II. Characteristics of the Renaissance

A. Teachings of Moral and Virtue

III. Characteristics of the Restoration

B. Focus on Problems of the Time

English literature is rich in a history that spans back before the beginnings of Christianity. From the first piece of literature ever known to exist to the classics given to us by Shakespeare, the changing times of England can be seen in its literature. There are three stages of English literature: the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Restoration. It is evident that certain characteristics can be seen in each of these stages.

The Middle Ages marked the beginning of English literature. The earliest known pieces of literature to survive dealt with Christianity, pagan views, and adventure.

First, Christianity is a prominent theme in the middle ages. For example, in the epic "Beowulf", Christianity is seen in the theme of good vs. evil. Beowulf, the good heroic figure battles three evil monsters, Grendel, the troll wi

In conclusion, the literature of England has changed dramatically overtime: from a beginning routed in pagan beliefs, to the birth of Christianity and new learning, to a realization of societies wrongs, literature is still striving to evolve. England has given people many classics that are still be learned and read to this day. These stories will continue to give people enjoyment as they learn about the beginnings of literature.

fe, and the dragon. Grendel, the monster, can also be a symbol of Christianity. He is said to be a descendent of Cain, a biblical figure, signifying fall from virtue. Beowulf himself can be seen as a Christ-like figure in his goodheartedness and his want to free people of oppression from evil monsters. He heroically battled Grendel and the troll wife out of charity to ride the country of evil. Likewise, he battles the dragon in his final battle because he wanted to avenge his kingdom. Like Jesus, his people also betrayed Beowulf. In his final battle with the dragon his men all run away cowardly and abandoned him to be fatally injured by the dragon which eventual killed him. Another example of Christianity can be seen in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". First the story begins with a Christmas celebration of the Knights of the round table. Sir Gawain's faith in God is seen in his journey to find the Green Knight, when he is on this journey he preys to God for his guidance. Sir Gawain's shield can be seen as a symbol of Christ, the pentangle representing the five wounds of Christ. A picture of the Virgin Mary is also on his shield. In "Morte Darthur", Christianity is exemplified in the search for the Holy Grail, the glass that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. There are also several stories from "The Canterbury Tales" that have Christian themes. The entire book itself is based on a Christian pilgrimage to the tomb of Sir Thomas Becket of Canterbury. "The parson's Tale" is a sermon on the seven deadly sins. The story that he tells about the three friends who kill each other for gold exemplifies the Christian them: Greed is the root of all evil. "The Man of Laws Tale" is one of a saint's legend. The main character Constance is a symbol of Christian faith and purity while other religions in the tale are depicted as evil. In the story Constance endures many injustices because of her faith. For instance, Constance is forced to marry a Muslim king who converts his country to Christianity. His mother, unhappy about the conversion, slaughters everyone except Constance and sends her on a raft. Constance travels to another pagan land where she converts and marries the king. She endures yet another injustice when the king's mother sends her and her child away. Her unwavering faith saves her again when she finds land and a man tries to harm her. In the end her faith is rewarded when she returns to her homeland and is reunited with her father and husband. Yet another example of Christianity can be seen in "The Second Shepards Play". The play is based on the coming of Christ.

Another characteristic evident in the renaissance is the Christian theme of good vs. evil. This can be seen in "The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus". In this story Dr. Faustus fights with his inner demons represented by the two angles: the good angle represents what is right and the bad angle represents temptation. Dr. Faustus is tempted by magic and power to sell his soul to the devil, not realizing the consequences of his actions until he must evidently give up his soul. Another example of good vs. evil can be seen in "Pilgrims Progress" in the fight with Apollyon. Christian has to fight the evil monster Apollyon to gain his right of passage on his journey to Jerusalem. Although he is tempted he does not give in to evil and defeats Apollyon to return on his journey. "Paradise Lost" also exhibits this theme. Eve is confronted with a decision to obey God or to satisfy her curiosity. She is per

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