We have now come to the end of the journey. In the first part of the book the general theory of literature has been dealt with giving the reader the basic information about the essential elements- in literature. In the second part of the book the development of English literature from its early beginning from 670 A.D. up to the present time has been rapidly traced. It must have become clear to the reader after having studied the preceding pages that English literature, which is the reflection of the character of the English people, has flown like a current undergoing in the way a number of changes in accordance with the historical, social, economic, political and religious changes in England. There have been a number of literary movements-the chief being-classical and romantic-and sometimes the pendulum has gone to one side and sometimes to the other. Moreover, English literature is very rich and the various phases of literaturepoetry, drama, novel, prose-are quite adequately represented in it. Above all, it is a living literature and is thus truly representative of the English nation, which judged by all standards, can be truly called a living nation having the inherent power of adjusting itself to changing circumstances.
A strong co’rrrmon sense marks the English mind, and it is truly reflected in English literature. All the great writers of England-Chaucer, Milton, Shakespeare, Johnson, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Shaw etc., have been men of the world. They were not mere dreamers, but deep thinkers who came into grips with the problems facing their age and mankind in general. Moreover, they always maintained an independent spirit. Except for a few who wrote to please their patrons or the public, most of them upheld the liberty
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of thought and were fearless in expressing their views. They always were on the side of fair play, progress and welfare of the masses, and to a great extent were responsible for awakening the consciousness of the people towards any injustice being^ done in society. Though imbued with the highest ideals’of patriotism, they, except a few, had no insular outlook on life. On the other hand, they had the love of humanity at heart, had sided with the progressive forces all over the world. Even during the heyday of British Imperialism, most of the writers of England maintained a broad outlook, and supported the aspirations of the subjected people to be free.
From the point of view of language most of the English writers expressed themselves in a plain, simple, lucid but forceful style, avoiding involved and obscure constructions as far as possible. They have always moved with the times, or, to put it more correctly, they have been ahead of their times, and therefore have served as pioneers and pathfinders in the various spheres of national development. A ngmber of them like Chaucer, Milton, Shakespeare, Wordsworth Shelley, Keats, Shaw, Hardy, have earned for themselves places of honour in the history of World Literature. They do not only belong to their country and age, but to the whole humanity and to all ages.
In this book, only an outline of the background and development of English literature has been attempted. It will serve as a basis on which more detailed knowledge of English literature can be built up. For this purpose, the subsequent separate volumes (which are under preparation) on English Poetry, Drama, Novel and Prose, containing detailed information on authors and movements, will prove qf great help.
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