The Elizabethan Age (1558–1603) is often called the golden age of English literature. While drama and poetry flourished, prose writing also saw significant development. Writers experimented with new literary forms, including essays, pamphlets, travelogues, and prose fiction. Elizabethan prose laid the foundation for modern English prose by refining style, language, and expression.
Characteristics
of Elizabethan Prose
- Ornamental Style
– Elizabethan prose was often elaborate and decorative, using long,
complex sentences filled with rhetorical devices.
- Euphuism
– A highly elaborate and artificial style of prose developed by John Lyly,
characterized by balanced sentences, alliteration, and rich metaphors.
- Variety of Subjects
– Writers explored history, philosophy, travel, politics, and
storytelling.
- Influence of
Classical Literature – Many works drew
inspiration from Greek and Roman texts.
- Emergence of Prose
Fiction – Early forms of the novel,
such as romances and tales, became popular.
Major
Writers and Their Contributions
1.
John Lyly (1554–1606) – The Creator of Euphuism
Lyly’s
prose was highly sophisticated, filled with wordplay and balanced structures.
His works were widely read and influenced later writers, including Shakespeare.
- Major Works:
- Euphues: The
Anatomy of Wit (1578) – A story
about a young man’s journey of self-discovery, written in an elegant and
refined style.
- Euphues and His
England (1580) – A sequel that
explores the customs and culture of England.
2.
Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586) – The Pioneer of Prose Romance
Sidney
blended romance, history, and philosophy in his prose. His writing was poetic
and imaginative.
- Major Works:
- Arcadia
(1590) – A romantic prose work full of adventure, love, and heroism.
- The Defence of Poesy
(1595) – A significant literary criticism defending poetry’s role in
society.
3.
Richard Hakluyt (1553–1616) – The Travel Writer
Hakluyt
was a historian and geographer known for collecting travel accounts that
inspired English exploration.
- Major Work:
- The Principal
Navigations, Voyages, and Discoveries of the English Nation
(1589) – A compilation of travel stories that encouraged English maritime
expansion.
4.
Thomas Nashe (1567–1601) – The Satirist
Nashe
was a brilliant satirical writer known for his humorous and critical prose.
- Major Works:
- The Unfortunate
Traveller (1594) – An early example of
picaresque fiction, narrating the adventures of a rogue.
- Pierce Penniless
(1592) – A social satire attacking the corruption of Elizabethan society.
5.
Francis Bacon (1561–1626) – The Father of the English Essay
Bacon
introduced a new, concise, and logical style of writing, different from the
elaborate prose of his predecessors.
- Major Works:
- Essays
(1597, expanded in 1612 and 1625) – A collection of short, philosophical
reflections on topics such as truth, love, and ambition.
- The Advancement of
Learning (1605) – A significant work
promoting scientific and empirical thinking.
Significance
of Elizabethan Prose
- Development of
Literary Prose – Writers moved
away from Latin and developed English prose as a literary medium.
- Influence on Later
Writers – Euphuism, prose romances, and
essays influenced later authors, including Shakespeare, Milton, and
18th-century novelists.
- Rise of English
Nationalism – Travel literature like
Hakluyt’s work promoted England’s expansion and maritime ambitions.
- Shift from Poetry to
Prose – The refined style of Bacon and
others laid the groundwork for modern English essays and scientific
writing.
Elizabethan
prose was an essential step in the evolution of English literature. It refined
the language, introduced new literary forms, and inspired future generations of
writers.
