The Old English Period (c. 500-1066)

A literary device that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'.

A literary device that compares two things directly, without using 'like' or 'as'.

A shift or turn in the argument, idea, or mood of a poem, often found in the last two lines of a sonnet.

A rhythmic pattern in poetry where every second syllable is stressed.

A poem with 14 lines written in iambic pentameter, with specific rhyme schemes.

A set of rhyming words in a poem, following a specific pattern.

A literary movement that emphasized reason, human potential, and classicism.

A form of dramatic performance that involves actors, a stage, costumes, and a script.

A type of medieval literature that tells stories about brave knights, often featuring Christian ideals or heroic deeds.

A story that provides the framework for other stories within it. Think of it as a container for multiple tales.

Plays that focused on religious themes, often depicting stories from the Bible or the lives of saints, performed on wagons that moved around town.

A historical period in England from 1837 to 1901 marked by Queen Victoria's reign, rapid industrialization, and the rise of the middle class.

Plays that used allegorical characters to teach moral lessons about good versus evil. These characters represent abstract qualities like 'Death,' 'Beauty,' and 'Pride.'

The most famous work of Geoffrey Chaucer, a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury.

The increasing use of machines and factories for mass production, which led to a significant shift in society.

The great English poet of the Middle Ages, famous for The Canterbury Tales.

The social class between the aristocracy and the working class, gaining power during the Victorian era.

The lower class, often working in factories under harsh conditions with long hours.

A type of medieval drama that emerged after its banishment from churches in the 13th century. It originated from short dramatizations of religious texts and evolved into elaborate performances on wagons.

A series of laws passed during the Victorian era to improve working conditions, child labor, education, and voting rights.

A period in European history that followed the fall of the Roman Empire and marked the rise of Christianity and feudalism, lasting roughly from the 5th to the 15th centuries.

Charles Darwin's groundbreaking theory, challenging the traditional view of the world's creation.

A literary genre popular in the Victorian era, characterized by vivid characters, intricate plots, and social commentary.

A style of poetry that emphasizes a sense of longing, regret, and romantic escapism.

A type of work that involves separating fibers from a rope or similar material. It was considered a menial task in Oliver Twist's time.

A place where the poor and destitute were sent to live, often with harsh conditions. Oliver Twist was sent to a workhouse.

The governing body or committee of a workhouse responsible for its management and policies.

A system of laws that were designed to help the poor, but often resulted in hardship for those who depended on them.

The process of gradually starving someone to death.

A simple, watery porridge, often served as a meal in workhouses.

A type of bread that was a standard food in the workhouse.

The official court for handling divorce cases in England.

The Victorian era was a time of great change and upheaval, marked by a struggle between faith and doubt, hope and disillusionment. This conflict is reflected in the works of many Victorian writers, who often explored these themes in their novels.

The Victorian novel was incredibly popular because more and more people learned to read and because novels were sold in cheap installments, making them accessible to a wider audience.

The Victorian novel often explored the lives and problems of the landed gentry and upper middle class in rural England, often focusing on the importance of making a suitable marriage within one's social class.

Jane Austen was a key pioneer of the Victorian novel, her works like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Emma' examined the social norms and complexities of the upper classes, using wit and irony to expose their follies.

Charlotte Brontë, known for her novel 'Jane Eyre', was a prominent Victorian writer. Her works often explored themes of love, loss, and social injustice, drawing on her own experiences as a governess and reflecting the Victorian social landscape.

Emily Brontë's only novel, 'Wuthering Heights', is considered a literary masterpiece. Despite its controversial characters and themes, it gained immense popularity after her death. The book's intense depiction of passion, revenge, and social inequality challenged the Victorian norms.

The Victorian Period saw the emergence of novels specifically written for children, marking a change from the earlier didactic and often cruel children's stories. This shift reflected a changing attitude towards children's literature.

At the end of the Victorian era, the novel started losing its dominance, with theatre regaining popularity. However, the Victorian novel left a lasting impact on literature and continues to be studied and enjoyed today.

A poem or play that celebrates and idealizes nature and rural life, often expressing a longing for it.

A dramatic performance that is not based on religious themes, but deals with worldly events and human experiences.

A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing their thoughts and feelings to the audience.

A literary technique where a character's thoughts and feelings are presented in a stream of consciousness, without logical order or structure.