Orient BlackSwan

About the BookAbout the AuthorTable of Contents

This textbook is meant for 3rd semester BA Optional English students of Davangere University, Karnataka. The book consists of prose, poetry and a play. The selection of prose, poetry and play is made with utmost care so that students gain appreciation of literature. The comprehension questions and the glossary enhance the students’ understanding of the text.

The background essays give students an overview of the age they are studying. They trace significant literary movements as well as highlight key literary figures, works and genres. The critical analyses of the poems encourage students to read and understand the poem in its literary and social context. The detailed introduction and annotations to Paradise Lost, Book 1 and Julius Caesar will give students a comprehensive understanding of the times and context and also help them appreciate the richness of the text.

Board of Editors, Davangere University, Davangere, Karnataka.

Unit I: Background
1. Impact of the Renaissance on English literature
2. The Rise of the Theatre
3. The Metaphysical School of Poetry
4. Neoclassicism: the Development of English Prose
5. The Rise of the Novel

Unit II: Literary Terms
6. Epic
7. Metaphysical conceit
8. Wit
9. Satire
10. Allegory
11. Neoclassicism
12. Dramatic Unities
13. Humanism

Unit III: Poetry
14. The Flea
15. The Relique
16. Thoughts in a Garden
17. To His Coy Mistress
18. The Rape of the Lock, Canto 1
19. Paradise Lost, Book 1

Unit IV: Drama
20. Julius Caesar