English Literature Periods

How long was Beowulf?

What is the name of the book that lists all the land and property owned by people living in England during the reign of William the Conqueror?

The printing press was invented during the time of Geoffrey Chaucer, but it was not used to print The Canterbury Tales.

Whose most famous and important work is The Canterbury Tales?

Which king broke with Rome to start the Church of England and became the Supreme Head of the Church?

Which of these terms does NOT describe a change in lifestyle from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance?

Name the two English authors that influenced the Romantic period.

What is the name of the poem where William Wordsworth writes about a bittersweet moment in nature, where the joy of nature is intertwined with a melancholy reflection on humanity?

What is the name of Mary Shelley’s famous Gothic novel?

Name the most productive novelist of the Victorian era.

Which of these novels is NOT written by Charles Dickens?

What book did Lewis Carroll write that is still popular today?

A Reader of English Literature - Vwo 5

Contents: Provides a breakdown for different English Literature periods
- Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period: c. 500-1066, page 2
- Middle English Period: 1066-1500, page 5
- Renaissance: 1500-1660, page 9
- Age of Reason: 1660-1800, page 16
- Romantic Period: 1800-1837, page 22
- Victorian Age: 1837-1901, page 27
- Glossary of important literary terms: page 33

Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period (c. 500-1066)

History: The Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) settled in Britain after the Romans withdrew (c. 410).
Invasions: The Celts were invaded by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, eventually settling, pushing the Celts into the western parts of the island (England).
Early Kingdoms and Christianity: Kingdoms arose and coexisted; Christianity was introduced.
Vikings: Scandinavians (Vikings) started raiding in the 8th century, settling in areas known as the Danelaw by the 9th century. The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings eventually integrated peacefully.
Conversion to Christianity: The Vikings were converted to Christianity.

Poetry

Overview: Describes the forms and characteristics of poetry from the Old English period. The author emphasises alliterative verse and didactic (instructive) texts.
Beowulf (c. 700): A long epic poem that portrays a heroic figure (Beowulf) who battles monsters. Alliterative verse and rhythm, but translated to modern prose. Focuses on the journey of a heroic warrior and includes elements of pagan society.

Explore the various periods of English Literature from the Old English period to the Victorian Age. This quiz covers essential historical contexts and literary developments for each era. Test your knowledge on key events and terms that shaped English literature.