Major Writers, Works

Suresh M Hosamani

Department of English

K.S.S Arts ,Commerce & Science

College Gadag

1) Francis Bacon (1561–1626):

Francis Bacon was an English philosopher, statesman, essayist, and scientist. He is best
known for developing the empirical method and for laying the foundation of modern
scientific inquiry. Bacon served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England but
was later accused of corruption and forced to retire. Despite this, his writings continued to
influence philosophy, literature, and science.

Major Works and Literary Contributions

1. Essays (1597, 1612, 1625)

o A collection of philosophical, moral, and political essays covering themes
like truth, friendship, ambition, and revenge.
o Some notable essays:
 Of Truth
 Of Studies
 Of Revenge
 Of Friendship
2. The Advancement of Learning (1605)
o Advocates for scientific progress and emphasizes the role of empirical
knowledge in education and governance.
3. Novum Organum (1620)
o Introduces the Baconian method (inductive reasoning), which became the
foundation of modern science.
o Challenges Aristotelian logic and promotes observation and experimentation.
4. New Atlantis (1626)
o A utopian novel describing an ideal society based on scientific research and
discovery.
o Introduces the concept of a scientific research institution, later inspiring the
creation of the Royal Society.
5. The History of the Reign of King Henry VII (1622)
o A historical and political study that influenced later historians.

Literary Contributions

 Father of the English Essay: Bacon introduced concise, aphoristic, and intellectual
essays in English literature.
 Pioneer of Empiricism: His works emphasized scientific reasoning over tradition
and speculation.
 Influence on the Enlightenment: His ideas on knowledge, reason, and science
shaped later philosophers like Descartes, Locke, and Newton.
2 ) Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593)

Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era, often
considered a predecessor to Shakespeare. He was born in Canterbury in 1564 and educated at
Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. His life was marked by mystery, controversy, and allegations of
espionage.

Marlowe was accused of atheism, heresy, and subversive ideas. His life was cut short at the age of
29 when he was stabbed in a tavern brawl in Deptford under suspicious circumstances. Many
theories suggest that his death was politically motivated, possibly due to his alleged work as a spy
for Queen Elizabeth I’s government.

Major Works of Christopher Marlowe

Marlowe is best known for his blank verse dramas, which revolutionized English theatre. His major
plays include:

1. Tamburlaine the Great (1587–1588) – A powerful play about the rise and fall of a Scythian
shepherd who becomes a conqueror.

2. Doctor Faustus (1592) – The tragic story of a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in
exchange for knowledge and power.

3. The Jew of Malta (1590) – A play about revenge and religious conflict, featuring the cunning
Barabas.

4. Edward II (1592) – A historical drama exploring the downfall of King Edward II due to his
favoritism and political intrigues.

5. The Massacre at Paris (1593) – A violent play based on the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre,
highlighting religious conflict.

6. Dido, Queen of Carthage (1594, posthumous) – A tragedy about Queen Dido’s love for
Aeneas, based on Virgil’s Aeneid.

Literary Contributions of Marlowe

1. Introduction of Blank Verse – Marlowe popularized the use of unrhymed iambic pentameter,
which influenced later dramatists, including Shakespeare.

2. Development of the Tragic Hero – His protagonists, like Faustus and Tamburlaine, embody
Renaissance individualism, striving for power and knowledge but facing tragic downfall.

3. Psychological Depth in Characters – His works introduced complex characters with deep
internal conflicts, making them more realistic.
 4. Influence on Shakespeare – Marlowe’s themes, poetic style, and dramatic techniques
influenced Shakespeare’s plays, particularly in works like Macbeth and Richard III.

5. Exploration of Controversial Themes – His plays addressed religion, power, and human
ambition, often challenging the norms of Elizabethan society.

Marlowe’s untimely death left many wondering what more he could have achieved. However, his
legacy lives on, as he laid the foundation for Elizabethan drama and remains a towering figure in
English literature.

3) Ben Jonson (1572–1637)

Ben Jonson was an English playwright, poet, actor, and literary critic, widely regarded as one
of the greatest writers of the Renaissance era after William Shakespeare. He was born in
Westminster, London, in 1572. After losing his father at an early age, he was educated at
Westminster School, where he developed his classical knowledge. Jonson briefly worked as a
bricklayer before serving as a soldier in the Netherlands. He later turned to the theatre,
working as an actor and playwright.

Jonson's career was marked by both success and controversy. He was imprisoned multiple
times, including once for killing a fellow actor in a duel. However, his literary genius earned
him the patronage of King James I, and he became England’s first official Poet Laureate.

He died in 1637 and was buried in Westminster Abbey with the famous epitaph: "O Rare
Ben Jonson."

Major Works

1. Plays:
o Every Man in His Humour (1598): A comedy that established his reputation;
it satirizes London society and follows the "humour" theory of character
development.
o Volpone (1606): A satirical play about greed and corruption, where a cunning
Venetian nobleman deceives others for wealth.
o Epicoene, or The Silent Woman (1609): A witty city comedy about a man
who marries a supposedly quiet woman, only to be tricked.
o The Alchemist (1610): A sharp critique of human folly and deception,
focusing on con artists who exploit people's greed.
o Bartholomew Fair (1614): A social satire depicting the diverse characters at
a London fair.
o Sejanus His Fall (1603) & Catiline His Conspiracy (1611): Historical
tragedies inspired by Roman history.
2. Poetry:
o Epigrams (1616): A collection of witty and satirical short poems.
 o
The Forest (1616): Includes the famous poem "To Penshurst," celebrating the
ideal country house.
o Underwoods (1640): A mix of poems, songs, and translations.
3. Masques (Court Entertainments):
o The Masque of Blackness (1605): Performed for Queen Anne, it featured
extravagant stage designs.
o The Masque of Queens (1609): One of his finest masques, blending poetry
and spectacle.
o Pleasure Reconciled to Virtue (1618): A masque celebrating King James I’s
rule.

Titles and Literary Contributions

 Titles:
o "Father of English Comedy" – due to his contributions to realistic and
satirical comedy.
o Poet Laureate – the first unofficial titleholder under King James I.
 Literary Contributions:
o Developed the "Comedy of Humours" – a unique theatrical style where
characters are driven by a single dominant personality trait.
o Established English satire in drama through plays like Volpone and The
Alchemist.
o Pioneered court masques, influencing future generations of dramatists.
o His poetic style combined classical influence with innovation, seen in his
epigrams and pastoral poems.
o Advocated for literary criticism and scholarly drama, setting high standards
for playwrights.

4) John Milton (1608–1674)

John Milton was an English poet, intellectual, and civil servant best known for his epic poem
Paradise Lost. He was born on December 9, 1608, in London and educated at St. Paul's
School and Christ's College, Cambridge. Milton was deeply influenced by the Renaissance,
classical literature, and Protestant theology.

He lived through a period of great political and religious upheaval in England, including the
English Civil War (1642–1651) and the execution of King Charles I. Milton supported the
Puritan cause and served as Secretary for Foreign Tongues under Oliver Cromwell’s
Commonwealth government. Later in life, he became completely blind but continued his
literary work through dictation. He died on November 8, 1674.

Major Works
1. Early Poetry (1629–1645)

 "On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity" (1629) – A poem celebrating the birth of
Christ.
 "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso" (1631) – Two contrasting poems depicting the
joyful and contemplative life.
 "Lycidas" (1637) – An elegy mourning the death of Edward King, with themes of
fate and divine justice.

2. Prose Works (1640s–1650s)

Milton wrote many political and religious essays, advocating for freedom of speech and the
Puritan cause.

 Areopagitica (1644) – A powerful defense of free speech and press freedom.

 The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates (1649) – Justified the execution of King
Charles I.
 Eikonoklastes (1649) – A response to the pro-royalist work Eikon Basilike.

3. Major Epic and Later Works

 Paradise Lost (1667, 1674) – His greatest work, an epic poem in blank verse that
narrates the fall of Adam and Eve and Satan’s rebellion.
 Paradise Regained (1671) – A shorter epic focused on Christ’s resistance to Satan’s
temptations.
 Samson Agonistes (1671) – A tragic closet drama based on the biblical figure
Samson, reflecting themes of suffering and redemption.

Titles and Literary Contributions

 "Poet of the Sublime" – Due to his grand themes, elevated style, and profound
philosophical depth.
 "Champion of Liberty" – Advocated for freedom of speech and republican ideals.
 Master of Blank Verse – Revolutionized poetry by popularizing unrhymed iambic
pentameter.
 Epic Poet of England – Created Paradise Lost, the greatest English epic.
 Innovator in Prose and Poetry – Combined classical traditions with Christian
theology and contemporary political thought.

5) John Dryden (1631–1700)

John Dryden was an English poet, playwright, and literary critic, widely regarded as one of
the most influential writers of the Restoration era. He was born on August 9, 1631, in
Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, England, and studied at Westminster School and Trinity
College, Cambridge. Dryden was deeply involved in the political and literary scene of his
time, serving as England's first official Poet Laureate in 1668 under Charles II. He played a
crucial role in shaping the literary style of the late 17th century, particularly in the use of
heroic couplets. He died on May 12, 1700.

Major Works

Poetry:

1. "Annus Mirabilis" (1667) – A historical poem describing the events of 1666,

including the Great Fire of London and the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
2. "Absalom and Achitophel" (1681) – A political allegory using biblical figures to
satirize the Exclusion Crisis and political conflicts during the reign of Charles II.
3. "Mac Flecknoe" (1682) – A satirical poem mocking Thomas Shadwell, his literary
rival, as an unworthy successor in the realm of poetry.
4. "The Hind and the Panther" (1687) – A religious allegory defending Catholicism,
written in response to the political and religious turmoil of the time.

Plays:

1. "The Indian Emperor" (1665) – A heroic drama depicting the Spanish conquest of
Mexico.
2. "The Conquest of Granada" (1670–71) – A two-part heroic play showcasing
Dryden's mastery of grand and rhetorical language.
3. "All for Love" (1677) – A tragedy based on Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra,
written in blank verse rather than the heroic couplet.
4. "Don Sebastian" (1689) – A tragic drama portraying themes of fate and destiny.

Prose & Criticism:

1. "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" (1668) – A major critical work defending English
drama against the French and classical dramatic traditions.
2. Prefaces and Dedications – Dryden wrote insightful prefaces and dedications that
contributed to literary criticism, discussing poetic style, drama, and translation.

Translations:

1. Virgil’s "Aeneid" (1697) – A famous translation that helped bring classical literature
to an English audience.
2. Ovid’s "Metamorphoses" and Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales" – Dryden adapted
and modernized classical and medieval texts for contemporary readers.

Titles and Literary Contributions

 Poet Laureate of England (1668–1689) – The first official holder of the title,
appointed by Charles II.
 Father of English Criticism – Due to his profound essays on drama and poetry.
  Master of the Heroic Couplet – Perfected and popularized this poetic form in
English literature.

Literary Contributions:

1. Restoration Literature: Dryden dominated Restoration literature by defining and

refining the literary style of the era.
2. Development of Satire: He perfected verse satire in works like Absalom and
Achitophel and Mac Flecknoe.
3. Drama and Heroic Tragedy: He was instrumental in the evolution of English heroic
drama.
4. Literary Criticism: His essays laid the foundation for English literary criticism.
5. Translation of Classics: His translations of Virgil, Ovid, and Chaucer played a key
role in preserving and popularizing these works in English.

6) Alexander Pope (1688–1744)

 Born on May 21, 1688, in London, England, into a Catholic family.

 Due to anti-Catholic laws, he was largely self-educated and faced restrictions on his
education.
 Suffered from tuberculosis of the spine (Pott’s disease), which affected his growth
and health throughout life.
 Became a leading poet of the Augustan Age in England, known for his satirical and
neoclassical style.
 Died on May 30, 1744, at the age of 56.

Major Works

1. An Essay on Criticism (1711)

o A didactic poem offering guidance on literary criticism and poetic style.
o Famous lines: "To err is human, to forgive divine."
2. The Rape of the Lock (1712, revised 1714)
o A mock-epic poem satirizing a trivial quarrel between aristocratic families
over a stolen lock of hair.
o Uses heroic couplets and classical allusions to elevate a petty issue to epic
grandeur.
3. The Dunciad (1728, revised 1743)
o A satirical epic attacking dull writers, critics, and declining literary standards.
o Portrays the triumph of ignorance and mediocrity over true wit and
knowledge.
4. Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot (1735)
o A personal satire in which Pope defends his literary career against critics.
o Includes famous portraits of poets and critics of his time, including John
Dennis and Colley Cibber.
5. Essay on Man (1733-1734)
 o A philosophical poem exploring man's place in the universe, fate, and divine
justice.
o Famous lines: "Whatever is, is right."
6. Moral Essays and Epistles (1731-1735)
o A series of poems discussing themes like virtue, vice, riches, and education.
7. Translations of Homer’s Iliad (1715-1720) and Odyssey (1725-1726)
o Helped establish Pope as the leading poet and translator of his time.

Titles and Literary Contributions

 Known as the "Prince of Poets" in his era.

 Master of the heroic couplet, which became the dominant poetic form in the 18th
century.
 Key figure of the Neoclassical movement, emphasizing reason, order, and balance in
poetry.
 His sharp satirical works criticized contemporary society, politics, and literary
culture.
 His translations of Homer's epics were highly influential in English literature.

7) Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

 Born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, England.

 Suffered from poor health and financial struggles in his early years.
 Educated at Pembroke College, Oxford, but left due to financial difficulties.
 Moved to London in 1737 to pursue a literary career.
 Known for his wit, intellect, and conversational skills.
 His biography was written by James Boswell, titled The Life of Samuel Johnson
(1791).
 Died on December 13, 1784, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Major Works

1. A Dictionary of the English Language (1755)

o One of the first comprehensive English dictionaries.
o Contained around 40,000 words with definitions, etymologies, and literary
examples.
o Standardized English spelling and usage.
2. The Rambler (1750-1752)
o A periodical consisting of essays on literature, morality, and philosophy.
o Published twice a week.
3. The Idler (1758-1760)
o A series of light, humorous essays on various social issues.
4. Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia (1759)
o A philosophical novel exploring the pursuit of happiness.
o Questions the idea that happiness can be found in any specific way of life.
 5. Lives of the Poets (1779-1781)
o Biographical and critical studies of 52 poets.
o Analyzes poets like John Milton, Alexander Pope, and John Dryden.
6. Edition of Shakespeare’s Plays (1765)
o Provided annotations and critical commentary on Shakespeare’s works.

Titles and Literary Contributions

 "Dictionary Johnson" – Due to his monumental work on the English dictionary.

 Renowned Essayist & Critic – Wrote moral and philosophical essays.
 Biographer – Lives of the Poets set standards for modern biography.
 Lexicographer – His dictionary shaped the English language.
 Poet and Playwright – Wrote London (1738) and The Vanity of Human Wishes
(1749).
 Conversationalist – His wit and intelligence made him a dominant literary figure in
18th-century England.

8) Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774)

Oliver Goldsmith was an Irish writer, poet, and playwright, best known for his contributions
to 18th-century English literature. He was born in Ireland, possibly on November 10, 1728,
and studied at Trinity College, Dublin. Goldsmith had a difficult early life, struggling with
financial instability and wandering across Europe before settling in London. He worked as a
journalist and eventually gained recognition for his literary works. Despite his success, he
faced financial troubles throughout his life and passed away in 1774.

Major Works

1. The Vicar of Wakefield (1766) – A novel that tells the story of Dr. Primrose, a kind-
hearted vicar, and his family's struggles with misfortune, betrayal, and redemption. It
highlights themes of morality, virtue, and resilience.
2. The Deserted Village (1770) – A pastoral poem lamenting the decline of rural life
due to industrialization and economic shifts. It nostalgically describes an idyllic
village disrupted by progress.
3. She Stoops to Conquer (1773) – A comedy of manners that satirizes the social norms
of the time, focusing on mistaken identities, love, and class distinctions. It remains
one of the most famous English comedies.
4. An Inquiry into the Present State of Polite Learning in Europe (1759) – A critical
essay discussing the decline of literature and intellectual life in Europe.
5. The Citizen of the World (1762) – A series of fictional letters from a Chinese
traveler in England, offering humorous and insightful commentary on British society.
6. History of England (1771–1774) – A historical work providing a simplified and
engaging account of England’s past.

Titles and Literary Contributions

  Goldsmith was often called the "poet of simplicity" for his clear and elegant writing
style.
 His works contributed significantly to 18th-century literature, blending humor,
sentimentality, and social criticism.
 He played a key role in shaping the English novel, comedy, and poetry through his
unique storytelling and sharp observations of society.
 As a member of Samuel Johnson’s literary circle, he influenced and was influenced
by other great writers of his time.

9) John Bunyan (1628–1688)

 Born in Elstow, Bedfordshire, England, in 1628.

 Grew up in a modest background as the son of a tinker (a metalworker).
 Served in the Parliamentary army during the English Civil War (1644–1647).
 Experienced a spiritual awakening and became a devoted Puritan.
 Imprisoned (1660–1672) for preaching without a license under the Restoration
government.
 Continued writing and preaching until his death in 1688.

Major Works

1. The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678, 1684)

o A Christian allegory depicting a spiritual journey from the "City of
Destruction" (sinful life) to the "Celestial City" (heaven).
o The protagonist, Christian, faces trials like the Slough of Despond, Vanity
Fair, and Giant Despair before reaching salvation.
o The second part follows Christiana, his wife, and their children on a similar
journey.
2. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman (1680)
o A moral dialogue exploring the life of a wicked man and the consequences of
sin.
3. The Holy War (1682)
o An allegorical tale about the battle for "Mansoul" (the human soul) between
Prince Emmanuel (Christ) and Diabolus (Satan).
4. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (1666)
o Bunyan’s spiritual autobiography, detailing his religious struggles and
conversion.
5. A Book for Boys and Girls (1686)
o A collection of poems and moral lessons for children.

Titles and Literary Contributions

 Titles:
o Often called "The Immortal Dreamer" due to his vivid allegorical imagination.
o Known as "The Tinker Preacher" because of his humble background and
preaching career.
 Literary Contributions:
o Pioneered the use of allegory in English literature.
o Influenced religious and moral storytelling.
o His masterpiece, The Pilgrim’s Progress, became one of the most translated
and widely read books in English literature.
o Inspired later writers, including C.S. Lewis and Nathaniel Hawthorne.