English poetry Facts for Kids

The history of English poetry goes way back, starting around the middle of the 7th century and continuing right up to today! Over all these years, English poets have created some of the most famous and long-lasting poems in Western culture. The language and its amazing poetry have even spread all around the world.

The very first poems from the place we now call England were probably shared by people just talking and singing, not by writing them down. This is called an oral tradition. Later, some of these poems were written down, but those early written copies don't exist anymore. This makes it tricky to know exactly which poems were the very first ones.

Today, English poetry isn't just from England! Many countries have their own important English poetry. This includes American, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, and Indian poetry. Even though Ireland is close to England and uses English, some people feel that Irish literature is its own special thing, not just English or British.

What is English Poetry?
Early English Poetry (7th to 11th Century)
- The Epic of Beowulf
Medieval English Poetry (12th to 15th Century)
- Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales
The Renaissance and Beyond (16th to 18th Century)
- Famous Renaissance Poets
Romantic Poetry (Late 18th to Mid-19th Century)
- Key Romantic Poets
Victorian Poetry (Mid-19th Century)
- Victorian Poets of Note
Modern and Contemporary Poetry (20th Century to Today)
- Notable Modern Poets
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What is English Poetry?

English poetry is simply poetry written in the English language. It uses rhythm, sound, and special words to create feelings and ideas. Poets use different styles and forms to express themselves.

Early English Poetry (7th to 11th Century)

The oldest English poems we know about come from a time called the Anglo-Saxon period. These poems were often about brave heroes, battles, and religious stories. They were usually passed down by word of mouth before being written.

The Epic of Beowulf

One of the most famous early English poems is Beowulf. It's a long story, called an epic, about a hero who fights monsters. It tells us a lot about the beliefs and lives of people back then.

The first page of Beowulf, a very old and famous English poem.

Medieval English Poetry (12th to 15th Century)

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the English language changed a lot. French words mixed with Old English. Poetry during this time became more varied, including stories about knights, love, and everyday life.

Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales

A very important poet from this time was Geoffrey Chaucer. He wrote The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by different travelers on a pilgrimage. It gives us a funny and detailed look at medieval society.

The Renaissance and Beyond (16th to 18th Century)

The Renaissance was a time of great new ideas and art. English poetry became very rich and creative. Poets explored new forms and themes.

Famous Renaissance Poets

Edmund Spenser: He wrote a long, beautiful poem called The Faerie Queene, full of knights and magic.

Edmund Spenser, a famous poet from the Renaissance.

William Shakespeare: While famous for his plays, Shakespeare also wrote many amazing sonnets, which are short, 14-line poems.
John Donne: He was a "Metaphysical poet" who wrote clever poems about love, religion, and death.

John Donne, known for his clever and deep poems.

Aphra Behn: She was one of the first professional female writers in England. She wrote plays and poems.

Aphra Behn, an important early female writer.

Romantic Poetry (Late 18th to Mid-19th Century)

The Romantic period was all about feelings, nature, and the power of imagination. Poets often wrote about beautiful landscapes and strong emotions.

Key Romantic Poets

William Wordsworth: He loved nature and wrote about simple, everyday life.

William Wordsworth, a leading Romantic poet.

John Keats: Known for his beautiful language and poems about beauty and art.
Lord Byron: A very famous and adventurous poet who wrote about freedom and rebellion.
Mary Shelley: Though famous for her novel Frankenstein, she also wrote poetry.
John Clare: He wrote wonderful poems about the English countryside and farm life.

John Clare, who wrote about nature and rural life.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning: A very popular female poet, famous for her love poems.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a well-known female poet.

Victorian Poetry (Mid-19th Century)

During the Victorian era, poetry often explored themes of doubt, faith, and the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution.

Victorian Poets of Note

Alfred, Lord Tennyson: A very popular poet who wrote about myths, history, and personal feelings.
Robert Browning: Known for his "dramatic monologues," where a character speaks directly to the reader.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti: He was also a painter and part of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, creating art and poetry that looked back to medieval times.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a poet and painter.

Modern and Contemporary Poetry (20th Century to Today)

The 20th century brought many changes to poetry, with poets experimenting with new styles and ideas. They often reacted to world events like wars and social changes.

Notable Modern Poets

Rudyard Kipling: Wrote famous poems like If—, which is often voted a favorite.

Rudyard Kipling's famous poem If—.

T. S. Eliot: A very influential poet who wrote complex and thought-provoking poems.
Dylan Thomas: A Welsh poet known for his powerful and musical language.
Seamus Heaney: An Irish poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work.

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The Seeds and Fruits of English Poetry, Ford Madox Brown.

English poetry facts for kids

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