Reading List:

Literature displaying LOVE THROUGH THE AGES...

Middle Ages
The concept of courtly love was greatly present within all arts of the middle ages and, though the novel not in fashion or really invented yet, ideas of nobility and social status greatly dominated.

- Geoffrey Chaucer "The Canterbury Tales" (14th Century) READING

Romantic Period (1775 - 1840)
The romantic period was a time in which people began questioning the prejudged ideas that had dominated society's thought pattern. Indeed in terms of literature the concept of sensibility arose and novels became more about creating an emotional response from the reader. The class system is in full swing and so social identity is a large factor.

- Jane Austen "Pride & Prejudice" (1812) READ
- Jane Austen "Emma" (1816)

Victorian/Edwardian Era (1840 - Early 20th Century)
At this time, the concept of the romantic is still present but has progressed to incorporate morality, education and social class even more prominently. Indeed at this time trade and the British empire was at its peak and many works highlighted the realities of the lower labouring classes.

- Emily Bronte "Wuthering Heights" (1847) READ
- Charles Dickens "Great Expectations" (1860) READ
- Louisa May Alcott "Little Women" (1868) READ
- Oscar Wilde "The Picture of Dorian Grey" (1890) READ

Modernist Era (Beginning of the 20th Century)
The 20th century caterpaulted the world into science and technology,with discoveries such as quantum mechanics ensuring that science was further away than ever expected in understanding the universe. Along with science, society completely altered. Communist spread throughout much of Europe, mass communication enabled people to view global news and experience it = cultural homogenisation as people became concerned about other people and the impact humans were having on the earth. The world wars, along with other political and racial issues, and their impact inevitably filtered into literature.

- TBA!


Post Modernist/Contemporary Era (Latter end of 20th century)
In terms of literature the contemporary novel rejects the tpically linear story, preferring to fuse genres and language styles to make the reader think! Margaret Atwood stated "A novel is about someone moving through time".

- Toni Morrison "The Bluest Eye" (1970) READ
- Margaret Atwood "The Handmaid's Tale" (1985)