0% found this document useful (0 votes)
145 views8 pages

English Literary Eras & Monarchs

Uploaded by

William Skam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
145 views8 pages

English Literary Eras & Monarchs

Uploaded by

William Skam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Part I (Ages)

1. Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period (c. 450-1066): This period includes the literature
written in Old English, an early form of the English language, such as epic poems like
"Beowulf."

2. Middle English Period (c. 1066-1500): This period saw the development of Middle English,
with works like Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" being prominent examples.

3. Renaissance Period (c. 1500-1660): This era marked a cultural rebirth with the revival of
classical learning. Writers like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund
Spenser produced celebrated works during this time.

4. Elizabethan Era (c. 1558-1603): This subset of the Renaissance is named after Queen
Elizabeth I and encompasses the flourishing of English drama, particularly with the works of
Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

5. Jacobean Era (c. 1603-1625): This period follows the reign of Elizabeth I and includes
works that explore themes of power and morality.

6. Caroline Era (c. 1625-1649): Named after King Charles I, this period saw the emergence
of metaphysical poetry, as well as political and religious turmoil that led to the English Civil
War.

7. Commonwealth and Restoration Period (c. 1649-1700): This period includes the time of
Oliver Cromwell's rule, the Interregnum, and the subsequent Restoration of the monarchy. It
saw the return of the monarchy under Charles II and the rise of Restoration drama.

8. Augustan Age (c. 1700-1745): Also known as the Neoclassical Period, this era is
characterized by a focus on reason, order, and satire. Writers like Alexander Pope and
Jonathan Swift were influential during this time.
9. Romantic Period (c. 1785-1830): This period celebrated emotion, imagination, and
individualism. Prominent figures include William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and
Lord Byron.

10. Victorian Period (c. 1837-1901): Named after Queen Victoria, this era witnessed the
expansion of the British Empire and a diverse range of literature, from Charles Dickens to
the Brontë sisters.

11. Modernist Period (c. 1901-1945): This period saw experimentation with narrative
techniques and a reaction against traditional norms. Notable modernist writers include
Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and T.S. Eliot.

12. Post-World War II Period (c. 1945-present): Literature in this era reflects the
complexities of modern life, with authors like Salman Rushdie, J.K. Rowling, and Zadie Smith
contributing to contemporary English literature.

Part II

Kings and Queens of England from 1400 CE

1. Henry IV (1399-1413)

2. Henry V (1413-1422)

3. Henry VI (1422-1461, 1470-1471)

4. Edward IV (1461-1470, 1471-1483)

5. Edward V (April-June 1483) - Note: His reign was very short and he was one of the
Princes in the Tower, believed to have been murdered.
6. Richard III (1483-1485)

7. Henry VII (1485-1509)

8. Henry VIII (1509-1547)

9. Edward VI (1547-1553)

10. Mary I (1553-1558)

11. Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

12. James I (1603-1625)

13. Charles I (1625-1649)

- The English Civil War took place during Charles I's reign, and England briefly became a
republic known as the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

14. Charles II (1660-1685)

15. James II (1685-1688)

- James II was overthrown in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, leading to the joint rule of
William III and Mary II.

16. William III and Mary II (1689-1702)

- Mary II died in 1694, and William III continued to rule until his death in 1702.

17. Anne (1702-1714)

- Anne was the last monarch of the Stuart dynasty. Upon her death, the British crown
passed to the Hanoverian dynasty.

18. George I (1714-1727)

19. George II (1727-1760)

20. George III (1760-1820)

- During George III's reign, the American Revolution took place.

21. George IV (1820-1830)

22. William IV (1830-1837)

23. Victoria (1837-1901)

- Queen Victoria's reign saw the height of the British Empire.


24. Edward VII (1901-1910)

25. George V (1910-1936)

- George V's reign included World War I.

26. Edward VIII (January-December 1936) - Note: Edward VIII abdicated the throne in
December 1936 and was succeeded by his younger brother.

27. George VI (1936-1952)

- George VI's reign encompassed World War II.

28. Elizabeth II (1952-present)

- Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning British monarch in history.

29. King Charles III

Part III: Victorian Age (1837-1901):

Philosophers and Their Works:

1. John Stuart Mill:

- Famous Work: "On Liberty" (1859) + Utilitarianism," "The Subjection of Women"

- This essay (On Liberty) emphasized the importance of individual freedoms and the
concept of utilitarianism, while also discussing the role of government in society.

2. Herbert Spencer:

- Famous Work: "Principles of Biology" (1864-1867) + "Social Statics," "Principles of


Psychology," "First Principles"

- Spencer coined the phrase "survival of the fittest" and applied evolutionary theory to
social and political thought. His "Synthetic Philosophy" covered a range of subjects.

3. Thomas Carlyle:
- Famous Work: "Sartor Resartus" (1836) + "Past and Present," "Heroes and Hero-
Worship"

- Carlyle's satirical work critiqued social norms and institutions, while also discussing the
philosophy of clothes and personal identity.

4. Henry Sidgwick:

- Famous Work: "The Methods of Ethics" (1874)

- Sidgwick's work examined ethical theories, including utilitarianism, intuitionism, and


egoism, striving to find common ground among them.

5. John Ruskin:

- Famous Work: "Unto This Last" (1860)

- In this work, Ruskin critiqued the prevailing economic theories of his time, advocating for
a more socially conscious and humane approach to economics.

6. Charles Darwin: "On the Origin of Species," "The Descent of Man," "The Expression of
the Emotions in Man and Animals"

7. Karl Marx: "Das Kapital," "The Communist Manifesto" (co-authored with Friedrich Engels)

8. John Henry Newman: "Apologia Pro Vita Sua," "The Grammar of Assent" + (G of A= This
philosophical work focuses on the nature of belief and the process of forming convictions,
especially in the realm of religious faith. Newman examines how individuals come to accept
propositions as true, whether based on rational evidence or personal conviction)

9. Samuel Taylor Coleridge: "Biographia Literaria," "The Friend"

10. George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans): "The Mill on the Floss," "Middlemarch" (novels with
philosophical themes).
Trends and Information:

1. Utilitarianism and Ethics: Philosophers like John Stuart Mill grappled with moral and
ethical questions, emphasizing the importance of individual rights, happiness, and societal
well-being.

2. Social Evolution and Progress: The Victorian era saw the rise of theories related to social
evolution and progress, as exemplified by Herbert Spencer's application of evolutionary
principles to society.

3. Critique of Industrialization: Many Victorian philosophers were critical of the negative


effects of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the resulting social disparities. This is
evident in works like Carlyle's "Sartor Resartus."

4. Spiritual and Moral Crisis: There was a growing concern about the decline of traditional
religious values and the resulting moral crisis. This led to philosophical explorations of the
meaning of life, morality, and spirituality.

5. Interdisciplinary Connections: Victorian philosophers often crossed disciplinary


boundaries, engaging with literature, art, science, and social issues. This interdisciplinary
approach enriched their philosophical ideas.

6. Gender and Women's Rights: The Victorian era also saw discussions around women's
rights and gender roles. Some philosophers, like John Stuart Mill, were advocates for
gender equality and women's suffrage.

7. Education and Intellectualism: The era witnessed an emphasis on education and


intellectual pursuits. The rise of public education and literacy contributed to a more
educated populace engaging with philosophical ideas.
8. Decadent Morality:

1. 1884: Oscar Wilde publishes "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a novel that explores themes
of hedonism, vanity, and the consequences of a decadent lifestyle.

2. 1891: Wilde's play "Salomé" is published in French. It presents a provocative


interpretation of the biblical story of Salome and her Dance of the Seven Veils.

3. 1895: Oscar Wilde is put on trial for "gross indecency" due to his homosexual
relationships. He is convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labor.

9. Serious Social Issues:

1. 1833: The Factory Act is passed in the UK, regulating child labor and improving working
conditions for children in factories.

2. 1848: The Chartist Movement reaches its peak, advocating for political reforms such as
universal suffrage, secret ballots, and parliamentary representation.

3. 1859: Charles Darwin publishes "On the Origin of Species," introducing the theory of
evolution by natural selection, which challenges traditional religious interpretations of
creation.

4. 1860s: The Contagious Diseases Acts are passed, allowing for the medical examination
and detention of women suspected of prostitution in garrison towns. The Acts spark
debates about public health, morality, and women's rights.

5. 1865: John Stuart Mill publishes "Utilitarianism," discussing the ethical theory that
emphasizes maximizing overall happiness as the basis for moral decisions.
6. 1870s-1880s: The Women's Suffrage movement gains momentum. Various women's
suffrage organizations are formed, advocating for women's right to vote and increased
gender equality.

7. 1880s-1890s: The issue of "New Womanhood" emerges. Authors and activists discuss
changing gender roles, women's education, and the idea of women pursuing careers and
independence.

8. 1899-1902: The Second Boer War takes place between the British Empire and the Boer
states in South Africa. The war raises debates about imperialism, nationalism, and the
ethics of colonial expansion.

9. Late 19th Century: The rise of psychological theories and the establishment of
psychology as a scientific discipline lead to discussions about mental health, treatment of
psychological disorders, and the role of mental institutions.

You might also like