Elizabethan Literature

Abstract:
Undoubtedly, the Elizabethan age was the golden age in the history of England. Here in this
term paper, I would like to prefer include all of the remarkable features of the literature
during the Elizabethan period. As we know that, for the first time English literature got its
unbounded enthusiasm to develop the literature. Such as started of using standard
language, spirit of independence, new romanticism, translations, abundance of output,
popularity of poetry, prose and novel, development of the drama, poets and dramatist and
finally a brief synopsis.

Introduction:

The Elizabethan Era is a period that took place since 1558 until 1625. England
experienced an intense phase of economic and cultural development. It was one of
the most interesting periods in the British history because it is characterized by
explorations, cultural changes such as in literature or theatre, religion, education and
politics. It was considered the English Renaissance. During Elizabeth I’s reign, England
had a great cultural splendor, with figures like William Shakespeare and Christopher
Marlowe, also are important people such as Francis Drake and John Hawkins. Next,
there will be explained the most important themes of this period.

Characteristics of the Elizabethan Literature:

The Elizabethan Age can be identified by the following characteristics:

• This was a period of great literary creativity and prolific writing. The works included a
variety of prose and verse with topics ranging from Platonic idealism, to romance, to
repulsive realism.
• Romance dominated all types of literature including drama and plays that were of
utmost importance during this time.
• This was a time of great experimentation that resulted in wonderful new discoveries
and imposing failures that often became literary topics in both drama and prose.
Science, theology, and the geography were topics of poetry and literature in general.
• Literature in Elizabethan England was heavily influenced by that of Italy, and to a
lesser extent by that of Spain and France.
• Authors during this era came from all of the classes including distinguished courtiers
to poor poets who hung out in local taverns, but invariably all were male.

Some of the most famous and prolific writers of this period include Sir Philip Sidney,
Edmund Spenser, Roger Ascham, Richard Hooker, Christopher Marlowe, and
William Shakespeare.

• Revival of Interest in Greek literature:

Not all the accession of Queen Elizabeth, did a better state of things began to be. In the
Elizabethan age, pamphlets & treatises were freely written.

• The New Romanticism:

The romantic quest is, for the remote, the wonderful & the beautiful. All these desires were
abundantly fed during the Elizabethan age, which is the first & the greatest romantic epoch
(period).

According to Albert, “there was a daring &resolute spirit of adventure in literary as well as the
other regions, & most important of these was an unmistakable buoyancy & Freshness in the strong
wind of the spirit. It was the ardent youth of English literature & the achievement was worthy of it.”

• Translation in Elizabethan Age:

The Elizabethan age witnessed translation into English of several important foreign
books. Many translation were as popular as the original works. Sir Thomas Norton
translated Plutarch’s Lives & John Florio translated Montaigne’s Essais.

• Spirit of Independence:
 In spite of borrowings from abroad, the authors of the age showed a spirit of
independence & creativeness. Shakespeare borrowed freely, but by the alembic of
his creative imaginations, he transformed the dross into gold.

Spenser introduced the ‘Spenserian Stanza’, & from his works, we got the
impression of Inventiveness & intrepidity.

• Popularity of Poetry:

Poetry enjoyed its hey-day during the Elizabethan age. The whole of the age lived in
a state of poetic fervor. Songs, lyrics & sonnets were produced in plenty, & England
became the nest of the singing birds. In versification, there was a marked
improvement. Melody & pastoralism were introduced in poetry by Spenser .
• Prose And Novel:

For the first time, prose rose to the position of first-rate importance. “ Even the
development of poetical drama between 1579A.D.-1629A.D., is hardly more
extraordinary than the sudden expansion of English prose & its adaptation to every
kind of literary requirement.
• Greatest Elizabethan Dramatist & Drama:

When we mention Elizabethan Era and drama, the first name that comes to mind is that of
great William Shakespeare. He is arguably the greatest dramatists in living memory.
 •

It was the peak of the English Renaissance and saw some great English poetry, music
and literature. This was also the time during which Elizabethan theatre grew, and
many playwrights composed plays that changed the face of England’s theatre. There
were many playwrights that flourished during this period – Christopher
Marlowe, William Shakespeare, Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Ben
Johnson, Sir Walter Raleigh to name a few.
English dramatist Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593)
Christopher Marlowe was an English dramatist, poet and translator of the
Elizabethan era. He was considered as the foremost Elizabethan tragedist, next to
William Shakespeare, known for his blank verse and his overreaching protagonists.
Marlowe was also a well-known atheist.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Commonly known as Bard, William Shakespeare is, by far, the most famous and
popular playwrights of the Elizabethan era, and possibly of all times. By 1592, he was
a leading member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Company, which later became the
King’s Men after accession of James I in 1603.
Shakespeare was famous for all types of plays – tragedies, comedies, heroic verses, historical
etc. He also wrote 152 sonnets, and verses in many languages. His plays include Romeo and
Juliet, Hamlet, The Tempest, Comedy of Errors, Julius Ceaser, Henry VII among others.
 • Elizabethan Theatre:
Theater was a growing industry during era and for this reason, many theatres
arose around London. Entrepreneurs and actors were lured by money and
fame and they started working in this business.
The Italian Renaissance had rediscovered the ancient Greek and Roman
Theater. The Italians were inspired, in particular, by Seneca, but tragedies did
not follow Seneca’s principle. The new tragedies showed blood and violence
on stage, contrary to the philosopher’s ethics. Consequently, this kind of
violence was perhaps more cathartic for the Elizabethan spectator. The first
Elizabethan plays were Gorboduc by Sackville and Norton and The Spanish
Tragedy by Kyd and both provided a lot of material to Hamlet by William
Shakespeare.
Conclusion:
This period has marked a before and after in England, but also in European
history. All European countries were influenced by these changes that were
happening and we still enjoy nowadays. England experienced a remarkable cultural
and artistic renaissance, whose best examples were the proliferation of popular
theater and the high level of dramatic production. The importance of this era is
present in our lives and for example, we can attend to a Shakespeare’s performance
in many places or we can watch a film based on Elizabeth I. Also, we have to thank
this queen her interest for education and the opportunity that it was provided to
almost everyone to be taught. If this had not happened, major authors, such as
Shakespeare, would never have come to show their talent. Anyway, these are not the
only themes that were developed in those days. Music, architecture, sports or even
food were in a brilliant moment or even they
had
 Bibliography

1. (31) Elizabethan literature - Wikipedia

2. (19) Characteristics Of Elizabethan Age

3. (4) Elizabethan literature | English literature | Britannica.com

4. (1) Major writers of the Elizabethan Period