This work should give a short overview of the Early Modern English Period. It should give an idea how and when this period developed and which were the certain aspects of development.
This will be followed by some examples of changes and developments in linguistics. These examples will be from the areas of phonology, morphology and vocabulary. During this period there were several groups of authors which should be regarded. Which famous and still-known authors were parts of which group?
What was characteristic or special for each group or the period of time when it occurred? This will be followed by a short chapter about William Shakespeare who was an important person at that time and in his works one can also see linguistic changes.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About the Early Modern English Period
- The Development of the Early Modern English
- First Development
- Second Development
- Linguistic Developments
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Vocabulary
- Groups of authors from the late 16th to the mid 18th century
- The Metaphysical Poets
- Jacobean Drama
- Restoration Drama
- Augustan Age
- Shakespeare
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to provide a concise overview of the Early Modern English period, exploring its development and key linguistic changes. It examines the evolution of the language through phonological, morphological, and vocabulary shifts, illustrating these changes with examples. Furthermore, it investigates prominent author groups of the era and their characteristics, culminating in a brief discussion of William Shakespeare's contribution to the period.
- The development and characteristics of the Early Modern English period.
- Significant linguistic changes in phonology, morphology, and vocabulary.
- Prominent author groups of the Early Modern English period and their stylistic features.
- The role of William Shakespeare within the context of the period.
- The impact of printing on the standardization of English.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the subsequent exploration of the Early Modern English period. It outlines the work's objectives, which include providing a brief overview of the period's development, highlighting key linguistic aspects, and examining significant author groups and the works of William Shakespeare. The chapter establishes the scope of the analysis and the key questions it aims to address.
About the Early Modern English Period: This chapter defines the Early Modern English (EME) period, situating it chronologically (1500-1800) and contextually within broader socio-political and economic changes in Britain. It emphasizes the lack of a clear defining event for the period's beginning, suggesting instead an emergence of standardization in speech and its relationship to the structure of Present-Day English, making texts from the era relatively accessible to modern readers. The chapter foreshadows the exploration of the key developments responsible for this standardization in the following chapters.
The Development of the Early Modern English: This chapter details the two-stage development of Early Modern English, emphasizing London's linguistic dominance. The first stage involves the rise of non-clerical scribes and the adoption of a conventionalised orthography for official use by the Chancery. The second stage centers on the impact of William Caxton's printing press, its contribution to increased literacy rates and the standardization of spelling. It highlights the tension between standardization and the numerous dialects present in Caxton’s work.
Linguistic Developments: This section focuses on the significant linguistic changes during the Early Modern English period. It prominently features the Great Vowel Shift, a major phonological change that impacted the English long vowel system and reduced the phonetic nature of English spelling. The chapter previews further explorations into phonological, morphological, and vocabulary developments in the Early Modern English language, thereby setting the stage for a more detailed examination of these changes in subsequent parts of the text (although these detailed examinations are not included in this preview).
Groups of authors from the late 16th to the mid 18th century: This chapter promises to explore various groups of authors who were prominent during the Early Modern English period. It previews discussions about the Metaphysical Poets, Jacobean Drama, Restoration Drama, and the Augustan Age, suggesting an analysis of the distinctive characteristics and contributions of each group. This sets the stage for a deeper engagement with the literary output and styles of these different groups, demonstrating how the broader context shapes their creative endeavors. However, this deeper engagement is not provided in this preview.
Shakespeare: This chapter is dedicated to exploring the significant contribution of William Shakespeare to the Early Modern English period. While the specific content of the chapter is not detailed here to avoid spoilers, it is clear that it will examine Shakespeare's work and influence during this formative era in English literature and language.
Keywords
Early Modern English, linguistic development, phonology, morphology, vocabulary, Great Vowel Shift, William Caxton, printing press, standardization, literature, author groups, Metaphysical Poets, Jacobean Drama, Restoration Drama, Augustan Age, William Shakespeare.
Early Modern English Language Preview: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive preview of a work exploring the Early Modern English (EME) period (1500-1800). It aims to offer a concise overview of the period's development, key linguistic changes, prominent author groups, and William Shakespeare's contribution.
What topics are covered in this preview?
The preview includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It covers the development of EME, significant linguistic changes (phonology, morphology, vocabulary, including the Great Vowel Shift), prominent author groups (Metaphysical Poets, Jacobean Drama, Restoration Drama, Augustan Age), and Shakespeare's role in the period. The impact of printing on language standardization is also mentioned.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the evolution of Early Modern English, the significant linguistic shifts during this period, the characteristics of prominent author groups, and William Shakespeare's influence on the language and literature of the time. The standardization of English, particularly the role of printing, is also a central theme.
What is covered in each chapter (as per the preview)?
The preview summarizes each chapter: The introduction sets the stage; "About the Early Modern English Period" defines the time frame and context; "The Development of Early Modern English" details its two-stage development; "Linguistic Developments" focuses on phonological, morphological, and vocabulary changes; "Groups of authors..." previews discussions of various author groups; and "Shakespeare" is dedicated to his contribution to the period.
What are the key linguistic changes discussed?
The preview highlights the Great Vowel Shift as a major phonological change. It also mentions further explorations (not detailed in the preview) into phonological, morphological, and vocabulary developments.
Which author groups are examined?
The text previews discussions of the Metaphysical Poets, Jacobean Drama, Restoration Drama, and the Augustan Age, focusing on their distinctive characteristics and contributions.
What is Shakespeare's role in the text?
A dedicated chapter explores William Shakespeare's significant contribution to the Early Modern English period, though specific details are not provided in this preview.
What is the significance of William Caxton and the printing press?
The preview mentions William Caxton's printing press as a key factor in the second stage of EME's development, contributing to increased literacy and spelling standardization, although it also notes the tension between standardization and existing dialects.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Early Modern English, linguistic development, phonology, morphology, vocabulary, Great Vowel Shift, William Caxton, printing press, standardization, literature, author groups, Metaphysical Poets, Jacobean Drama, Restoration Drama, Augustan Age, William Shakespeare.
Who is the intended audience for this text?
The text is intended for academic use, focusing on the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Citation du texte
- Kathrin Brandt (Auteur), 2006, The Early Modern English Period, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/61918
