Question

When did the history of English Literature begin?

• A. In the 1st century, c.100
• B. In the 5th century, c.450
• C. In the 11th century, c.1066
• D. In the 15th century, c.1400

Answer 1

Answer:

B. In the 5th century, c.450

History of English Literature: Early Beginnings

The Dawn of English Literature (c. 450 AD onwards)

• The history of English Literature is generally considered to have begun around the 5th century AD, specifically from approximately 450 AD.
• This period marks the arrival of Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) to Britain, bringing with them their languages and oral traditions.
• The earliest form of the English language is known as Old English or Anglo-Saxon.
• The literature of this era was primarily oral, consisting of epic poems, elegies, and heroic sagas.
• Beowulf is the most famous and significant epic poem of the Old English period, though its exact date of composition is uncertain, with estimates ranging from the 8th to the early 11th century. It is a cornerstone of early English literary studies.
• Other notable works include The Wanderer, The Seafarer, and Deor, which often reflect themes of exile, hardship, and loyalty.
• The influence of Christianity, introduced by missionaries from the 6th century onwards, also began to shape the literature, with religious poems and saints' lives becoming prominent. Cædmon and Bede are significant figures from this period.
• The Norman Conquest of 1066 marked a significant turning point, introducing Old French and leading to the transition towards Middle English, but the foundations were laid in this 5th-century beginning.