History of english literature plan

Literary Features of the Period :

The Elizabethan Age is regarded as the Golden Age in the history of English literature. The renaissance brought ancient Greek and Roman wisdom to England. The religious Reformation taught religious tolerance and secularism. The geographical and astronomical explorations brought affluence and power. In other words, the social life of England was marked by a strong national spirit, humanism, religious broadmindedness, scientific curiosity, social content, intellectual progress and unlimited enthusiasm. All these aspects of the social life are reflected in the writings of this period. The literature of this age shows a quest for "the remote,the wonderful and the beautiful". It is an age of original romanticism. This romanticism revived again, after a long time in 1798 in the poetry of Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats and Byron.

b) The Jacobean Age (1603-1625)

This age is named after James I who reigned England from 1603 to 1625. The word "Jacobean" is derived from "Jacobus", the Latin version of James. Some historians like to call the last five years of this age as a part of another age which they call The Puritan Age (1620-1660). They call it so because in between 1620 and 1660 puritanism became the driving force in the life and literature of England. The important elements of this age were:

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  Colonial territories were expanded.
  
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  Religious conflict that subsided in the Elizabethan age, revived in this period. Protestants were divided into three sects: (1) Anglicans, (2) Presbyterians and (3) Puritans. 
  
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  Renaissance's influence continued.
  
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  Scotland was brought under the rule of the king of England.
  

c. Caroline Age (1625-1649)

This age is named after Charles I who reigned over England from 1625 to 1649. "Caroline" is derived from "Carolus", the Latin version of "Charles". This age is also a part of the Puritan Age (1620-1660). The important events of this period were:

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  There was a long civil war between " Cavaliers" and "Roundheads". Those who supported the king were called " Cavaliers" Most of them were lords and their dependants. "Roundheads" were those who supported Parliament. Most of them were puritans. A group of lyric poets associated with the "Cavaliers" are called "Cavalier poets". Richard Lovelace, Sir John Suckling, Robert Herrick and Thomas Carew were the members of this group. These poets are also called Sons of Ben as they were the admirers and followers of Ben Jonson. Their lyrics are trivial, gay, witty and often licentious.
  
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  In 1642 English theatre was officially closed. On 14 June 1643 Licensing Order for printing was passed.
  
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  The Cavaliers were defeated, the king was caught and publicly beheaded on 30th January, 1649. His death marked the dissolution of monarchy for the time being.
  
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  English colonies were further expanded.
  
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  Oliver Cromwell emerged as a Puritan leader and came to power in 1649.