History of English Literature

Elizabethan age: the most glorious period in English literature.

In the evaluation of the progress of British civilization, no historian can afford to ignore the Elizabethan Age. Under the rule of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) the then England prospered unprecedentedly in all the major sectors of life. Eventually literature flourished in such a way that it touched the peak of excellence. Its height is still unsurpassed and for this reason, the Elizabethan age is called the “most glorious period” of English literature.   

 The most characteristic feature of the age was the comparative religious tolerance, which was due largely to the queen’s influence. The prevalent religious rivalry between the Catholics and the Protestants was put to an end by the queen.  A shrewd ruler, as she always was, Elizabeth avoided involvement openly with any of the religious folds.  The policy more or less today is called the absolutely secular one. 

Some other major problems at home were efficiently solved by the Queen who acted with realistic assessment of the prevalent situation. Social and financial situations immensely improved and indicated the Queen’s success as a ruler. At the same time, the Queen well controlled the British parliament and even kept in check its power, by a sound domestic policy instrumental to the growth of the country. 

Under the rule of Elizabeth I, England expanded its empire all over the world. Renaissance reached England by that time, and new learning started. An unparalleled inspiration started for the literary pursuits. Thus were born great writers like Edmund Spenser, Kyd, Marlowe, Lyly, Greene, Shakespeare, Wyatt and many others. 

We find a rare sort of exuberance in the Elizabethan drama. Renaissance bought knowledge of Greek and Roman drama. Though there were a few attempts before the Elizabethan age, English drama found its real shape in this age. Kyd, Marlowe, Lyly, Greene and Shakespeare were the major dramatists who established English drama on its own foundation. The dramatic genius of the period created a kind of national illumination and enlightenment. Excellent comedies and serious tragedies were written and staged. The playwrights explored the deep complex psychology of the characters and brought out the human nature and their natural consequences.  Thus the themes, characterizations, language and techniques of the Elizabethan drama reached at the highest distinction. 

As has been detailed above, the Queen’s wise policy brought England a period of peace and growth. Similarly, English literature especially English drama excelled in quality and quantity in the Elizabethan age and brought it rapidly to the highest stage of its development.