Home Linguistics & Semiotics Chapter 16: Literary language
Chapter
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Chapter 16: Literary language

  • Colette Moore
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Explore this Subject How to publish with us
Volume 4 Early Modern English
This chapter is in the book Volume 4 Early Modern English

Abstract

Literary language between 1500 and 1700 was strongly influenced by classical models of poetic language from which it imported figures, tropes, and schemes to create a high or grand style for literary genres. Although not all literary language was written in high style, the high style shaped patterns of syntax and lexical usage in literary texts by encouraging copious, excessive, and elaborately ornamental usage. The Early Modern impulse to codify and organize English was reflected in a self-conscious approach to literary language: the period saw the publication of many rhetorics designed to develop and classify literary usage. Literary texts also contributed to English nation-building efforts during the 16th and 17th centuries; efforts to develop a language of literature sought to legitimize English as a medium for artistic expression.

Abstract

Literary language between 1500 and 1700 was strongly influenced by classical models of poetic language from which it imported figures, tropes, and schemes to create a high or grand style for literary genres. Although not all literary language was written in high style, the high style shaped patterns of syntax and lexical usage in literary texts by encouraging copious, excessive, and elaborately ornamental usage. The Early Modern impulse to codify and organize English was reflected in a self-conscious approach to literary language: the period saw the publication of many rhetorics designed to develop and classify literary usage. Literary texts also contributed to English nation-building efforts during the 16th and 17th centuries; efforts to develop a language of literature sought to legitimize English as a medium for artistic expression.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Table of Contents V
  3. Abbreviations VII
  4. Chapter 1: Introduction 1
  5. Chapter 2: Early Modern English: Overview 8
  6. Chapter 3: Phonology 27
  7. Chapter 4: Morphology 47
  8. Chapter 5: Syntax 68
  9. Chapter 6: Lexicon and semantics 89
  10. Chapter 7: Pragmatics and discourse 108
  11. Chapter 8: Dialects 128
  12. Chapter 9: Language contact 150
  13. Chapter 10: Standardization 167
  14. Chapter 11: Sociolinguistics 188
  15. Chapter 12: Pronouns 209
  16. Chapter 13: Periphrastic DO 224
  17. Chapter 14: The Great Vowel Shift 241
  18. Chapter 15: Relativization 267
  19. Chapter 16: Literary language 287
  20. Chapter 17: The language of Shakespeare 309
  21. Index 333
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110525069-016

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Table of Contents V
  3. Abbreviations VII
  4. Chapter 1: Introduction 1
  5. Chapter 2: Early Modern English: Overview 8
  6. Chapter 3: Phonology 27
  7. Chapter 4: Morphology 47
  8. Chapter 5: Syntax 68
  9. Chapter 6: Lexicon and semantics 89
  10. Chapter 7: Pragmatics and discourse 108
  11. Chapter 8: Dialects 128
  12. Chapter 9: Language contact 150
  13. Chapter 10: Standardization 167
  14. Chapter 11: Sociolinguistics 188
  15. Chapter 12: Pronouns 209
  16. Chapter 13: Periphrastic DO 224
  17. Chapter 14: The Great Vowel Shift 241
  18. Chapter 15: Relativization 267
  19. Chapter 16: Literary language 287
  20. Chapter 17: The language of Shakespeare 309
  21. Index 333
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2025 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 4.12.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110525069-016/html
Scroll to top button