Literature in English or English Literature refers to written works, such as poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction that are written in the English language. It is a vast field that encompasses works from various time periods, countries, cultures and genres.
This post talks about what English Literature is all about, its common literary terms and overview.
The study of English literature typically involves analyzing the language, style, themes and historical context of a wide range of works, from classic literature like Shakespeare’s plays and Dickens’ novels to modern works like those by contemporary authors such as J.K. Rowling or Margaret Atwood.
English literature can be divided into different periods, such as the Medieval period, the Renaissance, the Romantic period, the Victorian era, and the Modern period, each of which is characterized by distinct literary styles, themes and conventions.
Overall, English literature is an important cultural and artistic expression of the English-speaking world and studying it can provide insights into the values, beliefs and experiences of people throughout history and across different cultures.
Additionally, we have various literary terms used in the subject Literature. Here are some detailed literary terms in English literature:
- Alliteration: Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close proximity, such as in “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
- Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, such as in “fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese.”
- Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words, such as in “the ship has sailed to the far-off shores.”
- Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a vivid mental picture in the reader’s mind.
- Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as,” such as “life is a journey.”
- Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as,” such as “he runs like a cheetah.”
- Personification: Giving human characteristics to non-human things, such as “the wind howled in the night.”
- Symbolism: The use of objects, actions, or images to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
- Foreshadowing: Hinting at future events or outcomes in a story or poem.
- Irony: A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, such as when the opposite of what is expected occurs.
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration for emphasis or effect, such as “I’ve told you a million times to clean your room.”
- Onomatopoeia: Words that sound like what they mean, such as “buzz,” “hiss,” or “sizzle.”
- Satire: The use of humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or expose human vices or shortcomings.
- Theme: The central message or idea of a literary work.
- Tone: The author’s attitude towards the subject matter, characters, or audience of a literary work.
In summary, literary terminology refers to a set of concepts and techniques used in literature to create meaning, convey emotions, and evoke responses in readers. These terms include various literary devices such as alliteration, metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism, foreshadowing, irony, and hyperbole, among others. Understanding these terms can help readers appreciate and analyze works of literature, as well as help writers improve their own writing by using these devices intentionally.
Literature in English encompasses a wide range of written works in the English language, and studying it involves analyzing its language, style, themes and historical context.