English Literature give birth to wide variety of literary collections. It include poem, novel, short story, essays, prose etc. All these work explore a huge ideas and thoughts and sometimes it also reflects the real life situations of authors and readers. English literature is rich with major works that have shaped literary traditions and influenced generations of readers. Here’s a diverse selection of some of the most significant works:
Major Works of English Literature
“Beowulf“ (Unknown author, c. 8th-11th century): An epic poem that is one of the oldest surviving works of English literature, “Beowulf” tells the story of a hero who battles monsters and dragons.
“The Canterbury Tales“ by Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 14th century): Furthermore, “The Canterbury Tales” provides insight into various social classes and professions during that time period. Additionally, the tales showcase a range of themes such as love, betrayal, and revenge. Moreover, the interactions between the pilgrims as they share their stories reveal the complexities of human nature and relationships. Overall, “The Canterbury Tales” offers a diverse and rich portrayal of medieval English society.
“Hamlet“ by William Shakespeare (c. 1600): “Hamlet,” a top Shakespearean tragedy, delves into revenge, madness, and human complexity.
“Pride and Prejudice“ by Jane Austen (1813): An insightful novel satirizing 19th-century social norms and portraying Elizabeth Bennet’s romance with Mr. Darcy.
“Frankenstein“ by Mary Shelley (1818): A Gothic novel that explores themes of scientific discovery, ambition, and the nature of humanity through the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation.
“Moby-Dick“ by Herman Melville (1851): Epic tale of Captain Ahab’s revenge quest against Moby Dick, exploring fate, obsession, and humanity.
Additionally, “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens (1861) is a bildungsroman that follows the journey of Pip, an orphan. As he navigates the social classes of Victorian England, he learns the true meaning of wealth and identity.
“To the Lighthouse“ by Virginia Woolf (1927): A modernist novel that experiments with narrative form and consciousness, capturing the inner thoughts and perceptions of the characters as they grapple with life’s uncertainties.
“The Catcher in the Rye“ by J.D. Salinger (1951): Follow rebellious teen Holden Caulfield navigating adult phoniness, seeking authenticity and meaning.
“One Hundred Years of Solitude“ by Gabriel García Márquez (1967): A landmark work of magical realism that chronicles the rise and fall of the Buendía family over seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo.