Early Tudor (1485-1547):
* Middle English: The early Tudors inherited the language and style of the late medieval period. This involved complex sentence structures, rich vocabulary, and a preference for allegory and symbolism.
* Humanism: The rediscovery of classical learning during the Renaissance influenced writers like Sir Thomas More (author of Utopia) and Erasmus, who wrote in a more direct and clear style, often with a focus on moral and philosophical themes.
Mid-Tudor (1547-1583):
* Early Modern English: The language continued to evolve, moving away from the highly inflected Middle English towards a more streamlined, modern structure.
* Prose: Writers like William Tyndale (Bible translator) and John Foxe (author of the "Book of Martyrs") produced impactful prose that aimed to reach a wider audience.
* Drama: The rise of English Renaissance drama, with playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, marked a significant shift towards more dynamic and expressive language.
Late Tudor (1583-1603):
* The "Golden Age" of English Literature: This period saw a flourishing of prose, poetry, and drama. Writers like Edmund Spenser, Philip Sidney, and John Donne experimented with language and form, pushing the boundaries of literary expression.
* Influence of the Italian Renaissance: The influence of Italian literature and culture, especially on poetry and courtly love, was significant.
Key Characteristics of Tudor Writing:
* Religious and moral themes: The Tudors were deeply religious, and many writers addressed themes of faith, morality, and the nature of good and evil.
* Patriotic sentiment: The Tudor period saw the emergence of a strong sense of national identity, reflected in the works of poets like William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer.
* The rise of the vernacular: The use of English as a literary language increased, leading to the development of a distinctive and vibrant literary tradition.
Remember: The Tudor era was a time of significant cultural and intellectual change, reflected in the diversity of writing styles that emerged during this period.