Timeline of English Literature-The Revival of Learning (1450-1550)

Timeline of English Literature: The Revival of Learning (1450–1550)

The period known as The Revival of Learning (1450–1550) marks the transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period in English literature. This era, also referred to as the English Renaissance or the Humanist Period, is characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning and the works of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the beginnings of the Reformation and the rise of English as a literary language. The cultural and intellectual revival that began in Italy during the 14th century spread to England during this time, significantly influencing English writers, scholars, and the development of English literature.

Key Historical and Cultural Context

• The Printing Press (1476): William Caxton introduced the printing press to England in 1476, revolutionizing the spread of literature and learning. The availability of printed books increased literacy rates and facilitated the dissemination of new ideas and classical works.
• The Renaissance Influence: The Renaissance, which began in Italy, brought a renewed focus on humanism, individualism, and the study of classical texts. English scholars such as Thomas More and Desiderius Erasmus played significant roles in bringing humanist ideas to England.
• The Reformation (1517): The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, profoundly impacted religious and intellectual life in Europe. It influenced literature by encouraging translations of the Bible and other religious works into vernacular languages, including English.
• The Rise of English Humanism: English humanists, inspired by the classical learning of Greek and Roman writers, sought to reform education, politics, and religion. Writers during this period looked back to ancient sources for inspiration while promoting new ways of thinking.

Important Writers and Works

1. William Caxton (c. 1422–1491)

   • Contribution: William Caxton was England’s first printer, and his introduction of the printing press in 1476 helped standardize the English language. Caxton published and translated many significant works, including Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.
   • Notable Works Printed: The Canterbury Tales (1478), Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory (1485), The Book of the Knight of the Tower (1484).

2. Sir Thomas Malory (c. 1415–1471)

   • Notable Work: Le Morte d’Arthur (1485).
   • Significance: Malory's Le Morte d’Arthur is a seminal work of Arthurian literature and one of the most important texts of the Revival of Learning. It recasts the legends of King Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table in English, becoming a foundation for later Arthurian narratives.

3. Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536)

   • Notable Work: In Praise of Folly (1509).
   • Contribution to English Literature: Although Erasmus was a Dutch humanist, his close connection with English scholars like Thomas More made his works influential in England. His ideas about education, language, and religion shaped the intellectual landscape of the time.

4. Sir Thomas More (1478–1535)

   • Notable Work: Utopia (1516).
   • Significance: More’s Utopia is a key text of Renaissance humanism, depicting an ideal society free from the corruption of contemporary Europe. Written in Latin, Utopia was translated into English in the mid-16th century and became influential in English political thought.

5. John Skelton (c. 1460–1529)

   • Notable Works: The Bowge of Court (1499), Colin Clout (1522).
   • Significance: Skelton was a poet and satirist whose works bridged the medieval and Renaissance periods. His unique, irregular verse style, known as "Skeltonics," was a precursor to the more refined poetic forms of the later Renaissance.

6. Henry VIII (1491–1547)

   • Religious and Literary Impact: Henry VIII’s establishment of the Church of England in 1534 following his break with the Roman Catholic Church had profound consequences for English literature. His reign saw the production of religious texts in English, such as the translation of the Bible and the rise of Protestant literature.

7. William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536)

   • Notable Work: Translation of the New Testament (1525).
   • Significance: Tyndale’s English translation of the Bible was revolutionary, laying the groundwork for later versions, including the King James Bible. His work made the scriptures accessible to English-speaking laypeople, which was crucial for the Protestant Reformation.

Literary Characteristics and Themes

1. Classical Revival:

   • Writers and scholars of this period sought to revive the literature and philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome. This revival manifested in a focus on classical themes of humanism, ethics, and civic responsibility, with a deep admiration for ancient literary forms, including epic, drama, and rhetoric.

2. Development of English as a Literary Language:

   • Latin was still the dominant language of scholarship during this period, but English was increasingly used in literary and religious texts. Caxton's printing press helped standardize spelling and grammar, leading to the gradual formation of Early Modern English.

3. Humanism:

   • Humanist ideas, which emphasized the study of classical texts, the dignity of the individual, and the potential for human reason and learning, were central to the intellectual life of the period. Humanists like More and Erasmus encouraged the reformation of education, politics, and religion.

4. Religious Reform:

   • The Reformation brought about a wave of religious literature, including translations of the Bible into English and polemical works addressing the conflicts between Catholicism and Protestantism. This period saw the rise of Protestant writers advocating for the use of vernacular English in religious contexts.

Conclusion

The Revival of Learning (1450–1550) marks a crucial period in English literary history. It laid the foundations for the English Renaissance by reintroducing classical learning, encouraging the development of humanism, and fostering the rise of English as a literary language. The works produced during this era, including translations of the Bible and the poetry of Sir Thomas Malory and John Skelton, shaped the intellectual and cultural environment that would blossom fully in the Elizabethan age.

From Chaucer to Spenser

OR

The Revival of Learning (1450-1550)

History / Events	Literature
1455-85 Wars of the Roses begin 1492 Columbus lands in West Indies 1535 Sir Thomas More, St John Fisher, Anne Boleyn, William Tyndale executed. 1549 Book of Common Prayer. 1476 Printing press started.	1412 Governail of Princes by Hoccleve. 1422 The Kingis Quair by James I 1470 Morte D' Arthur by Malory (1085) 1516 Utopia by More (Latin) 1551 Utopia by More (English) 1557 Tottel’s Miscellany by Wyatt.

RULERS
1461-83	Edward IV
1483	Edward V
1483-85	Richard III
1485-1509	Henry VII
1509-47	Henry VIII
1547-53	Edward VI
AUTHORS
1422-1491	William Caxton
1452-1519	Leonardo de Vinci
1456-1513	William Dunbar
1469-1527	Machiavelli
1477-1535	Thomas More
1503-1542	Thomas Wyatt
1504-1556	Nicholas Udall
1513-1572	John Lyly
1474-1522	Gawain Douglas

Important Short Questions

1.      Who was credited for the introduction of the printing press in England and in which year?

Ans. Caxton was credited for the introduction of the printing press in England. The year was 1477.

2.      Who wrote Utopia? who translated it into English in which year?

Ans. Thomas Moore wrote Utopia (1516), the fantasy book and Ralph Robinson translated it into English in 1551.

3.      Name two Female characters featured in The Canterbury Tales.

Ans. The Canterbury Tales is a veritable picture gallery of the 14^th century England. Among the women characters, dainty and aristocratic Madan Eglantine and her fellow nun represent the Church. Here is further the immortal Woman character – The wife of Bath.

4.      What are the Historical importance of 1453 and 1477?

Ans. Constantinople, the capital of Roman Empire fell to the Turks in 1453. The monks and philosophers at there fled to different parts of Europe with their scholastic learning. These created a new awakening of learning which is popularly called the Renaissance movement in Europe.

            The 1477 is important for the establishment of printing press in England by Caxton. The first printing book is Lydgate’s Temple of glass, The Sheep and The Goose.

5.      What is known as Lollard movement?

Ans. Lollard simply means the poor priests. They are the supporters of reformist Wycliffe. Wycliffe challenges the authority of the Catholic Church and protests the rampant corruption in it. He starts a movement by the help of these Lollards to spread his teachings. He translated the Bible into simple English.  

6.   How did the Revival of Learning impact English literature during this time period?

Ans. The Revival of Learning had a significant impact on English literature during this time period, as it led to a renewed interest in classical literature and philosophy. This influenced English writers to incorporate classical themes and styles into their works, resulting in a shift away from medieval literature.

7.  Who were some notable English writers during this period, and what were their contributions to literature?

Ans. Some notable English writers during this period at later phase include William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, and Sir Thomas More. They made significant contributions to literature, such as Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, Marlowe's poetry and plays, Spenser's epic poem The Faerie Queene, and More's Utopia.

8.  What were some common themes in English literature during the Revival of Learning period, and how did they reflect the cultural and intellectual trends of the time?

Ans. Common themes in English literature during the Revival of Learning period included humanism, individualism, love, nature, and morality. These themes reflected the cultural and intellectual trends of the time, as the Renaissance brought a focus on human potential and the importance of the individual.

9. How did the introduction of the printing press impact the production and dissemination of literature during this period?

Ans. The introduction of the printing press had a significant impact on the production and dissemination of literature during this period. It allowed for the mass production of books, making literature more widely available to the general public.

10. How did the English language itself evolve and change during the Revival of Learning period, and what impact did this have on literature?

Ans. The English language underwent significant changes during the Revival of Learning period, as classical literature and the study of Latin and Greek influenced the language's vocabulary and grammar. This resulted in the development of Early Modern English, which is closer to the modern English we speak today.

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