English Literature: 7th century to the present 📚 Selected Collection ll Brain Tech Tutorial II Free for All

English literature  refers to the body of written works produced in the English language by inhabitants of the British Isles from the 7th century to the present. It encompasses various genres, including drama, poetry, fiction, autobiography, and historical writing. As an artistic term, literature includes novels, short stories, biographies, essays, and poetry. -Britannica

Compilation: Rabi Roy

The Age of Shakespeare

(1558 – 1625)

Literary works of Shakespeare

The Victorian era refers to the period in British history between approximately 1820 and 1914, corresponding to Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901). It was characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people able to vote, a growing state and economy, and Britain’s status as the most powerful empire in the world. -Britannica The Victorian Age in English literature refers to the period during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). It is considered the Golden Age of English Literature, especially for British novels. Victorian literature includes poetry, fiction, essays, and letters produced during this era, bridging the gap between the Romantic period and modernist literature. It was a time of significant social and industrial change in Britain. --Wiki

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, first published in serialized form between 1860 and 1861, is a classic novel that unfolds against the backdrop of Victorian England. The story is narrated by Pip, an orphan raised by his sister and her husband. Pip’s life takes a transformative turn when he helps an escaped convict and encounters the eccentric Miss Havisham and her ward, Estella. 

The narrative follows Pip’s journey as he grows into adulthood, inherits a large fortune from an unknown benefactor, and navigates the complexities of social class and personal identity. Dickens weaves a tale of ambition, unrequited love, and the moral consequences of one’s actions. The characters, including the convict Magwitch, the enigmatic Miss Havisham, and the proud Estella, contribute to the rich tapestry of the novel. Great Expectations is celebrated for its vivid characters, intricate plot, and Dickens’s social commentary on issues such as wealth, class disparity, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The novel is recognized for its exploration of the moral and psychological development of its protagonist and the societal expectations that shape his choices. Like most novels by Dickens, Great Expectations has been adapted many times, reflecting the enduring appeal and adaptability of Dickens’s work in different mediums. But the outstanding 1946 film version of Great Expectations directed by David Lean stands out as the best—and probably the best of all movies based on works by Charles Dickens.

Read the free full text, the full book summary, an in-depth character analysis of Pip, and explanations of important quotes from Great Expectations.

Charles Dickens' 'David Copperfield' is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its rich characters, vivid storytelling, and exploration of the human condition. Published in 1850, this bildungsroman follows the titular character's journey from childhood to adulthood, chronicling his triumphs and tribulations with poignant honesty. 

As David navigates the complexities of life, he encounters a colourful cast of characters, each leaving an indelible mark on his journey. From the eccentric Mr Micawber to the manipulative Uriah Heep, Dickens's masterful characterisations bring these individuals to life, making them as real and relatable as ever.

Beyond its engaging narrative, 'David Copperfield' delves into profound themes of love, loss, and the power of resilience. Dickens's keen social commentary highlights the injustices of the Victorian era, particularly the plight of the working class and the harsh realities of childhood. Through David's experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.

List of Dickens books

eBooks of Dickens

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Hard Times, written by Charles Dickens in 1854, is a powerful social novel set in the industrial town of Coketown, England. It exposes the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution — a world driven by greed, strict rules, and the cold logic of facts over feelings.

The story centers on Thomas Gradgrind, a man who believes that life should be guided only by facts and calculations. He raises his children, Louisa and Tom, under this philosophy, denying them imagination, emotion, and compassion. Louisa later marries the wealthy but joyless industrialist Mr. Bounderby, while Tom falls into moral ruin. Their lives slowly crumble under the weight of a system that values profit over humanity.

Through these characters, Dickens criticizes a society that sacrifices kindness, creativity, and love for material success. He paints a vivid picture of factory workers’ suffering and the emptiness of a life lived without heart.

Hard Times is both a social critique and a moral lesson. It reminds readers that human beings are not machines — they need dreams, sympathy, and warmth to truly live. Dickens’s message still feels relevant today: progress without compassion can destroy the soul of a society.

Robinson Cruso is an English adventure novel by Daniel Defoe, first published on 25 April 1719. Written with a

combination of epistolary, confessional, and didactic forms, the book follows the title character (born Robinson Kreutznaer) after he is cast away and spends 28 years on a remote tropical desert island near the coasts of Venezuela and Trinidad, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued. The story has been thought to be based on the life of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish castaway who lived for four years on a Pacific island called "Más a Tierra" (now part of Chile) which was renamed Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966. Pedro Serrano is another real-life castaway whose story might have inspired the novel.

The first edition credited the work's protagonist Robinson Crusoe as its author, leading many readers to believe he was a real person and that the book was a non-fiction travelogue Despite its simple narrative style, Robinson Crusoe was well received in the literary world and is often credited as marking the beginning of realistic fiction as a literary genre. Some allege it is a contender for the first English novel.

Before the end of 1719, the book had already run through four editions, and it has gone on to become one of the most widely published books in history, spawning so many imitations, not only in literature but also in film, television, and radio, that its name is used to define a genre, the Robinsonade.

Robinson Cruso: Read the book online

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