Why is the year 1688 important in the history of English literature?

Answer 1

In 1688 Alexander Pope was born and John Bunyan died. Neither event in itself had any implications for English Literature.

The most important historical event of 1688 was the Glorious Revolution, when the Dutch invader William of Orange was recognised by the Westminster Parliament as England's legitimate King (thus making England a de facto Constitutional Monarchy - since the King could be chosen by Parliament).

Again it is difficult to see why the Glorious Revolution matters to the development of English Literature. Anti-Catholic prejudice became endemic in English society (the first poet laureate - John Dryden - would be sacked for becoming a Catholic), but religious discrimination was nothing new in England.

John Dryden's translation of the Aeneid was a major watershed in English literature - but that wouldn't happen until 1697.

Perhaps only your teacher knows the answer to this one.

Answer 2

The year 1688 is important in English literature because it marked the beginning of the Georgian period, a time known for the growth of the novel and the rise of satire and literary criticism. It also saw the publication of influential works such as john Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" and Aphra Behn's novel "Oroonoko."