British Literature II

Unit 1 – Romantic Era: Historical & Cultural Context

Unit 2 – Romantic Poetry: Wordsworth & Co.

Unit 3 – Romantic Poetry: Byron, Shelley & Keats

Unit 4 – Gothic Novel: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Unit 5 – Victorian Era: Historical & Cultural Context

Unit 6 – Victorian Poetry: Tennyson & Browning

Unit 7 – Victorian Novel: Dickens

Unit 8 – Victorian Novel: The Brontë Sisters

Unit 9 – Late Victorian: Hardy and Wilde

Unit 10 – Modernism: Historical & Cultural Context

Unit 11 – Modernist Poetry: Yeats, Eliot & Auden

Unit 12 – Modernism: Joyce and Woolf's Fiction

Unit 13 – Modernist Drama: Shaw's Plays

Unit 14 – Post-WWII Lit: Orwell and Golding

Unit 15 – Postmodern & Contemporary British Lit

## What do you learn in British Literature II

British Literature II covers English literature from the Romantic period to the present day. You'll read works by major authors like Wordsworth, Austen, Dickens, Woolf, and Orwell. The course explores key literary movements including Romanticism, Victorian literature, Modernism, and Postmodernism. You'll analyze how historical and cultural contexts shaped these works and discuss their themes, styles, and lasting impact.

## Is British Literature II hard?

British Lit II can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The reading load is pretty heavy, and you'll need to keep up with a lot of novels, poems, and plays. Some of the older language and writing styles might take some getting used to. The trickiest part is often the analysis – you'll need to think critically about the texts and their contexts. But if you enjoy reading and discussing literature, you'll probably find it engaging and rewarding.

## Tips for taking British Literature II in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Keep a reading journal to jot down thoughts and questions as you go
3. Don't just read summaries – actually read the texts (trust me, it makes a difference)
4. Pay attention to historical context – it's key for understanding many works
5. Engage in class discussions – it helps solidify your understanding
6. Watch film adaptations of novels like "Pride and Prejudice" or "Mrs. Dalloway" for a different perspective
7. Listen to audiobooks for longer novels to help with time management
8. Form a study group to discuss themes and bounce ideas off each other
9. Check out "The Romantics" documentary series for background on that period

## Common pre-requisites for British Literature II

1. British Literature I: Covers English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the 18th century. You'll read works like Beowulf, Canterbury Tales, and Shakespeare.

2. Introduction to Literary Analysis: Teaches you how to critically read and analyze various forms of literature. You'll learn about literary devices, interpretation techniques, and how to write analytical essays.

## Classes similar to British Literature II

1. American Literature II: Explores American literature from the Civil War to the present. You'll read authors like Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and Toni Morrison.

2. World Literature: Covers major works of literature from various cultures and time periods. You'll get a global perspective on literary traditions and themes.

3. Modern and Contemporary Literature: Focuses on 20th and 21st century literature from around the world. You'll explore experimental styles and contemporary themes.

4. Postcolonial Literature: Examines literature from countries that were once colonized by European powers. You'll discuss themes of identity, culture, and power dynamics.

## Majors related to British Literature II

1. English Literature: Focuses on analyzing and interpreting literary works from various periods and genres. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring the cultural and historical contexts of literature.

2. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature across different languages, cultures, and time periods. Students learn to analyze texts in their original languages and explore connections between different literary traditions.

3. Creative Writing: Combines the study of literature with the practice of writing fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. Students develop their own writing skills while drawing inspiration from the works they study.

4. Cultural Studies: Examines how cultural products, including literature, reflect and shape society. Students analyze texts alongside other cultural forms like film, music, and media.

## What can you do with a degree in British Literature II?

1. Teacher/Professor: Educate students about literature at various levels, from high school to university. Develop curriculum, lead discussions, and help students improve their analytical and writing skills.

2. Editor: Work in publishing to review and refine manuscripts before publication. Editors ensure clarity, coherence, and quality in various types of written work.

3. Content Writer: Create written content for websites, magazines, or marketing materials. Use your understanding of language and storytelling to craft engaging and effective content.

4. Librarian: Manage and organize library resources, assist patrons with research, and develop programs to promote literacy and learning. Librarians often specialize in certain areas, like children's literature or academic research.

5. Literary Agent: Represent authors and their work to publishers. Literary agents negotiate contracts, provide career guidance, and help shape manuscripts for the market.

## British Literature II FAQs

1. Do I need to read every work in full? While it's ideal to read everything, realistically, you might need to skim some longer works. Focus on key chapters and passages your professor highlights.

2. How can I keep track of all the different literary movements? Create a timeline or chart that outlines the major movements, their key characteristics, and representative authors. This visual aid can help you organize the information.

3. Are there any online resources that can help me understand the historical context? Yes, websites like the British Library and Victorian Web offer great background information. Just be sure to use reputable sources and don't rely solely on online summaries.

Literature

1.2 Philosophical and artistic movements influencing Romanticism

1.3 The rise of individualism and imagination in literature

1.1 Political and social upheavals of the late 18th and early 19th centuries

1.4 Romantic ideals and their impact on society and culture

2.1 The Lyrical Ballads and the birth of English Romantic poetry

2.2 Nature and the sublime in Wordsworth's poetry

2.3 Coleridge's contribution to Romantic theory and supernatural poetry

2.4 Blake's visionary art and poetry

3.3 Keats and the concept of negative capability

3.4 The ode in Romantic poetry

3.1 Byron's narrative poetry and the Byronic hero

3.2 Shelley's revolutionary ideals and lyric poetry

4.1 Origins and characteristics of the Gothic novel

4.2 Frankenstein: themes, structure, and narrative technique

4.3 Science, ethics, and the human condition in Frankenstein

5.2 Victorian values and moral codes

5.4 The role of women and gender in Victorian society

5.3 Scientific advancements and religious doubt

5.1 Industrialization and social change in 19th-century Britain

6.1 Tennyson's narrative and lyric poetry

6.2 The dramatic monologue in Browning's poetry

6.3 Victorian poetic style and themes

7.1 Dickens's literary style and narrative techniques

7.2 Social criticism in Dickens's novels

7.3 Character development and symbolism in Dickensian fiction

8.3 Narrative structure and point of view in the Brontës' novels

8.1 Gothic elements and Romanticism in the Brontës' works

8.2 Feminism and gender roles in Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights

9.1 Hardy's naturalism and fatalism

9.2 Wilde's aestheticism and social satire

9.3 The changing face of the Victorian novel

10.1 The impact of World War I on literature and culture

10.2 Psychological theories and their influence on Modernist literature

10.3 Avant-garde movements and experimentation in the arts

11.1 Yeats's symbolism and Irish mythology

11.2 Eliot's fragmentation and allusion in The Waste Land

11.3 Auden's political and social commentary in poetry

12.2 Joyce's Ulysses: structure, style, and significance

12.3 Woolf's feminist perspective and experimental narratives

12.1 Stream of consciousness and interior monologue

13.1 Shaw's social criticism and wit

13.2 The concept of the "play of ideas"

13.3 Innovations in dramatic structure and dialogue

14.3 Post-war disillusionment and existentialism in literature

14.1 Orwell's dystopian vision and political allegory

14.2 Golding's exploration of human nature and society

15.1 Characteristics of postmodern literature

15.2 Multiculturalism and post-colonial perspectives in British literature

15.3 Experimental forms and techniques in contemporary writing

15.4 The impact of technology and globalization on 21st-century British literature

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