English literature in the 17-18th centuries

The 17th century was one of the stormiest periods of English history. The political situation in the country was complicated. The growing contradictions between the new class, the bourgeoisie and the old forces of feudalism brought about the English Bourgeois Revolution in the 1640s. As a result of the revolution, the king was dethroned and beheaded and England was proclaimed a republic. Though very soon monarchy was restored, the position of the bourgeoisie had changed. The 18th century saw Great Britain rapidly growing into a capitalist country. It was an age of intensive industrial development. New machinery was invented that turned Britain into the first capitalist power of the world. The 18th century was also remarkable for the development of science and culture. English painting began to develop too.

The English Enlighteners were not unanimous in their views. Some of them spoke in defence of the existing order, considering that a few reforms were enough to improve it. These were: Daniel Defoe, Alexander Pope and Samuel Richardson.

The other group included the writers who openly protested against the social order. They defended the interests of the exploited masses. They were: Jonathan Swift, Henry Fielding, Oliver Goldsmith, Richard Sheridan, Robert Burns (7. 213).

John Milton (1608-1674), was an English poet and political writer. He is an author of "Paradise Lost" (1667, revised 1674), considered by many to be the greatest epic poem in the English language. He wrote "Paradise Regained" and "Samson Agonistes". Milton composed the first two of these works, and probably also the last, when he was totally blind.

Daniel Defoe (1661-1731) is regarded as the founder of realistic novel in English and European literature.

Daniel Defoe's life was complicated and adventurous. He was the son of a wealthy London butcher and received a good education. His father, being a puritan, wanted his son to become a priest. He preferred, however, the life of a merchant. He travelled in Spain, Germany, France and Italy on business. He spoke half a dozen languages and was a man of wide learning. From 1694 Defoe took an active part in public affairs. His energy enabled him to combine the life of a man of action with that of a writer. He was the earliest literary journalist in England. He wrote political pamphlets on any subject and every event. He was a man of an active and original mind, an independed and courageous thinker who dealt with social questions.

The greatest of the prose satirists of the age of the Enlightenment was Jonathan Swift (1667-1745). His bitter satire was aimed at the policy of the English bourgeoisie towards Ireland. That's why Irish people considered Swift their champion in the struggle for the welfare and freedom of their country.

Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin, but he came from an English family. His father died before he was born. The boy saw little of his mother's care: she had to go back to her native town.

Henry Fielding (1707-1754), born at Sharpham Park in Somerset, the son of a lieutenant. When he was 11, Fielding was sent to Eton. At the age of 19 Fielding tried to make a living in London as a dramatist.

In1728 his play "Love in Several Masques" was successfully performed at "Drury Lane" and Fielding departed for university at Leyden, where he studied classical literature for about 18 months. On his return to London he continued his carrer as a dramatist, writing some 25 plays in the period 1729-37. His dramatic works are largely satirical, the most satirical being "Tom Thumb" (1730). Fielding also edited four periodicals, but his major achievment is as a novelist.

The greatest poet of the 17th century was Robert Burns (1759-1796). His popularity in Scotland is very great. The Scottish bard was born in a clay cottage in the village of Alloway. His father was a poor farmer, but a man who valued knowledge. It was from his father that Robert received his learning and his love for books. His mother had a beautiful voice and taught Robert old Scottish songs and ballads which he later turned into his best poems.

In his songs he spoke of what he saw - of the woods and fields and valleys, on the deer and the skylark and the small field- mouse, of the farmer's poor cottage.