From Britons to Victorian Era: A Journey Through Great Britain's Literary History

From Britons to Victorian Era: A Journey Through Great Britain's Literary History

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain the literary history of Great Britain, starting from the Britons and ending with the late Victorian era.

Emphasize that students should pay attention to the key literary figures and movements mentioned in the lesson.

What do you already know about Great Britain's literary history?

Introduction to Great Britain's Literary History

Great Britain has a rich literary history that spans over centuries. Let's take a look at the major literary figures and movements that have shaped Great Britain's literature.

Set the stage and create interest in the topic.

The Britons and Their Literature

The Britons were the original inhabitants of Great Britain. Their literature was mostly oral and consisted of heroic poems and legends.

Encourage students to think about the importance of oral literature in preserving cultural heritage.

Beowulf

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that dates back to the 8th century. It tells the story of the hero Beowulf and his battles against monsters and dragons.

Discuss the importance of Beowulf in Old English literature and its influence on later works.

Bede

Bede was an Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar who wrote the Ecclesiastical History of the English People in the 8th century. It is a historical account of the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.

Highlight the significance of Bede's work in preserving the history of Great Britain.

Chaucer and the Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer was a 14th-century poet who is known for his work, The Canterbury Tales. It is a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.

Encourage students to think about the role of storytelling in society and how it has evolved over time.

Shakespeare and the Elizabethan Era

William Shakespeare was a playwright and poet who lived in the 16th century. His works, such as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, are still performed today. The Elizabethan era is also known for its exploration and expansion of trade and commerce.

Discuss the impact of Shakespeare's works on English literature and culture.

The Romantic Movement

The Romantic movement was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century. It emphasized emotion and individualism and was a reaction against the Enlightenment.

Encourage students to think about the characteristics of the Romantic movement and its influence on literature and art.

Byron and Romanticism

Lord Byron was a Romantic poet who lived in the 19th century. His works, such as Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, were known for their emotional intensity and individualism.

Discuss the impact of Byron's works on the Romantic movement.

The Victorian Era

The Victorian era was a period of British history that lasted from 1837 to 1901. It was characterized by industrialization, social change, and the reign of Queen Victoria.

Encourage students to think about the major events and changes that occurred during the Victorian era.

Dickens and Victorian Literature

Charles Dickens was a Victorian novelist who wrote works such as Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities. His works often highlighted social issues and the plight of the poor.

Discuss the impact of Dickens' works on Victorian literature and society.

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of artists and writers who rejected the traditional art of the Victorian era. They emphasized nature, beauty, and the medieval period.

Encourage students to think about the characteristics of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and its influence on art and literature.

Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites

Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a poet and painter who was a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His works, such as The Blessed Damozel and Beata Beatrix, were known for their beauty and symbolism.

Discuss the impact of Rossetti's works on the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Blake and Romanticism

William Blake was a Romantic poet and artist who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. His works, such as Songs of Innocence and Experience and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, were known for their mystical and visionary qualities.

Discuss the impact of Blake's works on the Romantic movement.

Conclusion

Great Britain's literary history is diverse and rich, and has influenced literature and culture around the world. By learning about the major literary figures and movements, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of literature in society.

Summarize the main points of the lesson and encourage students to think about the significance of literature in society.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.