The Rise of English : Summary

Summary

Terry Eagleton’s essay “The Rise of English” explains how English literature became a subject of study in universities. He argues that literature was once seen as less important than subjects like philosophy or history. However, it later became a tool for social control.

In the 18th century, literature was mostly for the upper class, reflecting their values and tastes. After the English Civil War, literature helped unite the middle and upper classes. Literature, in its modern sense, emerged during the 19th-century Romantic period. At that time, poetry and other literary forms were not just artistic expressions. They also had social, political, and philosophical meanings. The rise of symbols in literature helped combine different ideas and emotions.

Eagleton argues that literature is a form of ideology. He believes that English studies grew in the late 19th century because religion was failing. Religion once provided moral guidance and controlled people’s beliefs. As its influence declined, English literature took its place. Literature was used to teach values, discipline workers, and create unity. It became a way to distract the working class from their struggles. The subject of English was introduced as a replacement for classical studies, making it more accessible to ordinary people. It became a way to pass on morality without using religious teachings.

At first, English was not seen as a serious academic subject. Women were often assigned to study English in educational institutions. However, over time, English gained importance. It became more masculine, especially during times of war and nationalism. English literature grew in status, but it was still shaped by the bourgeoisie rather than the ruling elite. This meant that literature was used both to support and challenge social structures.

When English became an established subject, scholars focused on deep analysis of texts. Literature became a space for creative language and critical thought. Some critics, like those in the Scrutiny movement, believed literature should resist social change rather than promote it. They wanted to teach students about the moral decay of their culture. Eagleton sees this movement as radical but unrealistic. He argues that their desire to restore an ideal past was not practical.

The study of English also reflected class struggles. Some works were considered more “English” than others. When T.S. Eliot became influential, he changed how literary traditions were seen. He promoted some writers and dismissed others. His views shaped how literature was judged. He believed middle-class liberalism had failed and that literature should appeal to emotions rather than intellect.

A new method of literary Criticism, known as Practical Criticism, focused on detailed analysis of texts. It tried to judge literature without considering its historical or cultural background. American New Criticism later refined this method. This approach believed literature should be studied separately from the author’s intentions and the reader’s emotions. New Criticism focused on structure, language, and form rather than social context.

Eagleton connects these ideas to more significant political and social issues. He shows that literature and its study were shaped by power and ideology. He argues that English literature was not neutral. Instead, it was a tool to shape beliefs and maintain social control.