1600 to 1699: Paradise Lost to Selected Fables

Chronology of World, British and American Literature.

Milton. British. 1667. Epic Poem. Paradise Lost. Greatest epic in any modern language. The story of the Devil’s temptation of Adam and Eve.

Hans Grimmelhausen. German. 1668. Novel. Simplicissimus. Thirty Years’ War. Development of the hero’s simple soul toward resignation and wisdom. Panorama of contemporary events. Horrors and injustices of war.

Dryden. British. 1668. Literary Criticism. Essay of Dramatic Poesy. Conversation about Greek, French and English dramas. The merits of dramatists. Blank vs. rhymed verse in plays.

Moliere. French. 1668. Play. L’Avare (The Miser). Inhuman greed balanced by a happy ending. Old men, trying to marry young women, are deceived by young men.

Jean de LaFontaine. French. 1668/94. Fables in Verse. Selected Fables, Set in Verse. Gently ironic view of life and society. Free verse. Sense and moderation. Told for the pleasure of telling.