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English literature has a long and rich history that spans many centuries. It has evolved through different periods, each marked by unique themes, styles, and contributions. The development of English literature reflects the social, political, and cultural changes that took place in England over time. 1. Anglo-Saxon or Old English Period (450-1066) The history of English literature began in the fifth century when Germanic tribes invaded England. The earliest form of English literature was oral poetry, which was later written down. The most famous work from this period is Beowulf , which is an epic poem written in Old English. This period was dominated by heroic poetry, religious texts, and historical chronicles. 2. Anglo-Norman or Middle English Period (1066-1500) In the year 1066, William, the Duke of Normandy, conquered England. This event brought many changes in language and literature. The literature of this period is known as Anglo-Norman or Middle English literature. Writers ...

Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of Sikhism. He was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. His parents were Kalu Mehta and Mata Tripta. He showed great wisdom and spiritual inclination from an early age. He questioned religious rituals and social inequalities. Guru Nanak traveled extensively to spread his message of truth, equality, and devotion to one God. He visited various places, including India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. He engaged in discussions with religious scholars and spiritual leaders. His teachings emphasized selfless service, honesty, and devotion. He composed many hymns that were later compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib. His compositions conveyed the message of unity and universal brotherhood. He rejected caste distinctions and promoted the idea that all human beings are equal. He established the tradition of community service, known as "langar," which ensured that everyone, regardless of background, ...

Walt Whitman was one of the most important poets in American literature. He changed poetry with his free verse style and his love for democracy, nature, and humanity. His poems celebrated life and the human spirit. He believed in freedom and equality for all people. His works had a deep influence on literature and inspired many poets after him. Walt Whitman was born in 1819 in Long Island, New York. He grew up in a simple family and had little formal education. He worked as a teacher, printer, and journalist. His experiences helped him understand different kinds of people. He loved nature and believed in the power of the common man. Whitman’s poetry was different from traditional poetry. He did not use rhyme or a fixed structure. He wrote in free verse, which made his poems feel natural and expressive. His themes included democracy, nature, love, and the beauty of life. His poems showed his deep love for America and its people. Famous Works by Walt Whitman 1. Leaves of Grass (185...

Rabindranath Tagore was one of the greatest poets of India. He was also a writer, musician, and thinker. He wrote about love, nature, and human life. His words were full of deep meaning and beauty. He was the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. People in India and around the world love his poems and stories. Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 in Bengal. He belonged to a respected family. He started writing poems when he was young. He went to England for studies but came back to India. He started a school called Shantiniketan. He believed in education and freedom. He wrote the national anthems of India and Bangladesh. He died in 1941, but his works are still important today. Rabindranath Tagore wrote in a simple and beautiful way. His poems were full of emotions. He used simple words to express deep thoughts. He wrote about love, nature, and human values. His poetry touched the hearts of people. Famous Works of Rabindranath Tagore 1. Gitanjali This was a book of po...

Sarojini Naidu was a famous poet, freedom fighter, and political leader. She wrote poems about nature, love, patriotism, and human emotions. Her poetry had beautiful language and deep meaning. She was called the Nightingale of India because of the musical quality of her poems. She played an important role in India’s struggle for independence. Sarojini Naidu was born in 1879 in Hyderabad. She was a bright student and loved literature from a young age. She went to England for higher studies. She wrote poetry and also worked for India’s freedom. She became the first woman to be the president of the Indian National Congress. She later became the first female governor of an Indian state. She passed away in 1949, but her poetry and contributions are still remembered. Sarojini Naidu’s poetry was full of beauty and deep emotions. She used simple but powerful words. She wrote about nature, Indian culture, and human feelings. Her poems had a musical flow and rich imagery. Famous Poems by Sar...

Toru Dutt was an Indian poet and writer who made a significant contribution to English and French literature. She was born in the year 1856 in Kolkata, India. She belonged to a Bengali family that valued education and literature. Her father, Govin Chunder Dutt, was a writer and translator. Her mother, Kshetramoni Dutt, encouraged her literary interests. Toru Dutt grew up in an environment that nurtured her love for languages and literature. She received her early education in India. She moved to Europe with her family when she was a teenager. She studied in France and England. She learned multiple languages, including English, French, and Sanskrit. She was deeply influenced by Western literature. She also had a deep respect for Indian culture and traditions. She combined these influences in her writings. Toru Dutt wrote poetry and prose in both English and French. She is known for her poetry collection A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields . She translated French poems into English and p...

Matthew Arnold was one of the most important poets and literary critics of the nineteenth century. He wrote about nature, human emotions, and the problems of modern society. His poetry was thoughtful and full of deep meanings. He also wrote essays about literature and culture. His works had a great influence on English poetry and literary criticism. Matthew Arnold was born in 1822 in England. He studied at Oxford University and became a teacher and poet. He worked as a school inspector and traveled to different places. He believed that literature should help people understand life better. He passed away in 1888, but his poetry and essays are still important in English literature. Matthew Arnold wrote poetry in a serious and reflective style. He used simple words to express deep ideas. His poems explored themes of love, nature, faith, and the struggles of modern life. He believed that poetry should give comfort and wisdom to people. Famous Poems by Matthew Arnold 1. Dover Beach Th...

Robert Browning was a great poet of the nineteenth century. He was famous for his dramatic monologues. His poems told stories through a single speaker. He wrote about love, power, ambition, and human nature. His poetry was deep and emotional. Robert Browning was born in 1812 in England. He loved reading and started writing poems when he was young. He married the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. They moved to Italy and lived there for many years. After his wife died, he became more famous. He continued writing poems until he died in 1889. His poetry is still important in English literature. Robert Browning had a special way of writing. He created strong characters in his poems. He showed how people think and feel. His poems had deep ideas and emotions. He used powerful words to bring his characters to life. Famous Poems by Robert Browning 1. My Last Duchess This poem was about a rich duke who talked about his dead wife. He described her beauty and kindness, but he also showed his ...

John Keats was one of the most important poets of the nineteenth century. He was a key figure in the Romantic movement. His poems focused on beauty, nature, love, and life’s fleeting nature. He used rich imagery and deep emotions in his poetry. John Keats was born in 1795 in London. He lost both of his parents when he was young. He trained as a surgeon but chose poetry instead. He faced financial struggles and criticism during his life. He suffered from tuberculosis, which affected his health and career. He died in 1821 at the age of twenty-five. His poetry became famous after his death. John Keats had a unique style. He used detailed descriptions and classical myths in his poetry. He explored beauty, truth, and imagination. He believed poetry should be emotional and provide an escape from reality. Famous Poems by John Keats 1. Odes John Keats wrote beautiful odes that explored deep ideas and emotions. Some of his most famous odes are: “Ode to a Nightingale” – In this poem, Ke...

William Wordsworth was an English Romantic poet. He was born on April 7, 1770, in Wordsworth House in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in the Lake District. His sister Dorothy Wordsworth was a poet and diarist. She was born in 1771, and he remained close to her throughout his life. Wordsworth started his writing career in 1787 when he published a sonnet in The European Magazine . He often spent his holidays traveling on foot to visit places known for their beautiful landscapes. In 1793, he published his first poems in two collections titled An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches . In 1795, he met Samuel Taylor Coleridge. They worked together and played an important role in the beginning of the Romantic Age in English literature. In 1798, they published a collection of poems called Lyrical Ballads . This book is considered an important work in Romantic literary theory. In the preface to this book, Wordsworth defined poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes ...