlets and essays
Literature reflecting revolutionary ideals
Themes of justice and human rights in works
Romantic literature prioritized emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Jane Austen's novels
Wordsworth and Coleridge's Lyrical Ballads
Byron's Childe Harold's Pilgrimage
The influence of Romantic ideals in plays
Adaptation of classical themes to contemporary issues
Continuation and evolution of narrative style
Exploration of complex characters and psychological depth
The Romantic Age & Nineteenth Century: Growth of Victorian Literature (Prose, Poetry, Drama and Novel); Pre-Raphaelite Poetry; Naughty Nineties
The Romantic Age & Nineteenth Century: Growth of Victorian Literature; Pre-Raphaelite Poetry; Naughty Nineties
Introduction to the Romantic Age
The Romantic Age emerged in the late eighteenth century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism. It marked a departure from Enlightenment principles, focusing on the sublime and the beauty of the natural world.
Victorian Literature
Victorian literature thrived during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901). This period was characterized by a focus on morality, social issues, and a variety of genres including the rise of the novel. Key authors include Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy.
Prose in the Victorian Era
Victorian prose saw the growth of the serialized novel, allowing for complex narratives. Important works addressed social reform, gender roles, and the impact of industrialization on society.
Poetry in the Victorian Era
Victorian poetry was marked by a blend of traditional forms and themes of personal and social significance. Notable poets include Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Drama in the Victorian Era
Victorian drama evolved from melodrama to more serious themes. The period saw the rise of playwrights like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw, who challenged social norms.
The Novel in the Victorian Era
The Victorian novel became a major literary form, often exploring complex characters and moral dilemmas. Authors like Dickens and Eliot focused on realism and social critique.
Pre-Raphaelite Poetry
Pre-Raphaelite poets, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Christina Rossetti, emphasized beauty, nature, and medieval themes. Their work often questioned contemporary values and sought inspiration in the past.
Naughty Nineties
The 'Naughty Nineties' refers to the 1890s, a decade known for its cultural experimentation and challenges to moral conventions. This period saw the rise of aestheticism and decadence, with figures like Oscar Wilde leading the way.
The Twentieth Century: Georgian Poetry, Imagism and Symbolism; Twentieth Century Novel – Psychological Novel, Stream of Consciousness Novel; Twentieth Century Drama; Drama of Ideas; Epic Theatre, Feminism
The Twentieth Century: Georgian Poetry, Imagism and Symbolism; Twentieth Century Novel – Psychological Novel, Stream of Consciousness Novel; Twentieth Century Drama; Drama of Ideas; Epic Theatre, Feminism
Georgian Poetry
Georgian poetry emerged in the early twentieth century, characterized by a focus on nature and personal emotion. Prominent poets include Edward Thomas and Rupert Brooke. The movement emphasized lyricism and traditional forms, seeking to push back against the modernist movement's extreme experimentation.
Imagism
Imagism was a literary movement that sought clarity of expression through the use of precise images. Founded by poets like Ezra Pound and H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), imagism emphasized brevity and clear imagery, often drawing inspiration from Eastern art and philosophy.
Symbolism
Symbolism was a late nineteenth-century movement that influenced twentieth-century literature, emphasizing the representation of ideas and emotions through symbols rather than direct statements. Key figures include W.B. Yeats and T.S. Eliot, who utilized symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings.
Psychological Novel
The psychological novel delves into the inner workings of characters' minds. This genre, exemplified by authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, explores thoughts and emotions, often using innovative narrative techniques to reveal complex psychological states.
Stream of Consciousness Novel
Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character's mind. This style is prevalent in the works of authors like Virginia Woolf and William Faulkner, creating a more immersive and intimate reading experience.
Twentieth Century Drama
Twentieth-century drama underwent significant changes, moving towards more experimental forms. Playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter challenged traditional narratives, exploring themes of existentialism and absurdity.
Drama of Ideas
The drama of ideas is characterized by its focus on presenting philosophical concepts and social issues. Playwrights such as George Bernard Shaw used dialogue as a vehicle for exploring complex themes and advocating for social change.
Epic Theatre
Epic theatre, developed by Bertolt Brecht, aims to provoke critical thinking in audiences rather than mere emotional engagement. It employs techniques such as breaking the fourth wall and using historical settings to encourage reflection on societal issues.
Feminism
Feminism in the context of twentieth-century literature explores themes of gender, identity, and social justice. Writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Virginia Woolf challenged traditional gender roles and highlighted women's experiences in their works.
