What is the definition of British literature?

Defining British literature is tricky because it encompasses a vast and varied body of work over centuries. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

The Basics:

* Origin: British literature refers to works written in English by authors who were born, lived, or were significantly connected to Britain (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

* Time Period: It spans from the Anglo-Saxon period (around 7th century) to the present day, encompassing a wide range of historical contexts, cultural influences, and writing styles.

Key Elements:

* Language: While not exclusively English, it predominantly uses the English language, evolving alongside the language itself.

* Cultural Influence: British literature reflects the unique history, politics, social structures, and cultural values of the British Isles. This includes themes of colonialism, class, identity, and social change.

* Literary Traditions: It draws from various literary traditions, including:

* Epic poetry: Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales

* Drama: Shakespeare, Restoration comedy, Victorian melodrama

* Novel: Defoe, Austen, Dickens, Woolf

* Poetry: Romantic poets, Victorian poets, Modernist poets

* Global Impact: British literature has had a profound impact on world literature, influencing writers and readers across the globe.

Beyond the Basics:

* Defining Boundaries: While "British" is a useful label, there's ongoing discussion about including works by writers from former colonies who wrote in English, or those who have migrated to Britain.

* Modernity: Contemporary British literature continues to evolve, reflecting the complexities of a multicultural and interconnected world.

In essence, British literature is a dynamic and multifaceted collection of written works that explores the human condition through the lens of British culture, history, and language.

Examples:

* Anglo-Saxon period: Beowulf

* Medieval period: The Canterbury Tales

* Renaissance: Shakespeare's plays

* 18th century: Samuel Richardson's Pamela, Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels

* 19th century: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Charles Dickens's Great Expectations

* 20th century: James Joyce's Ulysses, Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway

* 21st century: Zadie Smith's White Teeth, Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go

This list is just a small sampling of the vast and rich tapestry of British literature. It is a constantly evolving and enriching field of study.