Discuss the evolution of English from the 18th century to the present time with reference to Terry Eagleton’s “The Rise of English.”
The Rise of English is a notable literary work by Terry Eagleton. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Rise of English.
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Discuss the evolution of English from the 18th century to the present with reference to Terry Eagleton’s “The Rise of English.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
Terry Eagleton (1943–present) is a leading literary critic. He wrote “Literary Theory: An Introduction” in 1983, and “The Rise of English” was its second chapter. In this essay, he traces English literature’s growth. It shows how literature changed from the 18th century. Eagleton explains its role in society, education, and power. He links it to class, religion, and empire. His analysis reveals literature’s hidden ideological uses. Let us move to the main discussion.
English in the 18th Century: In the 18th century, literature meant serious writing. It included essays, letters, sermons, and histories. Poetry or fiction was not the main. Upper-class writings were called “literary” then. Popular forms were ignored or rejected. So, literature supported elite class values. It was used to teach manners and taste. This helped the ruling class shape thoughts. Eagleton observes:
“Literature, in the meaning we inherited, is an ideology.”
He shows that literature was not neutral. It became a tool of ideology. Its purpose was social control and order. At this point, English was not yet powerful.
The Romantic Period and Imagination: The Romantic Period (1798-1832) brought major change. Literature became about creativity and imagination. Poets became visionaries and deep thinkers. They fought against industrial society through art. Poetry showed emotions, truth, and protest. But some writers escaped real life. Romanticism had both protest and retreat. It helped make English about feelings and values. Eagleton shows that literature became political here. Symbols and imagination were tools of vision. He says literature was a new force. This period shaped modern literary meaning.
English Replaced Failing Religion: In the 19th century, religion lost power. People stopped believing as they did before. Science and change broke old faith. The ruling class needed a new guide. So, literature became the moral teacher. English gave values, emotions, and unity. It replaced religion in daily life. Eagleton writes,
“If
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