English Literature – 1670 to 1850

Unit 1 – Restoration Era: Context & Literature

Unit 2 – Dryden and Restoration Poetry

Unit 3 – Restoration Drama: Comedy & Tragedy

Unit 4 – Swift's Satirical Prose

Unit 5 – Pope and Augustan Poetry

Unit 6 – Rise of the Novel: Defoe and Richardson

Unit 7 – Fielding's Comic Epic Novel

Unit 8 – Johnson's Era: Literary Prose & Poetry

Unit 9 – Gray and Collins: Pre-Romantic Poets

Unit 10 – Gothic Fiction: Walpole and Radcliffe

Unit 11 – Romanticism: Historical Context & Concepts

Unit 12 – Wordsworth & Coleridge: Romantic Poets

Unit 13 – Second-Gen Romantics: Byron, Shelley, Keats

Unit 14 – Jane Austen: Novels of Manners

Unit 15 – Victorian Era: Context and Culture

Unit 16 – Victorian Novels: Dickens & the Brontës

Unit 17 – Victorian Poetry: Tennyson & Browning

## What do you learn in Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century

You'll explore major literary works from the Restoration to the Victorian era. The course covers poetry, novels, and plays by authors like Pope, Swift, Austen, and Dickens. You'll analyze themes, styles, and historical contexts of these works, tracing the development of English literature through key periods like Romanticism and the Industrial Revolution.

## Is Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to older writing styles. The language and cultural references from centuries ago can be tricky to grasp at first. But once you get into the rhythm of the texts, it becomes easier. The workload is usually heavy on reading and writing essays, so time management is key.

## Tips for taking Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Keep a timeline of major literary movements and historical events
3. Read actively - take notes, highlight, and jot down questions
4. Join a study group to discuss complex themes and interpretations
5. Watch film adaptations of novels like "Pride and Prejudice" or "Great Expectations" to visualize the stories
6. Listen to audiobooks for a different perspective on the language
7. Explore the British Library's online archives for primary sources

## Common pre-requisites for Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century

1. Introduction to Literary Analysis: This course teaches you how to read critically and write about literature. You'll learn key terms and techniques for interpreting various genres.

2. British Literature Survey: This class gives an overview of British literature from its beginnings to the present day. It provides a foundation for more in-depth period studies.

## Classes similar to Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century

1. American Literature to 1865: Covers early American writing through the Civil War. You'll read works by authors like Hawthorne, Melville, and Dickinson.

2. Romantic Poetry: Focuses on poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Keats. You'll dive deep into the themes and styles of Romantic verse.

3. Victorian Novel: Explores the development of the novel during the Victorian era. You'll read works by authors like Eliot, Hardy, and the Brontës.

4. Shakespeare and His Contemporaries: Studies Shakespeare's plays alongside works by other Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists. You'll analyze themes, language, and stagecraft.

## Majors related to Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century

1. English Literature: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting literary texts from various periods and genres. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring the cultural and historical contexts of literature.

2. Comparative Literature: Examines literature across different cultures, languages, and time periods. Students learn to draw connections between diverse literary traditions and often study works in translation.

3. History: Explores past events, societies, and cultures through primary and secondary sources. Students develop research skills and learn to analyze historical contexts, which can complement literary studies.

4. Cultural Studies: Investigates how cultural practices and products shape and reflect society. Students examine literature alongside other forms of cultural expression like film, music, and art.

## What can you do with a degree in Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century?

1. Editor: Works with authors to improve and refine their writing for publication. Editors may specialize in different types of content, from books to online articles.

2. Teacher: Educates students about literature and writing at various levels. Teachers can work in high schools, colleges, or adult education programs.

3. Content Writer: Creates written material for websites, marketing campaigns, or social media. Content writers use their language skills to craft engaging and informative pieces for various audiences.

4. Librarian: Manages and organizes information resources in libraries or other institutions. Librarians help people find and use information, often specializing in specific areas like academic or children's literature.

## Literature in English: Late-17th to Mid-19th Century FAQs

1. How much reading is typically assigned? Expect to read about one novel or play per week, plus additional shorter works. The amount can vary, but it's usually substantial.

2. Are there group projects in this course? Most work is individual, but some professors incorporate group presentations or discussions. It depends on the specific class structure.

3. How can I improve my essay writing for this course? Focus on developing clear arguments supported by textual evidence. Visit your professor's office hours or the writing center for personalized feedback.

Literature

1.1 Political and social context of the Restoration

1.2 Major literary movements and genres

1.4 Themes and stylistic features of Restoration literature

1.3 Key authors and their contributions

2.1 John Dryden's life and literary career

2.4 Poetic forms and techniques of the period

2.2 Dryden's major works and poetic innovations

2.3 Other significant Restoration poets and their works

3.1 The reopening of theaters and new dramatic conventions

3.2 Restoration comedy: characteristics and key playwrights

3.3 Restoration tragedy: themes and notable works

3.4 Gender and social critique in Restoration drama

4.1 Swift's life and literary career

4.2 Major works and themes in Swift's writing

4.3 Satire techniques and social commentary

4.4 Swift's influence on English literature

5.1 Pope's life and poetic development

5.2 Major works and their significance

5.3 Neoclassicism and the Augustan Age

5.4 Pope's literary techniques and innovations

6.1 Origins and development of the English novel

6.2 Defoe's contributions to the novel form

6.3 Richardson's epistolary novels and character development

6.4 Themes and narrative techniques in early novels

7.1 Fielding's life and literary career

7.2 The comic epic in prose: structure and style

7.3 Major works and their themes

7.4 Fielding's influence on the development of the novel

8.2 Johnson's major works and critical reception

8.3 The Johnsonian circle and literary culture

8.4 Poetry of the mid-18th century

8.1 Samuel Johnson's life and literary contributions

9.4 Themes and imagery in Pre-Romantic poetry

9.3 Collins' odes and lyrical innovations

9.1 Transition from Augustan to Romantic poetry

9.2 Gray's major works and poetic style

10.1 Origins and characteristics of Gothic fiction

10.4 Gothic themes and narrative techniques

10.2 Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" and its influence

10.3 Radcliffe's contribution to the Gothic novel

11.1 Political and social background of the Romantic period

11.2 Romantic philosophy and aesthetics

11.4 Romantic movement in Europe and its influence

11.3 Nature and imagination in Romantic thought

12.3 "Lyrical Ballads" and its impact on Romantic poetry

12.4 Themes and style in Wordsworth and Coleridge's poetry

12.2 Coleridge's life and literary contributions

12.1 Wordsworth's poetic theory and major works

13.1 Byron's life, works, and the Byronic hero

13.4 Themes and stylistic features of second-generation Romantic poetry

13.2 Shelley's radical politics and major poems

13.3 Keats' life, letters, and poetic development

14.2 Major novels and their themes

14.3 Narrative techniques and characterization

14.4 Social critique and irony in Austen's works

14.1 Austen's life and literary career

15.1 Political, social, and economic background of the Victorian era

15.2 Scientific and philosophical developments

15.3 Victorian values and social norms

15.4 Major literary movements and genres of the period

16.4 Representation of gender and class in Victorian fiction

16.2 The Brontë sisters: lives and literary contributions

16.3 Themes and narrative techniques in Victorian novels

16.1 Dickens' life, major works, and social criticism

17.1 Tennyson's major works and poetic style

17.2 Browning and the dramatic monologue

17.4 Poetic innovations and experimentations

17.3 Themes and imagery in Victorian poetry

Browse all English Literature – 1670 to 1850 Key Terms

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