U NET : NET SET PHD EXAM

Explore Metaphysical Poetry: John Donne, George Herbert, Marvell, Vaughan—17th-century themes, conceits, works & analysis for UGC NET JRF English. 🔮 Metaphysical Poetry – Literary Movement 📌 Introduction Metaphysical Poetry was a prominent literary movement of the 17th century in England. The term “Metaphysical” was first used by Samuel Johnson in the 18th century (in Lives of the Poets ) to describe poets like John Donne whose works were intellectually complex, filled with wit, paradoxes, and elaborate conceits . These poets combined philosophy, emotion, and religion in highly innovative forms, breaking away from smooth Elizabethan lyricism. 📌 Context Originated late Elizabethan & Jacobean, continued into Caroline & Commonwealth Era . John Donne = leader. Term “Metaphysical” coined by Samuel Johnson (18th century) in his Lives of the Poets (derogatory sense). ✒️ Features Wit & Conceits – far-fetched metaphors (compass, flea, tears as globes). ...

Explore the Caroline & Commonwealth Era (1625–1660): Cavalier & Metaphysical poets, Milton, prose, drama, key works for UGC NET JRF English.  Caroline & Commonwealth Era (1625–1660) Introduction: The Caroline & Commonwealth Era (1625–1660) in English Literature represents a transitional phase between the Renaissance exuberance of the Elizabethan-Jacobean period and the austere, intellectual writings of the Restoration. 🏰 Historical Background 1. Caroline Era (1625–1649) Named after King Charles I (Latin: Carolus) who succeeded James I in 1625. Court culture was marked by refinement, elegance, loyalty to monarchy, and the arts. Royalist literature flourished at court. The King’s belief in the divine right of kings led to conflict with Parliament. This political tension culminated in the English Civil War (1642–1651) between: Royalists (Cavaliers) supporting Charles I. Parliamentarians (Roundheads) led by Oliver Cromwell. 2. Civil War & Execution of Charles ...

 Key writers after Chaucer—Hawes, Barclay, Ascham, Heywood, Still, Wycliffe—with major works for NET, SET, JRF, and PhD English Literature prep. 📘 Introduction: Understanding the Post-Chaucerian and Early Renaissance writers is essential for aspirants preparing for UGC NET English Literature , SET , JRF , and PhD entrance exams . This transitional phase from Medieval to Renaissance literature introduced remarkable figures like Stephen Hawes , Alexander Barclay , Roger Ascham , John Heywood , John Still , and John Wycliffe —each playing a crucial role in shaping early English literary thought. Stephen Hawes , with his allegorical masterpiece The Pastime of Pleasure , continued the Chaucerian tradition, while Alexander Barclay brought social satire alive through The Ship of Fools and pioneered English pastoral verse through his Eclogues . Roger Ascham , tutor to Queen Elizabeth I, became a key humanist figure with his works Toxophilus and The Scholemaster . The witty interlud...

 Learn how key political events influenced English literature. Essential for UGC NET exam aspirants to understand history, themes, and authors’ responses. Introduction : English literature is deeply intertwined with the political and religious upheavals that shaped England's history. Understanding the major historical-political events such as the Babington Plot , Spanish Armada , Gunpowder Plot , and the Glorious Revolution is crucial for students and aspirants of competitive exams like the UGC NET English Literature paper. These events not only changed the course of English history but also inspired some of the greatest works in literature, influencing themes, genres, and literary movements. For instance, the Spanish Armada’s defeat in 1588 became a symbol of Protestant England’s triumph and national pride, inspiring poets like Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queene . Similarly, the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 , an attempt to assassinate King James I, brought themes of betrayal, religi...