Dr.M.Mazumdar

Augustanism in literature is part of the neo classicism, refers to the literary style and ideals of the early 18th century, primarily in England, which drew inspiration from the classical works of Roman authors during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – AD 14). This period in Roman history was marked by political stability and a flourishing of arts and literature, particularly through poets like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. The English writers of the Augustan Age sought to emulate the order, restraint, and classical forms of their Roman counterparts, hence the name "Augustan." Key Characteristics Augustan literature is characterized by its focus on order, decorum, balance, and wit. Writers of this period emphasized clarity, precision, and reason, reflecting the broader intellectual movement of the Enlightenment. They prized classical ideals of harmony and proportion, often expressing a sense of social and moral responsibility through their works. Satire was a dominant mode du...

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a cultural and intellectual movement that dominated Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, influencing literature, philosophy, science, and politics. In English literature, the Enlightenment emphasized reason, logic, and empirical evidence over tradition, faith, and superstition. Writers sought to understand the world through rational inquiry and to promote ideals like individual liberty, scientific progress, and social reform. Key Characteristics English literature during the Enlightenment was characterized by a focus on clarity, balance, and proportion. Writers aimed to express ideas in a clear, concise manner, often avoiding the ornate language of earlier periods. Satire, essays, and didactic literature flourished, as these forms were well-suited to discussing moral, philosophical, and political issues. Enlightenment writers were deeply concerned with the role of the individual in society and the nature of human progress. Reaso...

The Restoration in English literature refers to the period following the return of King Charles II to the English throne in 1660, after the collapse of the Puritan Commonwealth. This era, lasting until around 1700, marked a significant shift in the cultural and literary landscape of England. With the restoration of the monarchy came the revival of the arts, particularly drama, which had been suppressed under Puritan rule. The period is known for its wit, sexual frankness, and a newfound focus on worldly concerns, reflecting the changing social and political environment. Key Characteristics Restoration literature is characterized by its sharp wit, realism, and cynicism, reflecting the complexities of a society recovering from political turmoil. The literature of this period often explored themes of sexual intrigue, social class, and political power, frequently with a sense of satire or moral ambiguity. Restoration writers reacted against the moral strictness of the Puritans, leading to ...

Puritan literature emerged during the late 16th and 17th centuries, primarily in England and later in colonial America, reflecting the values and beliefs of the Puritan movement. Puritans sought to reform the Church of England and emphasize a more personal, direct relationship with God. Their literature is characterized by its moral rigor, didacticism, and emphasis on spiritual introspection, often addressing themes of sin, redemption, and the quest for a pure, godly life. Key Characteristics Puritan literature is marked by its utilitarian approach; it was often written to serve specific religious or moral purposes rather than for aesthetic enjoyment. Puritan writers valued clarity and simplicity in language, aiming to communicate complex theological ideas in accessible terms. Their works frequently employed biblical references and allegorical interpretations, reflecting a worldview deeply rooted in scripture. One of the defining features of Puritan literature is its focus on personal ...

Elizabethan literature refers to the body of work produced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England (1558–1603). This period is often considered a golden age in English literature, marked by a flourishing of drama, poetry, and prose. It was a time of cultural renaissance, influenced by the Renaissance movement that emphasized humanism, classical learning, and exploration. Elizabethan literature is best known for its vibrant exploration of themes such as love, power, and the human condition. Key Characteristics One of the defining features of Elizabethan literature is its focus on drama, particularly the rise of the playhouse and the popularity of the theater. This era saw the emergence of significant playwrights who brought a new depth and complexity to character development, dialogue, and thematic exploration. The use of iambic pentameter and blank verse became popular, allowing for greater flexibility and expressiveness in writing. Additionally, Elizabethan literature is char...

The essay “On Saying Please” was written by Alfred George Gardiner. He was born on 2 June 1865 in England and died on 3 March 1946 in England. A.G Gardiner was a journalist, news editor, essayist and novelist from England. He has written his works with the pen name “Alpha of the plough”, and has received a lot of praise. He was one of the most popular English essayists of the 20th century. His essays are humour, thought-provoking, and delightful and though it is a challenging subject he dealt with it in a simple and easy manner. Firstly, Gardiner begins with the incident of a lift Man and that incident occurred at a city office. The passenger demands the lift man and refused to politely request to be taken to the top floor then the lift man throws him out of the lift for not saying “Top Please”. Here lift-man used violence. The act of the lift man was wrong because one cannot punish impoliteness with physical violence. This essay deals with socially important problems that we come acro...

Langston Hughes: Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist and dramatist during the Harlem Renaissance phase. Hughes' first poem was "The Negro speaks of Rivers" which he wrote at the age of 18 and it was dedicated to W. E. B. Dubois, the important Black leader and owner of the crucial political and race magazine "The Crisis". Hughes is considered a city poet or metropolitan poet as his poetry indicates. The poem: It was written by him during Harlem Renaissance when the black Americans struggled to be treated equally for social justice. The poem is unique because it is the desperate cry of a black mother in America to guide her son to success. There was no necessity of such desperatesness of any white mother in America then. It became a representative poem for the Afro-Americans. Hughes was very conscious of being an African-American poet. The poem also utilises the layer of ambition of any person. Analysis: The poem uses a mother who addresses her son from...