Eng426 20th century english literature

Traditional English Literature and its Features

Traditional English Literature: What is known as the English Literature began from the Anglo-Saxon period but became well developed and recognised in the eighteenth century, also known as the renaissance period. Prior to the renaissance period, literature from Europe drew heavily in form and style from the Roman and Greek literary traditions. Events depicted in the literature at the time were derived from mythology, history, religion, and legend. With these sources, literary expressions often conveyed communal senses and ideologies. The Roman and Greek literary traditions had two main genres - drama and poetry.

The renaissance period witnessed the rebirth of literature in Britain. A new form of expression emerged - the novel. As the genres of drama and poetry moved from one country (in Europe) to the other, it adopted new techniques and adapted existing ones. Gradually, Britain developed her own literary tradition (known as English Literature) which is distinguishable from, for instance, French or Russian literature. Apart from the fact that it is written in English, it portrays the socio-cultural, economic, and political experiences of Britain and her people.

Features of English Literature: Traditional English literature broadly refers to writings of the English people that were over the years common and acceptable as the “norm”. The thematic concerns, plot, settings viewpoint, and characterisation styles followed a predictable pattern. For example, it is believed that traditional English literature, especially the novel, drew inspiration from actual life experiences of people in the author’s immediate environment which in turn produced linear and coherent plot. Traditional literary works represent morality. For example, Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe narrates the life experiences of an individual. The event in the novel was drawn from neither myth nor legend; it has to do with actual life experiences of the British society of the time it was written. The novel shows morality by representing the consequences of inordinate ambition through the life of Crusoe.

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