Did you ever wonder what was going on in the world when a work of fiction was published, hoping that the information would offer an avenue for understanding the prose or poetry and its effect on readers? This interactive timeline from Glencoe/McGraw Hillprovides a thought provoking view of the evolution of literary genres and the political and historical British and world context in which they developed (see link/URL below).
For a snapshot of the 19th century period when Jane Austen’s novel Emma was published, simply move the guide across the timeline toward 1815. Seeing the literary works in context highlighted the creative changes occurring in literature during the period. It positions the evolution of Austen's writing, for instance, the five years before Emma, saw the publication of the Grimm brothers dramatic fair tales for children, the first historical novel (by Sir Walter Scott), and a short three years after Emma came the first science fiction with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, then Lord Byron’s Don Juan.
The timeline concisely illustrates the 19th century political turmoil and military conflict, Britain’s empire expansion ,and world developments (War in Africa, Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, Greek revolt against Turkey, revolt in Venezuela, Britain and the U.S. conflict - War of 1812). As an overview, the it shows a Britain in flux even as it was at the height of its empire. No wonder writers were creating works about change, science, and social upheaval versus stability.
This timeline tool is quick and an enlightening way to frame British literary works and see the evolution of genres. For university level study, it has minor limitations; they do not interfere with its benefits. (It is a reference tool for 12th grade users by a text book publisher), and as a consequence its structure and content locus on 12th grade curriculum content.
It is an engaging look at British literature. http://glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/languageart/grade12/brt_timeline/timeline_content.html
I found this to be very enlightening. It's interesting to see what other literary works were released during such and such time. If I were back in high school doing research on British literature this would have been most useful!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gabby, this is definitely useful. I was scrolling through it though, and I was surprised by some of the gaps; for example, what happened between 1678-1709? Hardly any UK/World events happens in the same time frame as well, but I'm sure there had to have been something worth noting. Or is the timeline trying to show a correlation between major events and major writings? In any regard, it's a super cool tool. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Although you could see the same material listed in chronological order, somehow the visual design helps put historical and literary events in conversation. And the "scrolling" through time gives the sensation of historical development. Thanks for the tip!
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