History and Anthology History and Anthology of English Literatureof English Literature

Mickey XuMickey Xu

Major ContentMajor Content►Early and Medieval English Early and Medieval English

LiteratureLiterature►The English RenaissanceThe English Renaissance►The Period of the English Bourgeois The Period of the English Bourgeois ►The Eighteenth Century The Eighteenth Century ►Romanticism in EnglandRomanticism in England►Victoria age: English Critical RealismVictoria age: English Critical Realism►Twentieth Century English Twentieth Century English

LiteratureLiterature

Chapter One Chapter One Early and Medieval LiteratureEarly and Medieval Literature ► English People and English English People and English

LanguageLanguage► BeowulfBeowulf► Romance Romance ► LanglandLangland► The English BalladsThe English Ballads► Chaucer Chaucer

● ● Britons, a tribe of Celts Britons, a tribe of Celts ● ● Roman Invasion (Roman occupation lRoman Invasion (Roman occupation lasted for about 400 years)asted for about 400 years) during whichduring which Roman mode of life; Roman mode of life; networks of highways networks of highways Rise of townsRise of towns

English People and English English People and English LanguageLanguage

● ● Angles, Saxons, and Jutes Angles, Saxons, and Jutes ● ● Norman Conquest—Norman Conquest— French-speaking Normans under Duke WilliFrench-speaking Normans under Duke Willi

am came in 1066,which marked the establisam came in 1066,which marked the establishment of feudalism. William was crowned ahment of feudalism. William was crowned as the King of England. s the King of England.

The influence of the Norman The influence of the Norman Conquest on the EnglishConquest on the English

1. French and Latin are upper languages. By the e1. French and Latin are upper languages. By the end of 14th century, Normans intermingled with nd of 14th century, Normans intermingled with English, English again dominated, but different English, English again dominated, but different from the old English, French words in.)from the old English, French words in.)

2. Two distinct classes: landlords and peasants.2. Two distinct classes: landlords and peasants.3. The Rising of 13813. The Rising of 1381 The peasants could endure no longer—Wat TThe peasants could endure no longer—Wat T

yler and John Ball—treachously and bloodily yler and John Ball—treachously and bloodily repressed—shakened the feudal system in Englrepressed—shakened the feudal system in England to rootand to root

Beowulf Beowulf ►English literature began with the English literature began with the

settlements of Anglo-Saxons in settlements of Anglo-Saxons in England.England.

►A long poem telling about the story of A long poem telling about the story of a hero on whose actions depend the a hero on whose actions depend the fate of a tribe, a nation or the human fate of a tribe, a nation or the human race. race.

►The Hero in it is half legendary and The Hero in it is half legendary and half historical. half historical.

Subject MatterSubject Matter► Three Fights– Three Fights– with Grendel with Grendel ；； with Grendel’s motherwith Grendel’s mother ；； with the fire dragonwith the fire dragon► HrothgarHrothgar ，， the king of the Danethe king of the Daness

Historical significance:Historical significance:

1. Features: 1. Features: Heroic Ideal is that of Warrior---physical Heroic Ideal is that of Warrior---physical strength and courage of a soldier is emphasized, rather strength and courage of a soldier is emphasized, rather than virtues of culture, mind, or spiritthan virtues of culture, mind, or spirit. . 2. Alliteration: a strong feature of old English. Certain 2. Alliteration: a strong feature of old English. Certain accented words in a line begin with the same consonantaccented words in a line begin with the same consonant sound. sound. 3. Metaphor &Understatement: 3. Metaphor &Understatement: Swan’s bath, whales’ road---sea, Swan’s bath, whales’ road---sea, Ring-giver----king Ring-giver----king not troublesome---very welcome not troublesome---very welcome need not praise---a right to condemn need not praise---a right to condemn

RomanceRomance The most prevailing kind of literature in feThe most prevailing kind of literature in feudal England—the life and adventures of udal England—the life and adventures of a noble hero—riding forth to seek adventa noble hero—riding forth to seek adventures, fighting for his lord in battle—devotures, fighting for his lord in battle—devoted to the church and the king—chivalry(ced to the church and the king—chivalry(code of manners and morals—the theme oode of manners and morals—the theme of loyalty to king and lord emphasized (stof loyalty to king and lord emphasized (stone of feudal morality)—only for noblesne of feudal morality)—only for nobles► Three languages in literature:Three languages in literature: folk lit. in Englishfolk lit. in English religious lit. in Latinreligious lit. in Latin romance in French.romance in French.

►Sir Gawain and the Green Knight---Sir Gawain and the Green Knight---1400—Late Middle Ages---Part of the 1400—Late Middle Ages---Part of the Arthurian Cycle—2530lines—4 partsArthurian Cycle—2530lines—4 parts

LanglandLangland ► William Langland: educated in a school William Langland: educated in a school of monasteryof monastery ► 1362, began his famous poem-- 1362, began his famous poem-- Piers the Piers the Plowman--Plowman-- in old alliterative verse—over in old alliterative verse—over 7000 lines—sets forth a series of wonderf7000 lines—sets forth a series of wonderful dreams through which we can see a piul dreams through which we can see a picture of feudal England cture of feudal England

Chaucer (1340-1400)Chaucer (1340-1400)the founder of English poetrythe founder of English poetryFather of English poetryFather of English poetry

►LifeLife►Literary careerLiterary career►The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales►ContributionContribution

Literary Career: Three stagesLiterary Career: Three stages► French Translation: French Translation: The Romaunt of the RoseThe Romaunt of the Rose► Italian Adaptation: Italian Adaptation: Troilus and CriseydeTroilus and Criseyde► English Creation: English Creation: The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales1. Outline: 29 pilgrims and the author and the host 1. Outline: 29 pilgrims and the author and the host

of the inn. Each 4 story to beguile the time on of the inn. Each 4 story to beguile the time on their way to the Canterbury. 124 in all. But only their way to the Canterbury. 124 in all. But only 24 were finished.24 were finished.

2. Ways of Linking: The remarks of the host, 2. Ways of Linking: The remarks of the host, inviting, criticizing, admiring and denouncing, inviting, criticizing, admiring and denouncing, connecting each tale and the prologue.connecting each tale and the prologue.

3. Prologue: Sketches of typical medieval figures 3. Prologue: Sketches of typical medieval figures supply a miniature of the English society of supply a miniature of the English society of Chaucer’s time. Chaucer’s time.

4. Different classes and characters suited by the 4. Different classes and characters suited by the story: The Wife of Bath (a city of textile, famous story: The Wife of Bath (a city of textile, famous because of this book) : the most vivid onebecause of this book) : the most vivid one

Significance of

The Canterbury TalesThe Canterbury Tales 1. The Canterbury Tales places Chaucer as the first great English poet in English literary history.

2. The tales that they tell, which are appropriate to their social status, reflect their interest in life.

The General Prologue The General Prologue ► Whan that Aprill with his shoures sooteWhan that Aprill with his shoures soote► The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,The droghte of March hath perced to the roote,► And bathed every veyne in swich licourAnd bathed every veyne in swich licour► Of which vertu engendred is the flour;Of which vertu engendred is the flour;► Whan Zephirus eek with his sweete breethWhan Zephirus eek with his sweete breeth► Inspired hath in every holt the heethInspired hath in every holt the heeth► The tender croppes, and the yonge sonneThe tender croppes, and the yonge sonne► Hath in the Ram his halfe cours yronne,Hath in the Ram his halfe cours yronne,► And smale foweles maken melodye,And smale foweles maken melodye,► That slepen al the nyght with open eye—That slepen al the nyght with open eye—► So priketh hem nature in hir corages—So priketh hem nature in hir corages—► Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages,Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages,► And palmers fro to seken straunge strandsAnd palmers fro to seken straunge strands► To ferne halwes, kowthe in sundry londes;To ferne halwes, kowthe in sundry londes;► And specially from every shires endeAnd specially from every shires ende► Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wendeOf Engelond to Caunterbury they wende► The hooly blissful martir for to sekeThe hooly blissful martir for to seke► That hem holpen whan that they were seeke.That hem holpen whan that they were seeke.

A good WIF was ther of biside BATHE,But she was somdel deef, and that was scathe. Of clooth makyng she hadde swich an haunt,She passed hem of Ypres and of Gaunt. In al the parisshe wif ne was ther noonThat to the offrynge bifore hire sholde goon;And if ther dide, certeyn so wrooth was sheThat she was out of alle charitee.

Character analysis Character analysis ►There was among us a worthy Wife from

near Bath, but she was a bit deaf, which was a pity. At cloth-making she beat even the weavers of Ypres and Ghent. There was not a woman in her parish who dared go in front of her when she went to the offertory; if anybody did, you may be sure it put her into such a rage she was out of all patience.

The Wife of Bath’s TaleThe Wife of Bath’s Tale► Wife of Bath: Widow who has had five husWife of Bath: Widow who has had five husbandsbands► Believes women should rule over men—irBelieves women should rule over men—ironic reversal of male chauvanist beliefs of onic reversal of male chauvanist beliefs of the timethe time► Wife of Bath’s Character—we admire her Wife of Bath’s Character—we admire her strength, independence and fighting spirit strength, independence and fighting spirit even if we disagree with her views.even if we disagree with her views.

Chaucer’s ContributionChaucer’s Contribution► To poetry: To poetry: He introduced from France the rhymed He introduced from France the rhymed

stanza of various types, esp. heroic stanza of various types, esp. heroic couplet.couplet.

► To English Language: To English Language: He was the first great poet who wrote He was the first great poet who wrote

in English, so he improved the social in English, so he improved the social state of English. He made the dialect of state of English. He made the dialect of London the standard for the modern London the standard for the modern English speech.English speech.

..

Chapter II The English Chapter II The English RenaissanceRenaissance

Background:Background:► religious and political background: religious and political background:

from turmoil to peace from turmoil to peace reformation by Henry VIII: he declared reformation by Henry VIII: he declared

the break with Rome, and made the break with Rome, and made himself the king of the church of himself the king of the church of England. He found support from a new England. He found support from a new rising class-----bourgeois.rising class-----bourgeois.

► economical background:economical background: slow but steadyslow but steady

from a producer of wool to from a producer of wool to a manufacturer of cloth--a manufacturer of cloth-- commercial commercial war with Spain, the biggest rival of war with Spain, the biggest rival of

overseas expansion: overseas expansion:

The RenaissanceThe Renaissance► Renaissance: the rebirth of letters, an Renaissance: the rebirth of letters, an

intellectual movement, first started in Italy, intellectual movement, first started in Italy, and then spread all over Europe. Two features: and then spread all over Europe. Two features: a thirsting curiosity for the classical literature. a thirsting curiosity for the classical literature. (study Greek and Latin authors, their works as (study Greek and Latin authors, their works as the model literary forms, spirit different from the model literary forms, spirit different from Catholic dogma.) The keen interest in the Catholic dogma.) The keen interest in the activities of humanity. (humanism as the key-activities of humanity. (humanism as the key-note. People not only live for God, but for note. People not only live for God, but for their own desires and happiness)their own desires and happiness)

►Humanists: Thomas More.Humanists: Thomas More. Masterpiece: UtopiaMasterpiece: Utopia

Form: conversation between More and a Form: conversation between More and a returned voyager, Two books.returned voyager, Two books.Content: the 1st book: a long discussion Content: the 1st book: a long discussion of the social conditions of Englandof the social conditions of EnglandThe 2nd book: description of an ideal The 2nd book: description of an ideal society, Utopia. Greek word: “No place”.society, Utopia. Greek word: “No place”.

The Flourishing of The Flourishing of LiteratureLiterature

►““The sphere of human interest was The sphere of human interest was widened as it has never been widened widened as it has never been widened before----by the revelation of a new before----by the revelation of a new heaven and a new earth.” ----- J. R. heaven and a new earth.” ----- J. R. GreenGreen

►Sir Philip Sidney(1554-86): a poet and Sir Philip Sidney(1554-86): a poet and critic of poetry.critic of poetry.

Edmund Spenser(1552-1599): “Poet’s Edmund Spenser(1552-1599): “Poet’s poet”poet”

► ““中世纪和文艺复兴，近代和古代，宫廷气派和人民爱好汇集于他的一中世纪和文艺复兴，近代和古代，宫廷气派和人民爱好汇集于他的一身。且不管这些目的是如何错综复杂，他无与伦比地始终是一位艺术巨身。且不管这些目的是如何错综复杂，他无与伦比地始终是一位艺术巨匠。”匠。” -------- 艾弗艾弗 .. 埃文斯评斯宾塞埃文斯评斯宾塞► The Shepherd’s Calendar” : a pastoral poem in twelve books, eacThe Shepherd’s Calendar” : a pastoral poem in twelve books, each for one month in the year.h for one month in the year.► Amoretti (88 sonnets)Amoretti (88 sonnets) 瞧吧，全世界的一切珍奇，瞧吧，全世界的一切珍奇， 都包含在我的爱人身上：都包含在我的爱人身上： 要蓝宝石，她的眼睛蓝得彻底，要蓝宝石，她的眼睛蓝得彻底， 要红宝石，她的嘴唇红艳无双，要红宝石，她的嘴唇红艳无双， …… …… 但是最美的却无人知道：但是最美的却无人知道： 她的心，哪里有千种美德闪耀。她的心，哪里有千种美德闪耀。 《爱情小唱》第十五首《爱情小唱》第十五首

The Faerie QueeneThe Faerie Queene11 ） “） “ a long poem, allegory planned in 12 books, he finished 6a long poem, allegory planned in 12 books, he finished 6 ；；dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. 22 ）） The Faerie QueeneThe Faerie Queene holds a feast of 12 day, each day a gues holds a feast of 12 day, each day a guest appeared to seek help. A knight is assigned to each guest. t appeared to seek help. A knight is assigned to each guest. Each knight represents a virtue, as Holiness, Temperance, Each knight represents a virtue, as Holiness, Temperance, Chastity, Friendship, Justice and Courtesy. Chastity, Friendship, Justice and Courtesy. 33 ）） Form: Spenserian stanza: eight iambic pentameter lines foForm: Spenserian stanza: eight iambic pentameter lines followed by a ninth line of six iambic feet, with thellowed by a ninth line of six iambic feet, with the rhyme scheme ababbcbcc.rhyme scheme ababbcbcc.

Francis Bacon(1521—1626 Francis Bacon(1521—1626 ))

► ““Essays”(1597---1625, 58 essays) Essays”(1597---1625, 58 essays) a wide variety of subjectsa wide variety of subjects ：：““ Men fear death as children fear to go Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark”in the dark”

Drama-- The main form Drama-- The main form the highest glory thenthe highest glory then

Three earliest formsThree earliest forms► The Miracle Play: based on Bible stories, such as The Miracle Play: based on Bible stories, such as

the creation of world, Noah and the flood, and the creation of world, Noah and the flood, and the birth of Christ.the birth of Christ.

► The Morality Play: presented the conflict of good The Morality Play: presented the conflict of good and evil with allegorical personages, Mercy, and evil with allegorical personages, Mercy, Peace, Hate, and Folly. “Everyman”: he is Peace, Hate, and Folly. “Everyman”: he is summoned by death, and although he has many summoned by death, and although he has many friends, knowledge, goods, strength and so on, friends, knowledge, goods, strength and so on, only Good Deed, will accompany him.only Good Deed, will accompany him.

► The Interlude: a short performance slipped The Interlude: a short performance slipped between a play. “The Play of the Weather”.between a play. “The Play of the Weather”.

► The Classical Dramas: The Classical Dramas: Comedies and tragedies on classical modComedies and tragedies on classical models:els:Gammer Gurton’s Needle ----the 1st EnglGammer Gurton’s Needle ----the 1st English comedy, a quarrel over the loss of a neish comedy, a quarrel over the loss of a needleedleGorboduc-----the 1st English tragedy.Gorboduc-----the 1st English tragedy.► The London TheatreThe London Theatre: : wooden buildings, circular in form, with tiwooden buildings, circular in form, with tiers of galleries surrounding a roofless pit.ers of galleries surrounding a roofless pit.

The PlaywrightsThe Playwrights new plays are always needed to satisfy the audinew plays are always needed to satisfy the audiencesences► University Wits (Lyly, Peele, Marlowe, Greene, LUniversity Wits (Lyly, Peele, Marlowe, Greene, Lodge and Nash): They entered the dramatic circodge and Nash): They entered the dramatic circle between 1587---1593.They were all of humblle between 1587---1593.They were all of humble birth and struggled for a livelihood through we birth and struggled for a livelihood through writing. They had a close contact with the actors riting. They had a close contact with the actors and audiences. The most gifted one is Marlowe.and audiences. The most gifted one is Marlowe.

Marlowe(1564-1593)Marlowe(1564-1593)forerunnerforerunner

► Tamburlaine(1587):Tamburlaine(1587): Mongol conqueror. Passion for sovereig Mongol conqueror. Passion for sovereignty, insatiable nty, insatiable greed for power.greed for power.► The Jew of Malta(1592):The Jew of Malta(1592): Barabas, a rich merchant, Barabas, a rich merchant, greed for money and gold.greed for money and gold.► Doctor Faustus(1588): Doctor Faustus(1588): German legend. A scholar, German legend. A scholar, insatiable thirsts for knowledge.insatiable thirsts for knowledge. He sold his soul to the Devil so he may live 24 years in all voluptHe sold his soul to the Devil so he may live 24 years in all voluptuousness.uousness.

► Show the spirit of the rising bourgeoisie, its eager curiosity Show the spirit of the rising bourgeoisie, its eager curiosity and appetite.and appetite.► Theme: praise of individuality and the conviction of the boTheme: praise of individuality and the conviction of the boundless possibility of human efforts in conquering the univundless possibility of human efforts in conquering the universe.erse.But, the individualistic ambition brings ruins to themselves But, the individualistic ambition brings ruins to themselves and the world.and the world.► Marlowe’s Literary Achievement:Marlowe’s Literary Achievement:--the greatest of the pioneers of English drama. He first m--the greatest of the pioneers of English drama. He first made blank verse the principal instrument of English drama.ade blank verse the principal instrument of English drama.--Epical, lyrical verse. “mighty line”--Epical, lyrical verse. “mighty line”--His paved the way for Shakespeare.--His paved the way for Shakespeare.

Shakespeare(1564-1616)Shakespeare(1564-1616)► lifelife: born on Aril 23,1564, in Stratford-on-: born on Aril 23,1564, in Stratford-on-Avon, a town in Warwickshire.Avon, a town in Warwickshire.His father, a trader in wool, once aldermaHis father, a trader in wool, once alderman.n.► At 7, local grammar school and 6 years theAt 7, local grammar school and 6 years there, read widely the current books and pickre, read widely the current books and picked up small Latin and less Greek.ed up small Latin and less Greek.At 14, father in debt. He worked as a schoAt 14, father in debt. He worked as a schoolmaster to support the family.olmaster to support the family.

1582 married to Anne Hathaway, a farmer’s d1582 married to Anne Hathaway, a farmer’s daughter, 8 years older than him. aughter, 8 years older than him. --three children: Susanna, and the twins: Judit--three children: Susanna, and the twins: Judith and Hamlet.h and Hamlet.1586 or 87, arrived in London. kept horses out 1586 or 87, arrived in London. kept horses out of play-houses. many odd jobs, difficulties in of play-houses. many odd jobs, difficulties in life. life. Then actor of minor roles, and worked hard Then actor of minor roles, and worked hard with his pen. He revised the old plays and wrwith his pen. He revised the old plays and wrote new ones at the rate of two in one year.ote new ones at the rate of two in one year.

A handsome, well-shaped man, very good A handsome, well-shaped man, very good company, and of a very ready and pleasant company, and of a very ready and pleasant smooth wit. “gentle Shakespeare”.smooth wit. “gentle Shakespeare”.

Busy life: continual rehearsals and Busy life: continual rehearsals and performances and writings. performances and writings.

Back to his native town in 1611, London Back to his native town in 1611, London theatre declined. back to London in 1614.theatre declined. back to London in 1614.

He died in 1616, buried in Stratford Church.He died in 1616, buried in Stratford Church.

worksworks::►37 plays, 2 long poems and 154 37 plays, 2 long poems and 154

sonnets.sonnets.

Literary career: Literary career: ► The 1st period(1590-94) early comedies and historical plays:The 1st period(1590-94) early comedies and historical plays: ► The 2nd Period(1595-1600): optimism, Sunshine and laughtThe 2nd Period(1595-1600): optimism, Sunshine and laughter.er.► The 3nd PeriodThe 3nd Period ， ， England, risings against Queen’s absoluEngland, risings against Queen’s absoluteness. clouds and storms in works, pessimism. A period of teness. clouds and storms in works, pessimism. A period of “ great tragedies” and “dark comedies.”“ great tragedies” and “dark comedies.”► The 4th period(1608-1612): a period of romantic drama.The 4th period(1608-1612): a period of romantic drama.

The 1st period(1590-94)The 1st period(1590-94)

►He is young and concerned with the affairs of yoHe is young and concerned with the affairs of youth and full of romantic sentiment. Early historicuth and full of romantic sentiment. Early historical plays tried to handle political themes and al plays tried to handle political themes and

give historical reasons.give historical reasons. (The Comedy of Errors, the (The Comedy of Errors, the Taming of the Shrew, RomeoTaming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet…)and Juliet…)

The 2nd Period(1595-1600):The 2nd Period(1595-1600):

period of 6 “great comedies ” and 5 mature historperiod of 6 “great comedies ” and 5 mature historical plays.ical plays.

(A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Much of Venice, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Much Ado about Nothing, As You Like It, Twelfth NiAdo about Nothing, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar and some historical plays)ght, Julius Caesar and some historical plays)

The 3nd PeriodThe 3nd Period►5 tragedies (Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, 5 tragedies (Hamlet, Othello, King Lear,

Macbeth, Timon of Athens) , Macbeth, Timon of Athens) , ►3 comedies3 comedies （（ Troilus and Cressida, All’s Troilus and Cressida, All’s

well That Ends Well, Measure for Measurwell That Ends Well, Measure for Measure), e),

►2 Roman tragedies (Antony and Cleopatra,2 Roman tragedies (Antony and Cleopatra, Coriolanus) Coriolanus)

The 4th period(1608-1612)The 4th period(1608-1612) 4 romances or “reconciliation plays ”, and a 4 romances or “reconciliation plays ”, and a

historical play. a great peacefulness of light, historical play. a great peacefulness of light, a harmony of earth and heaven.a harmony of earth and heaven.

(Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale, T(Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale, Tempest, Henry VIII)empest, Henry VIII)

poemspoems::► Two narrative poems: Two narrative poems: Venus and AdonisVenus and Adonis The Rape of LucreceThe Rape of Lucrece► Sonnets: “Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Sonnets: “Shakespeare’s Sonnets. NevNever before Imprinted”(1609). 154 sonnets. er before Imprinted”(1609). 154 sonnets. 1-126 to a handsome young man, his patro1-126 to a handsome young man, his patron, tries to persuade him to get married and n, tries to persuade him to get married and beget offspring. 126-154 to a dark lady.beget offspring. 126-154 to a dark lady.

Features of Shakespeare’s Drama: Features of Shakespeare’s Drama: ► one of the founders of realism in world literature.one of the founders of realism in world literature.► His works reflects the major social contradictionHis works reflects the major social contradictions of his time.s of his time.► Adaptation Adaptation （（ He borrowed his plots from Greek He borrowed his plots from Greek legends and Roman history, Italian stories and Elegends and Roman history, Italian stories and English chronicles, and romances of his contemponglish chronicles, and romances of his contemporaries. But they all become original compositionraries. But they all become original compositions.s. ） ）

► Elastic dramas: action develops freely, Elastic dramas: action develops freely, without the three unities of time, place without the three unities of time, place and action. and action.

► Many themes in one play. Plots coexist Many themes in one play. Plots coexist with sub-plot. Characters with manifold with sub-plot. Characters with manifold quality.quality.

► skilled in many poetic forms: the song, skilled in many poetic forms: the song, the sonnet, the couplet, and the the sonnet, the couplet, and the dramatic blank verse.dramatic blank verse.

► a great master of the English language. a great master of the English language. A large vocabulary, different styles.A large vocabulary, different styles.

Ben JohnsonBen Johnson► the most-well-known successor of Shakespearthe most-well-known successor of Shakespeare’se’s► The Poet Laureate of James IThe Poet Laureate of James I► His comedies: His comedies: Every Man in His Humour (1598)Every Man in His Humour (1598) 《人性互异》《人性互异》 Volpone, Or the Fox(1606)Volpone, Or the Fox(1606) The Alchemist (1610) The Alchemist (1610) Bartholomew Fair (1614) Bartholomew Fair (1614) Comedies of Humours Comedies of Humours

► Humor: a predominant peculiarity of a cerHumor: a predominant peculiarity of a certain person, which determines his or her btain person, which determines his or her behavior, thoughts and manner of speech. ehavior, thoughts and manner of speech. Every character in Johnson’s comedies pEvery character in Johnson’s comedies personifies a different “humour”.ersonifies a different “humour”.

To CeliaTo Celia

DRINK to me only with thine eyes,DRINK to me only with thine eyes,     And I will pledge with mine;      And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup,Or leave a kiss but in the cup,     And I'll not look for wine.     And I'll not look for wine.The thirst that from the soul doth riseThe thirst that from the soul doth rise     Doth ask a drink divine;     Doth ask a drink divine;But might I of Jove's nectar sup,But might I of Jove's nectar sup,     I would not change for thine.      I would not change for thine. I sent thee late a rosy wreath,I sent thee late a rosy wreath,     Not so much honoring thee,     Not so much honoring thee,As giving it a hope that thereAs giving it a hope that there     It could not withered be.     It could not withered be.But thou thereon dids't only breathe,But thou thereon dids't only breathe,     And sent'st it back to me;     And sent'st it back to me;Since when, it grows, and smells, I swear,Since when, it grows, and smells, I swear,     Not of itself, but thee.     Not of itself, but thee.