Anglo-Saxon Period (450-
1066)-
Usage of Old English
(450-1100)-
The Saxons, Angles, and
Jutes mixed their
different Germanic
dialects forming Old
English or Anglo-Saxon.
Medieval Period (1066-
1500)-
This period focused on
the chivalric code of
honor/romances and
religious devotion. For
the first time, the
illiterate population can
understand literature.
Renaissance Period
(1500-1660)-
This period sees a shift
from religion to
stressing the human
life on Earth. Popular
themes included
development of
human potential and
love exploration.
Restoration to Throne
(May 25, 1660)-
Charles II was king of
England, Scotland, and
Ireland whose restoration
to the throne marked the
end of republican rule in
England.
Age of Enlightenment (1685-
1815)-
It advocated reason as a
means to establishing an
authoritative system of
aesthetics, ethics,
government, and even
religion. It allowed for
humans to obtain objective
truth about reality.
Victorian Period (1832-
1901)-
Named after Queen Victoria,
it was a time of great social,
religious, intellectual, and
economic issues. It revealed
the shocking life of
sweatshops and urban poor,
leading to conflict between
those in power and the
common laborers.
Germanic literature
encompassing themes such
as strong belief in fate,
admiration of heroic
warriors, and juxtaposition of
church and pagan worlds.
Conquest of England (Sept. 28,
1066)-
Claiming his right to the English
throne, William, duke of
Normandy, invades England at
Pevensey on Britains southeast
coast. His subsequent defeat of
King Harold II at the Battle of
Hastings marked the beginning of a
new era in British history.
Invention of printing press
with moveable type (1448)-
Inventor Johannes
Gutenberg adapted the
moveable type from Asia
developing a casting system
and metal alloys that made
production easier.
Neoclassical and
Restoration Periods
(1600-1785)-
This period showed
emphasis on the
common sense of
society rather than
individual imagination.
Often included satire to
expose and criticize
foolishness and
corruption.
Romantic Period (1785-
1832)-
The most diverse period
with emphasis on
nature and imagination.
People are seen as
innately good and
society is evil.
Modern Period (1901-1939)-
It applies to works written
after the start of World War I.
Common themes included
bold experimentation with
subject matter, style and
form, as well as narratives,
verse, and drama.
Post-Modern Period (1939-
Present)-
Beginning after the end of
World War II, it is believed to
be a direct response to
Modernism. There was no
single defining source for truth
and reality beyond personal
preferences.