Terry Eagleton The Rise Of English Pdf

3. The Institutionalization: Oxford, Cambridge, and the New Critics

: "Literature" referred to all high-quality writing (philosophy, history, essays) that reflected upper-class values. Romantic Period

Eagleton also notes the gendered history of the discipline. As women gained access to higher education in the late 19th century, they were heavily funneled into English literature programs. The study of English was viewed by patriarchal society as a "soft," emotional, and non-utilitarian pursuit suitable for women, while men continued to dominate fields of governance, science, and classical law. 3. The Imperial Agenda: English Overseas Terry eagleton the rise of english pdf

It instilled moral values, promoting national pride and social harmony. 2. Pacifying the Masses and Educating the Empire

Originally, English was not considered a serious subject for elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge, which favored the "manly" rigors of the Classics (Greek and Latin). As women gained access to higher education in

To understand Eagleton’s thesis, one must look at 19th-century Britain. Before English became a standard university subject, academic institutions prioritized Classical studies (Latin and Greek). Eagleton traces how and why this shifted, identifying three major catalysts for the institutionalization of English literature. 1. The Decline of Religion

Eagleton also explores the role of influential thinkers and scholars, such as I.A. Richards, William Empson, and F.R. Leavis, in shaping the development of English studies. He critiques their approaches to literary analysis, arguing that they often promoted a narrow, ahistorical understanding of literature. The Imperial Agenda: English Overseas It instilled moral

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Ideologues needed a new social cement to instill morality, obedience, and national pride without relying on supernatural dogma.