18th and 19th Century Literature

Unit 1 – Enlightenment Literature

Unit 2 – Romanticism

Unit 3 – Victorian Literature

Unit 4 – Gothic Literature

Unit 5 – Transcendentalism

Unit 6 – Realism and Naturalism in Literature

Unit 7 – Poetry: 18th and 19th Centuries

Unit 8 – The Rise of the Novel

Unit 9 – Slave Narratives & Abolitionist Texts

Unit 10 – Early Feminist Literature

Unit 11 – Transatlantic Literature Connections

Unit 12 – Literature in the Industrial Age

## What do you learn in 18th and 19th Century Literature

You'll explore major literary movements like Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism. The course covers famous authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Emily Brontë. You'll analyze novels, poetry, and essays from this era, examining themes of social change, industrialization, and individual identity. It's all about understanding how literature reflected and shaped society during these transformative centuries.

## Is 18th and 19th Century Literature hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to older writing styles. The language can be dense, and some of the cultural references might go over your head at first. But once you get into the rhythm of the texts, it's actually pretty interesting. Most profs are understanding and will help you navigate the tougher parts.

## Tips for taking 18th and 19th Century Literature in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read summaries before diving into the full texts
3. Keep a timeline of major historical events to contextualize the literature
4. Join a study group to discuss complex themes in novels like "Pride and Prejudice" or "Great Expectations"
5. Watch film adaptations to visualize the settings and characters
6. Use annotation tools to mark important passages and themes
7. Listen to audiobooks to get a feel for the language and dialogue
8. Check out "The Romantics" documentary series for background on the Romantic period

## Common pre-requisites for 18th and 19th Century Literature

1. Introduction to Literary Analysis: Learn the basics of close reading and interpreting various literary forms. This course sets the foundation for more advanced literature classes.

2. British Literature Survey: Get an overview of British literature from its beginnings to the modern era. It provides context for the specific focus on 18th and 19th century works.

## Classes similar to 18th and 19th Century Literature

1. Victorian Literature: Dive deep into the literature of the Victorian era, exploring authors like the Brontë sisters and Thomas Hardy. This course often includes discussions on the social and cultural changes of the time.

2. Romantic Poetry: Focus on the major Romantic poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Keats. You'll analyze their revolutionary ideas and innovative poetic techniques.

3. American Renaissance Literature: Explore American literature from the same period, including works by Emerson, Thoreau, and Whitman. It's interesting to compare and contrast with British literature of the same era.

4. Gothic Literature: Examine the dark and mysterious side of 18th and 19th century literature, including works like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula". This course delves into themes of horror, the supernatural, and psychological terror.

## Majors related to 18th and 19th Century Literature

1. English Literature: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting literature from various periods and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring diverse literary works.

2. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature across different languages, cultures, and time periods. Students learn to draw connections between literary traditions and explore themes that transcend national boundaries.

3. History: Examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand how they shape the present. Students studying 18th and 19th century literature often find connections with historical events and social movements of the same period.

4. Cultural Studies: Analyzes cultural phenomena, including literature, in relation to social and political contexts. Students explore how literature reflects and influences cultural norms, values, and power structures.

## What can you do with a degree in 18th and 19th Century Literature?

1. Teacher or Professor: Educate students about literature at various levels, from high school to university. This role involves designing courses, leading discussions, and helping students develop critical thinking skills.

2. Editor: Work in publishing to review and refine written content. Editors use their deep understanding of language and literature to improve the quality of books, magazines, and online content.

3. Librarian: Manage and organize library resources, including literary collections. Librarians also help patrons find information and often organize literary events or book clubs.

4. Literary Agent: Represent authors and help them get their work published. This role requires a strong understanding of literature and the publishing industry.

5. Museum Curator: Organize exhibitions related to literature or cultural history. Curators research and present artifacts and information to educate the public about literary and historical topics.

## 18th and 19th Century Literature FAQs

1. Do I need to read all the books cover to cover? Usually not. Profs often assign specific chapters or excerpts, but it's good to skim the whole book for context.

2. How much historical knowledge do I need? A basic understanding helps, but don't worry. Most courses provide necessary historical context as you go.

3. Are the exams all essays? It varies, but expect a mix of short answer questions and longer essays. Some profs might include multiple choice or passage analysis too.

4. Can I use modern English translations? Generally, no. Part of the course is understanding the original language, but ask your prof if you're really struggling.

Literature

1.1 Rationalism and empiricism

1.2 Satire and social criticism

1.3 Neoclassicism

1.5 The philosophes

1.4 The Encyclopédie

2.3 Imagination and creativity

2.2 Nature and the sublime

2.1 Emotion and individualism

2.4 Romantic poetry

2.5 The Byronic hero

3.5 The Victorian periodical press

3.3 Victorian poetry

3.2 The Victorian novel

3.1 Realism and social commentary

3.4 The Victorian theater

4.1 The supernatural and the uncanny

4.4 The Gothic and the Romantic movement

4.5 The Gothic and Victorian literature

4.2 The Gothic novel

4.3 Gothic poetry

5.1 Self-reliance and individualism

5.3 Civil disobedience

5.2 Nature and spirituality

5.4 Transcendentalist essays

5.5 Transcendentalist poetry

6.2 Social and psychological determinism

6.3 The influence of science and technology

6.1 Objective representation of reality

6.4 Realist and Naturalist novels

6.5 Realist and Naturalist theater

7.1 Neoclassical poetry

7.2 Romantic poetry

7.4 The dramatic monologue

7.5 The sonnet

7.3 Victorian poetry

8.1 The epistolary novel

8.5 The realist novel

8.2 The picaresque novel

8.3 The Gothic novel

8.4 The historical novel

9.2 Abolitionist poetry

9.3 Abolitionist novels

9.4 Abolitionist speeches and essays

9.1 The slave narrative genre

9.5 The impact of slave narratives on the abolitionist movement

10.2 Women poets of the Romantic era

10.3 Victorian women writers

10.4 The New Woman fiction

10.5 Early feminist essays and treatises

10.1 The rise of the woman novelist

11.2 American writers in Europe

11.4 Comparative studies of British and American literature

11.3 Transatlantic literary circles and correspondences

11.5 The impact of transatlantic travel on literature

11.1 The influence of British literature on American writers

12.1 The impact of industrialization on society and culture

12.2 The representation of the working class in literature

12.3 The literature of social reform

12.5 The changing landscape of the city in literature

12.4 The role of technology in literature

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