16和17世纪英国文学的比较.docVIP

Comparison of 16th and 17th century English literature 于野1. The difference in the background In 16th century, New Worlds，both geographical and spiritual，are the key to the Renaissance，the “rebirth” of learning and culture，which reached the peak in Britain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I from 1558 to 1603. England emerged from the Wars of the Roses (1453-85) with a new dynasty in power，the Tudors. The importance of move, known as the Reformation, is huge. In a very short period of time，centuries of religious faith，attitudes and beliefs were replaced by a new way of thinking. it’s one of the most tempestuous periods in English history. At first, there’s the Revolution of Bourgeoisie and then there is the Restoration of Stuart. And James 1 gave rise to the theory of the divine right of kings, but the Puritans reject it strongly. In 1653, Oliver Cromwell imposed a military dictatorship on the country. 2. The difference of the literature characteristics and leading writers In 16th century, English literature in the Renaissance Period is usually regarded as the highlight in this history of English literature. In the second period of English Renaissance, that is, in Elizabethan Period, English literature developed with a great speed and made a magnificent achievement. The greatest and most distinctive achievement of Elizabethan literature is the drama. Thus it appeared a group of excellent dramatists. They are Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) ‘Dr. Faustus’, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Hamlet’, ‘The Merchant of Venice, and Ben Jonson (1572-1637). Next to the drama is the Lyrical Poetry. Elizabethan Poetry is remarkable for its variety, its freshness, its youthfulness and its romantic feeling. A group of great poets appeared, and a large number of noble poetry was produced. In that period, writing poetry became a fashion. Queen Elizabeth herself was a poet. She suggested subjects and rewarded poets. Her ministers and courtiers obeyed her example and tried