Early 17th Century English Literature Themes

Plays that personified abstract qualities like vices and virtues. They aimed to teach moral lessons and explored human psychology.

The literary period in England that followed the English Civil War and the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. This era was marked by a shift in focus from puritanical values to a more secular and aristocratic worldview. It saw the rise of dramatic theatre, sophisticated prose, and a renewed interest in classical literature.

A genre of literature that uses symbolic characters, objects, and events to represent abstract concepts or moral lessons. For example, John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress uses a journey to the City of Light to symbolize the Christian journey to salvation.

A specific example of a morality play where a dying man is abandoned by all his qualities except for his good deeds.

Humorous plays that satirize and ridicule human flaws and shortcomings.

The English poet who is considered to be the quintessential example of an 'ideal Puritan' due to his excellent education and serious tone in his writing. Although known for his poetic works, Milton's prose writings played a significant role in the political and religious debates of his time.

A period of intense religious fervor and revival in England that emphasized the importance of personal piety and scriptural interpretation. This movement had a significant impact on English literature, as it inspired many writers to produce works that promoted virtue and religious devotion.

The period from 1550 to 1600 in England marked by a flourishing of dramatic arts, with the emergence of professional theatre companies and renowned playwrights.

The control and permission required for plays to be performed, which played a significant role in shaping English theatre.

The literary movement that emphasized the revival of classical art, literature, and philosophy after the Middle Ages. This period promoted humanism and intellectual inquiry, and influenced the development of English literature with its focus on rational thought and individual expression.

The official authority responsible for reviewing and approving theatrical productions.

Financial support and influence provided by wealthy individuals or institutions to playwrights and companies.

Theatrical groups that employed actors and playwrights, competing for audiences in the Elizabethan era.

A literary movement that challenged Renaissance optimism and emphasized the darker aspects of human existence, focusing on death, transience, and imperfection.

A branch of poetry that explores philosophical and spiritual questions beyond human reality, often using elaborate metaphors and imagery.

A key figure in Metaphysical poetry, known for his complex and insightful exploration of love, faith, and mortality.

A period of political and social upheaval in England, marked by clashes between the monarchy and Parliament.

The followers of Charles I during the English Civil War, including the aristocracy and some gentry.

The followers of Parliament during the English Civil War, including Londoners, the middle class, and Puritan groups.

A period of political instability following the execution of Charles I, marked by a short-lived Commonwealth and the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

A group of poets associated with the Royalist cause, known for their courtly style and themes of love, honor, and loyalty.

A social and intellectual movement in 19th-century England that advocated for a return to traditional Christian values and practices.

A period of rapid technological advancement, particularly in Britain, that led to the rise of factories and a shift from agriculture to industrial work.

The theory that explains the diversity of life through evolution, suggesting that all living things share common ancestors and change over time through the process of natural selection.

A rapid increase in the middle class, primarily due to the Industrial Revolution, characterized by new wealth and aspirations.

The Victorian Era, marked by social, political, and cultural changes in Britain, was heavily influenced by the values and ideals of the middle and upper-middle classes.

A style of writing that aims to portray the harsh realities of life, focusing on social problems and contemporary issues.

A famous Victorian writer known for his social commentary and evocative portrayals of poverty, crime, and social class.

A famous Victorian writer known for his satirical insights into the social and moral hypocrisy of the upper and middle classes.

A literary movement emphasizing emotion, imagination, and individualism over reason and logic.

A literary genre characterized by suspense, mystery, horror, and dark atmosphere, often set in gloomy castles or ruins.

The feeling of awe and dread experienced in the presence of overpowering forces, often associated with nature's grandeur or the sublime.

Characters in Gothic novels often act impulsively, driven by strong emotions like lust, revenge, or jealousy, rather than reason.

Gothic novels often feature a captive heroine who becomes a symbol of innocence victimized by the villain's desires.

A literary technique where the narrative is told through a series of letters exchanged between characters.

A type of novel that aims to evoke strong emotional responses in the reader, often focusing on themes of love, loss, and redemption.

A literary style that uses exaggerated or distorted characters and situations to criticize social or political issues.

Gothic novels often feature a setting with a strong sense of decay, isolation, and supernatural elements.

A literary device that uses vivid images, sensory details, and strong language to evoke a specific emotional response in the reader.

People are born neutral, not inherently good or bad. Their environment, education, and experiences shape their morality.

A strong emphasis on individual rights and freedoms. This contrasts with the traditional social structures of the time.

A literary movement emphasizing the sublime and mysterious aspects of nature. It highlighted the spiritual connection between humanity and nature.

The belief that ordinary language and experiences should be accessible to everyone, making literature relatable to the common person.

A semi-autobiographical poem by William Wordsworth, covering his life and reflecting on his experiences.

A group of Romantic poets, including Wordsworth and Coleridge, who lived in The Lake District, a region famous for its natural beauty.

A poem that was central to the Romantic movement, emphasizing the importance of nature, simple language, and accessibility for ordinary people.

An English aristocrat and poet known for his philosophical poems about individuals and historical events.

Expelled for atheism, a Romantic poet known for his passionate and lyrical works that explored themes of freedom, rebellion, and the power of the individual.