English Class 11 Chapter 9 Notes Bihar Board बिहार बोर्ड

The Story of Poetry

1. Introduction to Poetry:
   • Poetry differs from prose in its use of language, emphasizing sound, imagery, and rhythm.
   • W.H. Auden’s lines illustrate the use of images (e.g., leaves, flowers, graves) that convey deeper meanings, such as the cycle of life and death.
2. Early Beginnings:
   • Poetry in England began with the early history of the English people during the Anglo-Norman and Anglo-Saxon periods.
   • During these times, English was in a primitive form, influenced by French and German languages.
   • Early poets focused on themes like crusades and sea voyages, with stories of King Arthur being prominent.
3. Middle English Period:
   • Geoffrey Chaucer played a significant role in the emergence of a national language and literature during the Middle English period.
   • In “The Canterbury Tales,” Chaucer depicted the English countryside and its people, creating timeless characters like the Wife of Bath and the Noble Knight.
   • Chaucer’s work marked a departure from Old English’s irregular lines and alliteration.
4. Renaissance and Rebirth:
   • The 15th century saw the Renaissance, a period of intellectual revival in Europe, with ancient Greek learning being rediscovered.
   • The invention of the printing press made literature more accessible, sparking a new spirit of inquiry.
   • In England, the Renaissance flourished under Elizabeth I, with poets like Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare leading the way.
5. 17th Century – Transition and Revolution:
   • The 17th century was marked by political and social struggles, including the Civil War and the rise of the middle class.
   • John Milton, a Puritan poet, was a significant figure, known for his epic poems “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained.”
   • Metaphysical poets like John Donne used complex metaphors and similes to explore spiritual themes and human emotions.
6. 18th Century – Age of Reason and Optimism:
   • The 18th century, known as the Augustan Age, emphasized reason and classical antiquity as models of style.
   • Alexander Pope was a leading poet, known for his satirical works and the use of the heroic couplet.
   • This period also saw the transition towards Romanticism, with poets like Robert Burns and William Wordsworth laying the groundwork for a renewed interest in nature and individualism.
7. Romantic Revival:
   • The Romantic Revival in English poetry is associated with poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, and Keats.
   • This movement emphasized individualism, imagination, and a humanitarian outlook, influenced by the French Revolution and a growing interest in medieval literature.
   • Wordsworth’s poetry focused on nature as a spiritual presence, while Coleridge explored medieval folklore and legends.
8. Victorian Era:
   • The Victorian period (1837-1901) was characterized by the rise of democracy, expansion of the British Empire, and advancements in science and technology.
   • Poets like Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Matthew Arnold addressed the doubts and fears of the common man while seeking to reconcile science and religion.
   • The Pre-Raphaelites, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris, revived medieval ideals in poetry.
9. 20th Century – Modernism and Beyond:
   • English poetry in the 20th century became diverse, reflecting the new crises in human life.
   • T.S. Eliot was a leading figure, using poetry to critique modern civilization and explore spiritual disillusionment.
   • Post-war poetry included a variety of themes, with poets like W.H. Auden and Dylan Thomas responding to the social and political issues of the time.
10. Global Influence of English Poetry:
    • English poetry expanded beyond Britain, with poets from America, Australia, Canada, India, Africa, and the Caribbean contributing to its richness.
    • American poets like Robert Frost and Ezra Pound brought new themes and forms to English poetry.
    • Indian poets like Rabindranath Tagore and Sarojini Naidu used English to express Indian sensibilities.
    • Poets from Africa and the Caribbean, like Wole Soyinka and Derek Walcott, used English to address colonialism and cultural identity.
11. Conclusion:
    • English poetry today is a global phenomenon, encompassing diverse voices and cultures.
    • It is no longer limited to English poets alone but includes contributions from across the world, enriching the tradition of English poetry.