Literature

Preface

Definition of Literature

  • Literature is a record of past events and a reflection of societal occurrences.

  • It represents imaginative experiences through verse and prose, rooted in real-life situations.

  • Intertwined with social conditions, thoughts, cultures, customs, art, and music of its time.

Historical Overview

  • English literature spans nearly fourteen hundred years, beginning in the fifth century.

Lecture One: The Oldest English Literature

Distribution of Literature

  • Originated with oral transmission of poetry.

  • Evolved to writing on various surfaces and later to printed works, starting in 1474, enhancing accessibility but reducing reliance on memory.

Verse: The Earliest Form of Literature

  • The oldest literary forms are typically in verse, such as Homer's epics, Scandinavian sagas, and Beowulf.

Key Literary Figures

John Wyclif (1324-1384)

  • Criticized Church practices and translated the Bible into English.

  • Made the Bible accessible to the public, though official printing came later.

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400)

  • "Father of English poetry" and educated in Latin, French, and Italian traditions.

  • Created vivid portrayals of society through works like Canterbury Tales.

  • Known for his narrative style utilizing rhymed couplets.

Chaucer's Works

  • The Canterbury Tales consists of about 17,000 lines and features narratives by pilgrims to Canterbury.

Chaucer's Style

  • Blended vibrant imagery with robust themes from classical, French, and Italian influences.

  • Pioneer in realistic dialogues and character depiction, influencing future drama.

Lecture Four: The Early Beginning of Drama

Origins of Drama

  • Initiated by priests in church services, leading to religious plays based on biblical narratives introduced by the Normans.

Early Plays

  • First play, Quem Quaeritis, represented the Resurrection with simplicity.

Mystery Plays

  • Focused on moral lessons derived from biblical stories.

Evolution of Religious Plays

  • Expanded to the vernacular beyond religious confines, reflecting public interest.

Morality Plays

  • Aimed to impart ethical lessons, personifying virtues and vices, laying the groundwork for complex narratives.