What are the major literary periods in British literature?

British literature is rich and diverse, spanning several major periods that have shaped the canon of English literary works. The first significant period, often referred to as the Old English or Anglo-Saxon period, dates from the 5th century to the 11th century and includes famous works like Beowulf. Following the Norman conquest in 1066, the Middle English period emerged, characterized by works such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The Renaissance period in the 16th and 17th centuries witnessed a flowering of literature, with notable playwrights like William Shakespeare and poets like John Milton. The Enlightenment period of the 18th century brought forth the works of thinkers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. The Romantic period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries celebrated individualism and nature, with poets like William Wordsworth and Lord Byron. The Victorian period, spanning most of the 19th century, showcased authors like Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy, exploring social issues and realism. Finally, the Modernist period in the early 20th century saw authors like Virginia Woolf and T.S. Eliot experimenting with new forms and themes. These major literary periods in British literature have shaped and influenced the works that continue to be studied and revered today.

British Literature Literary Periods Major Epochs Historical Periods