Histoire De La Littérature Anglaise (volume 2 De 5)

A scholarly work written in the mid-19th century. This volume focuses primarily on the evolution of English literature during the Renaissance, investigating its theatrical forms, characters, and the societal influences that shaped the dramatic arts of the time. Taine provides deep insights into the works and lives of key playwrights, such as Marlowe and Shakespeare, as well as the cultural and moral environment in which they operated. The opening of the work sets the stage by describing the vibrant and tumultuous era of the Renaissance in England, emphasizing the unique nature of its theater which reflects the raw passions and instincts of the time. Taine depicts the audience of Shakespeare's plays, illustrating the wide variety of social classes present and their rudimentary experiences of theater. He characterizes the public's fervor for drama against the backdrop of their often crude and undisciplined nature, creating a compelling connection between the theatrical productions and the societal behaviors that inspired them. Through these observations, the opening establishes the foundations of how English literature evolved into a complex tapestry of human emotion, creativity, and societal reflection.