Since time immemorial, writing has been a way to express one’s thoughts, ideas and opinions in the most descriptive and artistic of manners. The way one writes a particular piece, determines its category, its genre and also its appeal to the readers. Since the earliest evidences in the world of English literature, we have seen, that there have been years and ages, when the form took over the content and sometimes, the vice versa. For example, in the Classical age, there were rigid rules and regulations to be maintained while writing poetry and drama. There were particular norms that had to be followed. Any deviation would be considered to be an aberration.
Evolving Techniques:
Old English Period
We shall now take a look at the ages in literature and the changes in techniques of writing with the change in time. The Old English period was marked by elaborate descriptions of wars and heroic deeds and bravery. The most important epic poems of this age that we still retain till date are Beowulf, Caedmon’s hymn and the Anglo Saxon Chronicle. The language too underwent a huge change down the years.
The Renaissance Period
During the Renaissance period, form and technique went through changes again. There was more emphasis laid on translation of classical Greek and Latin works, and to incorporate the styles of the classicists in their works. Since Renaissance ked enlightenment of the soul, the mind and the human spirit, the forms in literature went through similar changes. The content became severely more important than just the style of narration. Writers and artists explored newer ways to express one self through words. For example, the sonnet became a popular form for writing poetry.
The Victorian Age
The Victorian age witnessed a literature that fought for the causes of the society as a whole. Writers were concerned with prevailing social issues and conditions and their writings tried to highlight those particular issues. We can actually see that with the particular need in society and the need in the world, the writing techniques in literature have changed accordingly. When there was enlightenment of the human race, people learnt to give more importance to what was said, rather than to, how it was said.
The Modern World
Finally, we see the modern world, that has produced art and literature that has broken free from any kind of rules and regulations that can be a restriction to the scope of expression. The two devastating world wars shook the belief of mankind in anything that resembles or refers to fixity and integrity. The wars proved to mankind that rules or regulations and rigidity do not help to maintain order. In a chaotic world, where things are falling apart, the writing technique too should be such that the readers can identify their present state of being through the words on the page.
Thus, we can trace the modifications, reductions and over all changes that writing and narration underwent with the change in the world panorama and can understand how or why, the need to do so arises.
