Final answer:
a. Beowulf is a representative poem of the Old English period, while Chaucer made significant contributions to English poetry during the Middle English period.
b. The Augustan Literature emphasized reason and logic but also evoked emotion and imagination.
c. The 18th Century Sensibility encompassed emotional and moral sensitivity.
d. John Dryden made important contributions to English literature, and Georgian poetry highlighted elegance, wit, and love of nature.
e. Georgian poetry refers to the poetry written during the reigns of the four British monarchs named George.
f. The Second World War and the following period brought significant shifts in English literature, especially in poetry, with trends like the rise of Movement poets and the emergence of confessional poetry.
g. Major contemporary poets of this age include Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott, and Carol Ann Duffy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beowulf is considered the most representative poem of the Old English period. It tells the story of a hero who battles mythical monsters and embodies the values and ideals of the time, such as honor, bravery, and loyalty. Chaucer, on the other hand, made significant contributions to English poetry during the Middle English period. His most famous work, 'The Canterbury Tales,' is a collection of stories that provides a vivid portrait of medieval society.
The Augustan Literature is often seen as intellectual and rational, as it was influenced by the Enlightenment and emphasized reason and logic. However, it is not necessarily deficient in emotion and imagination. Writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift used satire and wit to engage with social and political issues, while also tapping into human emotions.
The term 'The 18th Century Sensibility' refers to the prevailing cultural and intellectual concerns of the 18th century in England. It was characterized by a focus on reason, morality, and sensibility, which encompassed both emotional and moral sensitivity.
John Dryden was a significant figure in English literature and made several contributions. He was a versatile writer who excelled in various genres, including poetry, drama, and prose. Dryden played a crucial role in the development of English literary criticism and introduced the heroic couplet as a prominent form.
Georgian poetry refers to the poetry written during the reigns of the four British monarchs named George. It is known for its elegance, wit, and love of nature. The major characteristics of Georgian poetry include a focus on descriptive and lyrical elements, an interest in celebrating village life and the natural world, and a rejection of the excessive ornamentation of the previous rococo era.
The Second World War and the period that followed witnessed significant shifts in English literature, particularly in poetry. The war led to a sense of disillusionment and loss, which was reflected in the poetry of this period. Key trends in English literature, especially poetry, during this time, included the rise of the Movement of poets like Philip Larkin, who favored a more traditional and formal style, and the emergence of confessional poetry, with poets like Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes delving into personal and intense emotional experiences.
Some major contemporary poets of this age include Seamus Heaney, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature, Derek Walcott, who also won the Nobel Prize, and Carol Ann Duffy, who served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom. These poets explore various themes and styles, ranging from personal reflections to social and political commentary.