Period literature Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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period literature

[ˈpɪərɪəd ˈlɪt(ə)rətʃə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

study

Literature that belongs to a specific historical period, often characterized by distinct stylistic and thematic features.

Synonyms

era-specific literature, historical literature.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
period literature	Used when referring to literature that reflects or is set in a specific historical period. Often implies an emphasis on the accurate depiction of the time's social, cultural, and political aspects. Jane Austen is famous for her period literature novels that vividly capture the life and society of the Regency era. The exhibit includes costumes and artifacts that bring the period literature to life.
historical literature	Broadly used to refer to any literature that is set in the past, often spanning multiple time periods. Can include both fictional works and non-fictional accounts. Historical literature provides a window into different epochs, offering rich narratives that bring history to life. Her interest in historical literature led her to read extensively about ancient Roman society.
era-specific literature	Appropriate for discussing works of literature that are clearly tied to a distinct historical era. Emphasizes a strict focus on particular historical periods, often highlighting specific events or trends from that time. The author's new novel is an example of era-specific literature, set during the Industrial Revolution and detailing the lives of factory workers. When studying American history, era-specific literature can provide deep insights into the attitudes and issues of the time.

Word

Description / Examples

period literature

Used when referring to literature that reflects or is set in a specific historical period. Often implies an emphasis on the accurate depiction of the time's social, cultural, and political aspects.

Jane Austen is famous for her period literature novels that vividly capture the life and society of the Regency era.
The exhibit includes costumes and artifacts that bring the period literature to life.

historical literature

Broadly used to refer to any literature that is set in the past, often spanning multiple time periods. Can include both fictional works and non-fictional accounts.

Historical literature provides a window into different epochs, offering rich narratives that bring history to life.
Her interest in historical literature led her to read extensively about ancient Roman society.

era-specific literature

Appropriate for discussing works of literature that are clearly tied to a distinct historical era. Emphasizes a strict focus on particular historical periods, often highlighting specific events or trends from that time.

The author's new novel is an example of era-specific literature, set during the Industrial Revolution and detailing the lives of factory workers.
When studying American history, era-specific literature can provide deep insights into the attitudes and issues of the time.

Examples of usage

She specializes in Victorian period literature.
The professor's research focuses on Renaissance period literature.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

writing

Literature that was produced during a particular historical period, reflecting the social, cultural, and political context of that time.

Synonyms

historical writing, time-specific literature.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
period literature	Used to refer to literary works from a specific historical period. Often used in academic discussions and literary studies to specify that the work being discussed is representative of its time. Jane Austen's novels are considered important pieces of period literature Students often study period literature to understand the cultural context of the time
historical writing	Describes works that provide historical accounts, whether fictional or non-fictional. This term is broader and includes any writing that deals with historical subjects, not necessarily limited to a specific period. His detailed historical writing on World War II has been praised for its accuracy Many enjoy historical writing for the insights it offers into past events
time-specific literature	Similar to period literature but emphasizes the specific time frame of the literary works. Often used to highlight the exact era being discussed. In our course, we will explore time-specific literature from the Renaissance Time-specific literature offers a window into the values and norms of a particular era

Word

Description / Examples

period literature

Used to refer to literary works from a specific historical period. Often used in academic discussions and literary studies to specify that the work being discussed is representative of its time.

Jane Austen's novels are considered important pieces of period literature
Students often study period literature to understand the cultural context of the time

historical writing

Describes works that provide historical accounts, whether fictional or non-fictional. This term is broader and includes any writing that deals with historical subjects, not necessarily limited to a specific period.

His detailed historical writing on World War II has been praised for its accuracy
Many enjoy historical writing for the insights it offers into past events

time-specific literature

Similar to period literature but emphasizes the specific time frame of the literary works. Often used to highlight the exact era being discussed.

In our course, we will explore time-specific literature from the Renaissance
Time-specific literature offers a window into the values and norms of a particular era

Examples of usage

The novel is a classic example of Elizabethan period literature.
Shakespeare's works are considered quintessential Elizabethan period literature.

Translations

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Origin of 'period literature'

The term 'period literature' emerged in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of literary criticism and the categorization of literary works based on historical contexts. It became a fundamental concept in literary studies, emphasizing the importance of understanding literature within its specific time frame and cultural milieu. This approach allows scholars to analyze how literature both reflects and influences the values, beliefs, and ideologies of the period in which it was written.