English Literature: The Essence of Great Britain
Even though the term “English literature” is familiar to most of us, when we stop to think of what exactly we mean by it, the answer is anything but simple. English literature is not the same thing as literature written in English; rather, English literature embodies the essence of Great Britain: its history, its challenges, its politics, its culture, and its impressions of the outside world.
Read more HERE and find 48 fascinating lectures on “Classics of British Literature“
Categories: British
Tagged: Classics, English Literature, Essence, Great Britain
3 responses so far ↓
David // January 27, 2009 at 8:15 pm |
Don’t you mean English literature embodies the essence of England, and English history, culture, etc? Just as Scottish literature evokes the Scottish experience, and Irish literature conveys the Irish spirit and history, etc. The very fact that we call it ‘English literature’ should tell you something: that it’s ultimately an expression of the English culture and character. There’s no such thing as ‘British literature’ (even less ‘Great British literature’) other than as the sum of the separate canons of English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish literature.
It’s true, however, that in the past, the national and political identities of England and Great Britain have been merged. But that’s never been the case for its literature or other art forms. And it’s even less so now that the political and formal identities of Britain and England are increasingly parting company.
Shorts (No. 1): English literature - the ‘essence of Great Britain’? « Britology Watch: Deconstructing ‘British Values’ // January 27, 2009 at 8:45 pm |
[...] one to kick off the series: a post entitled “English literature: The Essence of Great Britain”. My readers will appreciate the wry, ironic smile that such an alluring title induced in me! As it [...]
i albion // January 27, 2009 at 10:32 pm |
Some one else who confuses England with Britain,for God sake get it right!!!
ENGLISH THE ESSENCE OF ENGLAND