English Literature

UGC NET (English ): 100 Questions & Answers of Unit I- Drama Unit – I: Drama 1. Who wrote the classical Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex ? Sophocles. 2. What is the term for the tragic flaw or error in judgment in a protagonist?  Hamartia. 3. Which Greek philosopher wrote Poetics, defining the elements of drama and tragedy?  Aristotle. 4. What term describes the purgation of emotions of pity and fear in a tragedy? Catharsis. 5. Who is the author of the Elizabethan revenge tragedy The Spanish Tragedy ? Thomas Kyd. 6. Which Roman playwright wrote comedies like The Brothers (Adelphoe) that influenced Renaissance drama? Terence. 7. What is the name of the oldest surviving English morality play? The Castle of Perseverance . 8. Which morality play features characters representing abstract qualities like Everyman and Death? Everyman . 9. In Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus , what is the name of the scholar's servant? Wagner. 10. Who wr...

Trends, Movements & Literary Features from the Medieval Period to the Restoration Age. The Age of Chaucer: The Age of Chaucer represents the late medieval period in England. It was a time of transition from feudalism to a more structured urban society. The Church held immense power, but cracks were beginning to show. Feudal lords, knights, and the rising merchant class interacted closely. Literary features of this era include the use of religious and moral themes, courtly love, and social satire. Writers often used allegory, where characters and events stood for abstract moral ideas. The language used was Middle English, which was a mix of Old English and French. The primary literary genre that developed during this time was the verse narrative and the estate satire. Geoffrey Chaucer revolutionized poetry by using everyday speech, realistic characters, and vivid descriptions. Instead of just writing about distant heroes, he wrote about real people from different social classes. ...

The Restoration Age: A Significant Literary Age The Restoration Age is a fascinating and lively chapter in English literary history. It begins in the year 1660. King Charles the Second returned to the English throne after years of strict Puritan rule. This royal return ended the Commonwealth period and brought back the monarchy. Society changed very quickly. People welcomed art, theater, and social pleasures back into their daily lives. Writers began to look at the world with fresh eyes, wit, and sharp critical thinking. During the Puritan years, public entertainment was banned. Theaters were closed down. When King Charles the Second came back, he brought French theatrical ideas with him. English theaters opened their doors once again. For the very first time, women were allowed to act on stage. Playwrights wrote witty, clever comedies about high society. These plays often made fun of foolish manners, vanity, and shallow social rules. This new style of drama is known as Comedy of Manne...

The Elizabethan Period: A Golden Age of Creativity The Elizabethan Period is one of the most exciting eras in English history and literature. It covers the reign of Queen Elizabeth I from 1558 to 1603. This time was marked by peace, cultural growth, and great national pride. England grew strong in trade and exploration. Literature flourished because people felt inspired by new ideas from the Renaissance. Writers and poets found new ways to express human emotions, beauty, and power. This age laid the solid foundation for modern English literature. Queen Elizabeth I brought political stability to the country. Before her rule, England faced severe religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. Elizabeth created a moderate religious path that brought peace. Under her leadership, the nation defeated the powerful Spanish Armada in 1588. This victory made England a dominant European sea power. People felt proud of their country. This confidence directly influenced artists, poets, and ...