Medieval English Drama and the Rise of Printing
Characteristics of Mystery Plays
- They were all in verse and they were all short since the cycles had to be performed in the course of a single day or two days.
- They dramatized virtually the same biblical episodes, though sometimes their treatment is surprisingly different, and they contain apocryphal, folk, and invented materials to a greater or lesser degree.
- There are also many anachronisms because biblical events are set in a medieval present as if the message of the play were for all time.
The Chester
Read MoreBeowulf: Historical Context and Cultural Significance
An Introduction to Beowulf
Localization of the Text
Beowulf, the oldest of the great long poems written in English, was probably composed more than twelve hundred years ago, in the first half of the eighth century. Its author may have been a native of what was then West Mercia, the West Midlands of England today. The text of the poem is preserved in a single manuscript, dated to the late tenth century, which originated in the south, in the kingdom of the West Saxons. In 1731, the manuscript was seriously
Read MoreRomanticism and Naturalism in 19th-Century Literature
Romanticism in 19th-Century Europe
Romanticism spread throughout Europe in the 19th century. It opposed classical rules and emphasized the force of nature. Poets were inspired by imagination, intuition, and dreams. In the Floral Games, prizes of gold, silver, and a natural flower were awarded. The winner of all three was called a “Master of the Gay Science.”
Jacinto Verdaguer: A Romantic Poet
Jacinto Verdaguer, born into a humble family, entered the seminary at the age of 10. Despite initial poor results,
Read MoreCommon English Idioms and Phrases: Examples
Common English Idioms and Phrases
- After the meal, the comedian soon had the audience laughing.
- All the work I have to do is getting on top of me.
- Are you saying Dan has a short temper?
- As the plane finally came to rest, the passengers sighed in relief.
- Austin takes after his father in his love for sports.
- Being caught in the act of driving without a license can lead to serious consequences.
- Carol’s dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur finally became a reality.
- Dawn suggested playing it by ear when
Discover Scotland: A Unique Country in Great Britain
A Special Country
There is nowhere like Scotland. Scotland is a country in a country. It is part of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), and of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Scotland is in the far north-west of Europe, between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is often cold and grey, and it rains a lot in some parts of the country. But the people of Scotland love their country, and many visitors to Scotland love it too. They love the beautiful
Read MoreEdwardian Era: Literature, Theater, and Societal Shifts
The Edwardian Period (1901-1912)
Introduction
The Edwardian period saw the consolidation and expansion of the Industrial Revolution. New machines, such as the telephone, were invented. More people began to reject Victorian social principles. During this period, the family, marriage, religion, colonialism, hypocrisy, good manners, and the supremacy of man were all being questioned. The consolidation of the British Empire continued. The beginning of feminism with the fight for women’s suffrage. A change
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