Module 1: Survey of English and American Literature PDF

ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE KRISTIAN PAUL M. LAZO,EdD Short Summary of English and American Geography, History, Language, Society and Culture English Geography Geographically the United Kingdom is pastoral land in fact 70% of its territory consist of pastures and farm f...

ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE KRISTIAN PAUL M. LAZO,EdD Short Summary of English and American Geography, History, Language, Society and Culture English Geography Geographically the United Kingdom is pastoral land in fact 70% of its territory consist of pastures and farm fields and only 1/10 of its land is forested and England area is just over the total territory of UK. The said country is bordered with northern Scotland along with southern Wale and much of the rural England is sprinkled with small towns. In general, England territory consist mostly of a large rolling central lowland that transition into a wide flatter eastern plain along the northern sea. England main ranges of mountains which are Cumbia and Pennines that are located in far north the highest peak here is 3200 feet in elevation and it is also has 9 regions. American Geography The United States of America is the world’s third largest country in size, it is located in North America, the country is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean along the northern border of Canada and the couther border of Mexico. America’s official name is the United State of America and its capital is Washing D.C (D.C stands for District of Colombia) with the total area of 3,794,083 square miles.  The highest peak here is the Denali in Alaska with 20,308 feet in elevation. The lowest peak here is the famous Death Valley at -282 feet. It has 2 major mountains which are the rocky mountain and the Appalachian Mountains as well it has major river namely the Mississippi river, Missouri river, and the Colorado river.  History, Language, Society and Culture of England The original English people were composed of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. These groups originated from northern Germany and the Baltic region. They took control of the Roman province of Britannia following the collapse of the Roman Empire. Indigenous Britons retained their presence in Wales and Cornwall. The Picts continued to inhabit northern Scotland. The majority of the island, including the southern part of modern-day Scotland, was overrun by the Anglo-Saxons.  The Anglo-Saxons eventually adopted Christianity, aligning themselves with the Roman Church. This adoption contributed to the development of a wealthy and flourishing culture. Their prosperity attracted the attention of Viking peoples from Scandinavia. The Vikings invaded and temporarily conquered the northern part of England, referred to as "Angle- land." Resistance against the Vikings led to the unification of the English kingdoms. This unification culminated in the rise of Æthelstan, the first Saxon king of all England.  Development of Anglo-Saxon England: Distinctive language and highly sophisticated culture. Lasted until 1066. Norman Conquest of 1066: England was attacked and overrun by Normans from northern France. For about 300 years, England was closely tied to France. French Influence in England: French-speaking monarchy and ruling class. English people became subservient in their own land. Anglicisation of French Overlords: French rulers became anglicized through intermarriage with the English. English, with some French additions, became the common language across all classes. English Conquests: French-English rulers launched successful conquests of Ireland and Wales. Scottish Resistance: King Robert the Bruce resisted invasion. Scotland remained a separate kingdom.  Medieval England: - Wealthy nation flourishing on trade, especially in fine woolen cloth. - Strong devotion to the Catholic Church. Lands in France: - English kings and lords held substantial territories in northern and western France. - In the 14th century, King Edward III claimed the French crown. Hundred Years' War: - Series of wars fought between England and France over the French throne. - England's claim was eventually defeated by the French, inspired by Joan of Arc, in the mid-15th century. Aftermath: - Defeat in France led to internal conflict among the English nobility. - Resulted in the Wars of the Roses, a civil war between rival branches of the royal family. Outcome: - Henry Tudor emerged as the victor, becoming Henry VII in 1485. - He spent his reign solidifying his hold on the throne.  The Tudors and Wales: Henry Tudor's son, Henry VIII, incorporated Wales into England. Wales retained its distinctive language and identity despite the union. Henry VIII and the Church: Henry VIII famously disputed with the papacy over the status of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This dispute led to England's break from the Church of Rome. Tudor Era (1485–1603): England became a centralized state with London as its government center. The English language developed into sophisticated literature, notably through Shakespeare. The period saw the spread of English overseas as settlers moved to new lands. Parliament's power increased, particularly in making laws and managing taxes. By Elizabeth I's reign (starting 1558), Parliament claimed greater authority, including taxation rights. Elizabeth I avoided major conflicts with Parliament but passed away childless in 1603. Stuart Period (1603–1714) James VI of Scotland became James I of England, aiming to unite England and Scotland into "Great Britain," but faced resistance. The Stuarts' belief in divine right led to tensions with Parliament, culminating in the English Civil War (1642). The Civil War, part of a broader conflict including religious and political strife in Scotland and Ireland, ended with Parliament's victory. Charles I was executed in 1649, and the monarchy and House of Lords were abolished. Oliver Cromwell emerged as Lord Protector, imposing control over Scotland and Ireland. After Cromwell’s death (1658), the monarchy was restored with Charles II. The Glorious Revolution (1688): Parliament invited a Dutch invasion to depose the Catholic King James II. This event, known as the Glorious Revolution, solidified Parliament’s dominance. Ireland was punished for supporting James II, leading to its prolonged poverty. Scotland, suffering from economic difficulties, sought union with England in 1707, forming the Kingdom of Great Britain. 19th Century and Industrial Revolution: The new British identity was promoted, with symbols like the British flag and patriotic songs. The 1801 Act of Union incorporated Ireland into the United Kingdom, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. England, particularly industrialized, became the wealthiest and most powerful part of the UK. Victorian idealization of rural England persisted, despite the reality of industrialization. There was frequent confusion between "England" and "Britain" in terminology. 20th Century Challenges and Nationalism: Irish nationalism led to independence after World War I, though six counties in Ulster remained in the UK. Scottish and Welsh national identities were revitalized, leading to the creation of a Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly in 1999. British identity faced challenges with decolonization, immigration, and EU membership. The 2016 Brexit vote reflected tensions over British identity and EU membership. Modern Era: England is the largest and most populous part of the UK, with significant regional and cultural diversity. London's dominance often makes it seem almost separate from the rest of England. The Westminster Parliament functions as a hybrid British and English legislature. The term "Britain" is often mistakenly used to refer to England alone, though this is incorrect. Three Main Periods of Language in England OLD ENGLISH (450-1100 AD) The invading Germanic tribes spoke similar languages, which in Britain developed into what we now call Old English. This does not sound like English Today. That is why, Native English speakers today have a difficulty understanding Old English. Half of the Modern English have Old English roots. Words like be, strong and water are derived from Old English. Beowulf was also an example of poem written in Old English. MIDDLE ENGLISH (1100-1500) In 1066, William the Conqueror, the duke of Normandy which is now part of the Modern France invaded and conquered England. The new conquerors, called the Normans brought with them a kind of French which became the language of the Royal Court and the ruling and business classed. There was a time on that period where there was a kind of linguistic class division where lower classed spoke English and the upper classes spoke French. In 14th century, English became a dominant language of Britain but with many French words added. This was called Middle English and was the language of Chaucer (c1340-1400). But it is still something that English speaker would find difficult to understand. Chaucer began writing The Canterbury Tales. It was also during this period when English replaces Latin as the language of instruction in most schools as well as replacing French as the language of law and is used in Parliament for the first time. MODERN ENGLISH Early Modern English (1500-1800) Late Modern English (1800-Present) Early Modern English (1500-1800) Towards the end of Middle English, a sudden and distinct change in pronunciation which is The Great Vowel Shift started, with vowels being pronounces shorter and shorter. It was Linguist Otto Jespersen who coined the term. It was a massive sound change affecting the long vowels of English. The long vowels shifted upwards; a vowel that used to be pronounces in one place in the mouth would be pronounced higher up in the mouth.  It brought standardization in English. It was William Caxton who established the 1st Printing Press. Books became cheaper and many people learned to read, spelling and grammar became fixed. Dialect of London, where most publishing houses were, became the standard. In 1604, the first English Dictionary was published, Table Alphabeticall. Moreover, it was also on 1564 when Shakespeare was born. An example of his work is the Hamlet which Native English speaker still find difficult to understand. It was 1782 when Britain abandons its colonies and is later become USA. Late Modern English (1800-Present) The main difference with Early Modern English is vocabulary. Late Modern English has many more words arising from two factors; The Industrial Revolution and technology created a need for new words. British Empire covered one quarter of the earth9s surface and the English language adopted foreign words from many countries. During this period, Webster published his American English Dictionary (1828) and Oxford English dictionary was also published (1928). American History and Language  The first Europeans to reach North America were Icelandic Vikings led by Leif Ericson about the year 1000 but failed to establish a settlement. Five centuries later, the demand for Asian spices textiles and dyes spurred European navigators. That is why on 1492, Italian navigator, Christopher Columbus sailed west from Europe and landed on one of the Bahama Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Within 40urs, Spanish adventures had carved a huge empire in Central and South America. Significant Periods of American History The Colonial Era During 1620, Puritans founded Plymouth Colony and later became Massachusetts. It was the second permanent British Settlement in North America and first in New England. In New England the Puritans hoped to build a “city upon a hill” – an ideal community. Americans viewed their country as worthy model for other nations to follow. Puritans believed that government should enforce God9s Morality. 1. What are the key characteristics of Old English, and why is it difficult for modern English speakers to understand? Provide examples of words or literary works from this period. Focus: Old English (450-1100 AD), Germanic tribes, words derived from Old English, Beowulf. 2. How did the Norman Conquest in 1066 impact the development of the English language during the Middle English period? Explain the role of French and how English evolved during this time. Focus: Middle English (1100-1500), William the Conqueror, linguistic class divisions, introduction of French words, The Canterbury Tales. 3. What was the Great Vowel Shift, and how did it contribute to the transition from Middle English to Early Modern English? Focus: Early Modern English (1500-1800), pronunciation changes, Otto Jespersen's term, the impact on vowels, standardization of English. 4. How did the invention of the printing press and the work of William Caxton influence the standardization of English during the Early Modern English period? Focus: Early Modern English, printing press, cheaper books, fixed spelling and grammar, standardization of the London dialect, Table Alphabeticall (1604). 5. Describe the major differences between Early Modern English and Late Modern English, focusing on vocabulary growth. How did historical events like the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire contribute to this expansion? Focus: Late Modern English (1800-present), new vocabulary, Industrial Revolution, British Empire, American English Dictionary (1828), Oxford English Dictionary (1928).