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A Survey of English Literature by Anthony Burgess
Overview
The book offers a survey of English literature, originally published under the author's pen-name, J. Burgess Wilson.
This revised work covers the developments in English Literature since the 1950s.
Designed to provide context within social and intellectual realms, making it an accessible reference for readers.
ISBN: 0-582-55224-9
Table of Contents
What is Literature?
What is English Literature?
The First English Literature
The Coming of the Normans
Chaucer and After
The Beginnings of Drama
The Beginnings of English Drama
Early Elizabethan Drama
William Shakespeare
Other Elizabethan Dramatists
Tudor Poetry and Prose
Page 4: What is Literature?
Education is broadly divided into sciences (math, geography, etc.) and arts (drama, music, literature).
The purpose of education is to prepare individuals for life in a civilized community.
Everyday life often reflects a lack of engagement with either sciences or arts for the average person.
Significant figures in civilization include artists and scientists; their contributions have lasting impacts.
Science is driven by curiosity, constantly seeking to answer "Why?" questions.
Page 6: Truth and Beauty
Truth varies and is explored differently by scientists (what is) versus artists (what ought to be).
Both seek to uncover reality but use different methods.
Art exists to create connections and patterns, facilitating understanding of life’s complexity.
Page 10: English Literature
Defined as literature written in English, not confined to one nation but a vast body of works across the globe.
Important works written in English span the contributions of various authors across different regions.
Page 12: The First English Literature
Discusses the Anglo-Saxon presence in England who brought elements of culture and literature with them.
The origins of Old English and its transformation over time through invasions and migrations.
Key texts include Beowulf, poetically significant and recounting heroic tales.
Page 18: The Coming of the Normans
After the Norman Conquest, the English language evolved and mixed with Norman French, influencing literature.
Description of feudalism shaping society and literature of the time emerging from religious and historical contexts.
Page 26: The Beginnings of Drama
The origins of drama are rooted in imitation and magic, involving myths and rituals that shaped early storytelling.
Greek drama developed from religious ceremonies and rituals into more sophisticated presentations with moral lessons.
Page 36: Early Elizabethan Drama
Identifies the shift towards secular plays and the popularity of dramatic works among the growing urban audiences.
Emergence of companies of players performing in inns, leading to the establishment of permanent theatres.
Page 39: William Shakespeare
Shakespeare emerged as a leading playwright, known for his breadth of work and ability to reach various segments of society.
His writing blended genres, combining history, comedy, and tragedy with renowned characters and intricate plots.
Page 82: Tudor Poetry and Prose
The evolution of prose and poetry during the Elizabethan time reflects the rich cultural context of the era.
Discussion on significant poets and works that shaped English literary heritage, with a focus on figures such as Spenser and Donne.
Page 100: John Donne and Metaphysical Poetry
Donne's work marked a departure from Spenser's smoothness, characterized by a fiery, analytical style.
His poetry explored complex emotion and intellect, becoming influential in the realm of metaphysical poetry.
Final Reflections
The book presents a thorough exploration of English literature from its origins to its broader implications in society.
It encompasses the interplay of drama, poetry, and public sentiment during the time, reflecting the intricacies of human experience.
A Survey of English Literature by Anthony Burgess
Overview
The book offers a comprehensive survey of English literature, originally published under the author's pen-name, J. Burgess Wilson. This revised work surveys developments in English Literature since the 1950s, encompassing notable literary movements, key authors, their contributions, and the historical and cultural contexts that shaped their works. Designed to provide a broad context within social and intellectual realms, this book aims to make English literature accessible to both casual readers and academic audiences. The ISBN for this publication is 0-582-55224-9.
Table of Contents
What is Literature?
What is English Literature?
The First English Literature
The Coming of the Normans
Chaucer and After
The Beginnings of Drama
The Beginnings of English Drama
Early Elizabethan Drama
William Shakespeare
Other Elizabethan Dramatists
Tudor Poetry and Prose
Page 4: What is Literature?
Education is broadly divided into two main fields: sciences (including mathematics, geography, etc.) and arts (encompassing drama, music, literature). The purpose of education is to equip individuals for integration into a civilized community, where literature fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and empathy.
Often, everyday life reflects a lack of substantial engagement with either sciences or arts for the average individual, resulting in a skewed understanding of the complexities of society. Notable figures throughout history, including artists, poets, playwrights, and scientists, have shaped cultural output and intellectual discourse, with their contributions leaving enduring impacts that resonate through time.
Science, driven by curiosity, continuously seeks to answer "Why?" questions, unraveling the mysteries of the universe, whereas art often analyzes life experiences and emotions while attempting to answer "What ought to be?" This discourse creates a dynamic relationship between art and science in the exploration of truths.
Page 6: Truth and Beauty
The concept of truth is multifaceted, varying across the disciplines of science and art. Scientists typically focus on empirical evidence and observable phenomena (what is), while artists engage with ideals and moral questions (what ought to be). Both disciplines contribute to a comprehensive understanding of reality, though through divergent methodologies.
Art exists primarily to create connections and reveal patterns that facilitate a deeper understanding of life's inherent complexity. Artists often engage with social and political issues, offering commentary on the human condition, challenging societal norms, and exploring diverse perspectives.
Page 10: English Literature
English literature is defined as literature composed in the English language and includes diverse works produced across various countries and cultures. This literary body is not confined to one nation; it encompasses contributions from authors in England, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and other regions around the world.
The evolution of English literature mirrors historical and cultural changes, influencing idiomatic expression, genre exploration, and thematic developments. It captures societal shifts, the dynamics of power, and changing individual values over centuries.
Page 12: The First English Literature
This section delves into the Anglo-Saxon period in England, highlighting the introduction of early literary forms brought by Germanic settlers. The transformation of Old English occurred over centuries through various invasions (e.g., Viking incursions) and cultural exchanges.
Key texts include Beowulf, an epic poem that possesses significant poetic and historical value, recounting heroic tales and moral lessons stemming from the Anglo-Saxon ethos. The Exeter Book is another essential text, preserving a collection of verse forms, including riddles, hymns, and elegies that encapsulate the culture of the time.
Page 18: The Coming of the Normans
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, the English language underwent considerable transformation, blending with Norman French. This linguistic evolution had lasting effects on literature, contributing to the emergence of new forms and themes. Key historical developments during this time include the implementation of feudalism, which redefined social structure and relationships.
The literature of the era often reflects religious themes, historical context, and the intertwining of cultures. Works such as the Domesday Book and early chronicles provide insights into the societal changes in post-conquest England.
Page 26: The Beginnings of Drama
The origins of drama are traced back to imitative practices and rituals entwined with myth and religion. Early storytelling methods evolved into structured performances. Greek drama, particularly, developed from religious ceremonies, eventually giving rise to moral and philosophical themes.
The works of authors like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides established foundational structures for dramatic literature, introducing complex characters and ethical dilemmas that resonate with later English playwrights.
Page 36: Early Elizabethan Drama
This section focuses on the flourishing of secular plays during the Elizabethan era, highlighting the cultural Renaissance that advanced artistic expression. The rise of urban audiences led to a growing demand for dramatic works.
Companies of players began performing in inns and transient venues, leading to permanent establishments like The Theatre and The Globe. Illustrating the shift toward professionalism in the arts, this period laid the groundwork for the eventual dominance of plays in English literary tradition.
Page 39: William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare stands as a pivotal figure in Elizabethan theatre, recognized for his expansive work that showcases a rich blend of genres: comedy, tragedy, and history. His remarkable ability to resonate with various audience segments is a testimony to his diverse character portrayal and the intricate, layered plots within his plays.
Shakespeare’s works, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, explore universal themes—love, ambition, betrayal, and morality—through compelling narratives that interrogate the human experience.
Page 82: Tudor Poetry and Prose
The evolution of prose and poetry during the Elizabethan age reflects a rich interplay of culture and innovation. Poets like Edmund Spenser crafted works such as The Faerie Queene, balancing allegory and moral discourse, while figures like Christopher Marlowe introduced a new vitality to lyric poetry and drama.
This era also celebrated the emergence of prose essays and pamphlets, which encapsulated the humanist ideas, political thought, and individual experiences of the time, fostering a vibrant literary culture. Engaging with contemporary issues, these writings contributed to the development of public discourse and individual expression.
Page 100: John Donne and Metaphysical Poetry
John Donne’s work marked a significant transition in poetry, contrasting sharply with the smooth stylistic tendencies of his predecessors like Spenser. Donne's verses are characterized by their passionate, analytical style, exploring complex themes of love, mortality, spirituality, and the relationship between the divine and the human experience.
His distinctive metaphysical style, marked by intricate conceits and intense emotionality, made significant strides in the genre, paving the way for subsequent metaphysical poets such as George Herbert and Andrew Marvell.
Final Reflections
The book provides a thorough exploration of English literature, extending from its foundational origins to its broader societal implications. It encompasses the intricate interplay of drama, poetry, and the evolving public sentiment across historical contexts, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience and serving as a vital lens through which to evaluate significant cultural and literary developments throughout English literary history.
