Daniel Defoe (The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders) Video Lesson n. 2

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) is the author of “The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders” (1722) one of his two most renowned novels, the other one is “Robinson Crusoe” which is also generally considered the first modern novel of English literature. In this novel the protagonist, Moll Flanders, can be said to be the female counterpart of the other novel’s protagonist, Robinson. In “Moll Flanders”, Defoe, unlike in his previous novel, highlights the negative aspects of the emerging industrial English society and points out at women’s poor life-conditions during this time emphasising how their struggle is much more incessant, bitter than that that the rising middle class man faces, thus causing at times mental and emotional distress. Therefore, in this case, Defoe even if he still celebrates the individual’s will power and inner strength as qualities needed to succeed, he also points out the downsides of the Augustan Age (1714-1760).

Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe) Video Lesson n. 1

Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) is the author of “Robinson Crusoe” (1719) which is generally considered the first modern novel of English literature. This novel celebrates the rising middle class individual and it belongs to the Augustan Age which is an historical and literary current (1714-1760).

The Puritan Age and John Milton

Essay Questions Choose one of the following What were the causes that led to the Civil War, explain them. What were the religious and practical differences between Anglicans and Dissenters? … Continue reading The Puritan Age and John Milton

The Augustan Age – Outline

A quick overview of the main points regarding the historical background of “The Augustan Age”.

On the Puritan Age – Homework

Give complete answers to the following open questions: What were the main social changes that took place during this time? Give reasons. How did the Protestant view of life influence … Continue reading On the Puritan Age – Homework

VICTORIANS’ IMPORTANT REFORMS

A Short List to Remember   The Victorian Age was a time of profound cultural changes and of important political reforms that ranged from laws that improved working conditions in … Continue reading VICTORIANS’ IMPORTANT REFORMS

THE AUGUSTAN AGE (1714-1760)

THE GENERAL OUTLINE A New Dinasty on the Throne of Britain: the Hanoverians The Augustan Age falls under the reign of king George I of the House of Hanover. He … Continue reading THE AUGUSTAN AGE (1714-1760)

THE RESTORATION (1660-1685) and THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION (1688-1714)

The Restoration (1660-1685) The execution of Charles I shook up all European monarchs and the leading aristocracy. It was the first time in history that a ruling monarch was beheaded by … Continue reading THE RESTORATION (1660-1685) and THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION (1688-1714)

THE PURITAN AGE (1625-1660)

He who stops being better stops being good. Oliver Cromwell INTRODUCTION In order to better comprehend the impact that the Puritan Age had on English history it is important to … Continue reading THE PURITAN AGE (1625-1660)

THE VICTORIAN AGE (1830-1901)

THE VICTORIAN AGE OR AGE OF IMPERIALISM INTRODUCTION This is perhaps one of the most fascinating times of our history full of conquests – scientific, territorial, social and intellectual – but, … Continue reading THE VICTORIAN AGE (1830-1901)