DESCRIBE THE PERIOD
The Renaissance
The Renaissance (late 15th – early 17th century) was a period of renewed interest in classical culture and humanism. Literature focused on human potential, love, power and beauty. Drama became very important and theatres were built in London.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English Renaissance playwright and poet. He wrote tragedies, comedies and history plays. His works deal with universal themes such as love, power, jealousy and ambition.
Animal Farm
Animal Farm is an allegory of the Russian Revolution. It shows how power corrupts and how a revolution can turn into a dictatorship. The main characters are animals on a farm.
Tragedy
A tragedy is a serious play that ends with the death or downfall of the main character. The hero usually has a fatal flaw and struggles with inner conflict.
Dickens wrote about rich aristocracy.
False
Romanticism
Romanticism (late 18th – first half of the 19th century) emphasised emotion, imagination and nature. Writers focused on the individual and often rejected industrial society. Poetry was the most important genre.
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens was a Victorian novelist who wrote about social problems and the lives of poor people. His works are often set in London and have strong moral messages. His most famous novels include Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story about two young people from enemy families. Their love ends in their deaths. The play shows the conflict between love and hate.
Sonnet
A sonnet is a 14-line poem written in a strict rhyme scheme. Shakespearean sonnets are written in iambic pentameter.
Shakespeare wrote novels.
False
The Victorian period
The Victorian period (1837–1901) was influenced by the Industrial Revolution and social change. Literature was realistic and often described poverty, class differences and moral values. Novels were usually published in instalments.
George Orwell
George Orwell was a 20th-century writer known for his dystopian novels. He criticised totalitarian regimes and the misuse of power. His most famous works are Animal Farm and 1984.
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist tells the story of an orphan growing up in poverty in London. It criticises social injustice and child labour. The novel shows the dark side of Victorian society.
Realism
Realism is a literary style that describes everyday life and real social problems in a detailed and truthful way.
Dystopian literature shows a perfect society.
False
Modernism
Modernism (early 20th century – between the wars) was influenced by World War I and the loss of old certainties. Writers focused on the inner world of characters and psychology. They experimented with form and used techniques like stream of consciousness
Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley was a Romantic writer and the author of Frankenstein. She combined Gothic elements with early science fiction. Her work explores the dangers of scientific progress and the need for human responsibility.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
This novel is about a young man who never grows old while his portrait becomes ugly. It explores the ideas of beauty, morality and the corruption of the soul.
Gothic novel
A Gothic novel is a story with a dark atmosphere, mystery and supernatural elements. It often deals with fear and psychological tension.
Modernism focuses on psychology.
True
Contemporary literature
Contemporary (from the second half of the 20th century to the present) literature is diverse and often multicultural. It deals with modern life, identity, relationships and social issues. The language is usually more informal and accessible.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was a writer of the late Victorian period and a representative of aestheticism. He believed in art for art’s sake. His most famous novel is The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Frankenstein
Frankenstein is a Gothic novel about a scientist who creates a living being. The creature becomes violent because society rejects him. The novel deals with responsibility, loneliness and the dangers of science.
Stream of consciousness
Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that shows the inner thoughts of a character. It often has no clear structure.
Romanticism celebrates reason.
False