- A. Romantic Period
- B. Anglo-Saxon Period
- C. Middle English Period
- D. Victorian Age
The oldest period in the history of English literature is B. Anglo-Saxon Period, also known as Old English literature. It flourished from roughly 450 AD to 1066 AD.
Here’s a deeper dive into this period and a related fact:
Anglo-Saxon Period (450 AD – 1066 AD):
- Language: Old English, a set of Germanic dialects brought to Britain by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. This language is quite different from modern English, requiring specialized training to understand.
- Significant Works:
- Epic Poetry: Beowulf, the longest surviving epic poem in Old English, tells the story of a hero who battles a monstrous creature.
- Religious Texts: Cædmon’s Hymn, considered the oldest surviving poem in English, and translations of the Bible.
- Chronicles: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of events in England.
- Genres: Epic poetry, religious prose, legal documents, riddles
- Characteristics:
- Alliterative Verse: This poetic form relies on repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, creating a rhythmic effect.
- Kennings: A unique feature of Old English poetry, kennings are metaphorical phrases used in place of nouns. For example, “whale-road” might be used to refer to the sea.
- Focus on Heroic Themes: Many works celebrate bravery, loyalty, and the struggles of warriors.
- Christian Influence: Following the conversion of Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, religious themes became prominent.
Related Fact: The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror marked a significant turning point. French became the language of the elite, heavily influencing the development of Middle English, the next major period in English literature. This infusion of French words and grammar significantly changed the language used in writing
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