Jacobean Period in English Literature

Jacobean Period

This age is named after the name of James I who reigned over England from 1603 to 1625. The word ‘Jacobean' is derived from ‘Jacobus', the Latin version of James. Some historians like to call the last five years of this age as a part of another age which they call the 'Puritian age' (1620-1660). They call it is so because between 1620 to 1660 'Puritianism' become the driving force in the life and literature of England.

 Important facts Which influenced the Jacobean Period

• • Colonial territories were expanded.
• • Religious conflict that was subsidized in the Elizabethan Age, revived in this period. Protestants were divided into three sects: 1/ Anglicans, 2/ Presbyterians 3/ ‘Puritianis
• • Renaissance‘s influence continued.
• • Scotland was brought under the rule of the King of England.

Major Writers and Their Major Works of the Jacobean Period

• Shakespeare (1564-1616)
His major works
• Ben Jonson (1573-1637)
He started writing in Elizabethan age wrote his famous plays in this period
“Volpone” (1605)
“The Silent Woman” (1609)
“The Alchemist” (1610)
• Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
Continued his writing in this period
“Advancement of Learning” (1605)
“Novum Orgum” (1620)
Some new essays were added to the new edition of his
“Essays” (1625)
• King James I , known as the Wisest Fool, instituted the transaction of the Bible into English in 1611. “The Authorized King James Bible” appears in 1611 and its language become the benchmark of English language.
• John Wester (1580-1625)
“The White Devil” (1612)
“The Duchess of Malfi” (1614)

John Donne (1572-1631) and George Herbert (1593-1633), the metaphysical poets, started writing in this period.

Main literary features of the Jacobean Period

• 1. The elegance and Felicity of Elizabethan verse disappear.
• 2. The platonic idealism which had been the main spirit of the Elizabethan Age almost dies out.
• 3. Renaissance‘s spirit still remains the main influence.
• 4. Drama continues to dominate the literary scene
• 5. Classical rules of drama are maintained by Ben Jonson.
• 6. Poetry takes a new and startling turn.
• 7. Decadence of art begins.
• 8. English language develops further.
• 9. Masque is invented.
• 10. Satiric art begins.

Conclusion

That was all about the famous literary age Jacobean Period. This is another important period of English Literature.

If you are planning to read famous writings of this age then you have to know all these things. I hope you loved this piece of writing.