AP English LIterature and Composition Literary Eras

Middle English

A transition from Old English to Modern English. Many types of literary works were released such as religious works, romances, and secular tales. There were significant changes in grammar and vocabulary.

Renaissance

A revival of classical learning, humanism, and exploration. It consisted of discoveries and new ideas surrounding scientific laws, forms of art, architecture, religious ideas, and political ideas. A transition from middle age to modernity.

Elizabethan/Renaissance Poetry

This era had a flourishing of sonnets and lyrical poetry. It was connected with Queen Elizabeth I’s rule over England and was a golden age of English literature, exploration, and national pride. Poetry often explored themes of love, beauty, time, and nature.

Metaphysical Poetry

More intellectual, witty, and complex poetry with heavy use of metaphors. The most common topics of these poems are love, religion, and morality.

Cavalier Poetry

Written by poets loyal to King Charles I, it emphasized elegance, “seize the day” themes, and courtly love.

Puritan Poetry

Simple and straightforward writing style associated with religious themes and moral instruction. It sought to teach and educate instead of entertain.

Romanticism

Romantic literature was a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism and emphasized emotion, nature, individualism, and the supernatural.

Restoration Period

After the return of Charles II, literature became satirical, witty, and focused on social commentary.

Augustan Period

Characterized by neoclassicism, satire, and an emphasis on reason and order.

Age of Johnson

Named after Samuel Johnson, this period saw the transition from neoclassicism to Romanticism.

Victorian Era

Victorian literature is defined by realism, morality, and social critique. It explored industrialization, class struggles, and gender roles.

Modernism

It was a break from traditional literary forms, exploring alienation, fragmented narratives, and experimental techniques.

Harlem Renaissance

A cultural and literary movement celebrating Black identity and artistic expression.

Postmodernism

Characterized by self-referentiality, irony, and fragmented narratives.