The evolution of British literature is a fascinating discovery of talent
             that continues to impress us. Literature has been blessed with great
             writers that come from a relatively small country. Literature often tells
             us much about society, the author, and ourselves. When we read Chaucer's
             The Canterbury Tales, we cannot help but be reminded of our quirky nature.
             When we read Hamlet or Othello, we are reminded of our frail human
             condition. When we read Milton's "Paradise Lost," we become aware of the
             spiritual side of life. All of these writers influenced literature in
             their time and continue to influence audiences today because of their
             When we consider the birth and expanse of literature, we first begin
             with the Middle Ages, which covers approximately 1000 years to roughly
             1485. Earliest influences on literature stem from what is commonly
             referred to the Dark Ages. M. H. Abrams notes that this is a particular
             term used to define the period, given that the time was only relatively
             dark" (Abrams Vol. II. 1). Literature from this time is varied but many
             stories and poems revolved around the idea of the heroic. Courtly life is
             a common theme as well as dying for a glorious purpose, achieving
             immortality, and knighthood. M. H. Abrams maintains that the greatest epic
             from the Middle Ages is "Beowulf". "Beowulf" represents a "harsh reality
             with an extraordinary subtly and intensity" (5) that was a part of life
             during this time. Beowulf is a significant to the history of English
             literature because it is the oldest recorded poem and is an excellent
             example of the Old English epic. The poem illustrates the importance of
             the relationship between the warrior ad his lord. In addition, the
             relationships between kinsmen was of "deep significance to this society and
             provides another emotional value for Old English epic heroic poetry" (27).
             Abrams notes the Beowulf is a poem about...