The Emergence of Prose Writing in English Literature (up to 1590)
The development of prose as a literary medium in England before 1590 reflects the evolution of the English language itself—from functional religious and historical texts to sophisticated artistic expression. While poetry dominated early English literature, prose gradually gained prominence through religious, philosophical, and narrative works.
1. Early Foundations (Old English Period, 8th–11th Century)
Religious and Didactic Prose:
King Alfred’s Translations (9th century): The Anglo-Saxon king translated Latin texts (e.g., Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy) into English, establishing prose as a vehicle for scholarship.
Homilies (10th century): Clear, rhythmic sermons that blended instruction with literary craft.
Chronicles: The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (9th–12th century) recorded history in straightforward prose.
2. Middle English Prose (12th–15th Century)
Devotional and Mystical Works:
Ancrene Wisse (13th century): A guide for anchoresses, notable for its intimate, conversational style.
Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love (late 14th century): The first known English book written by a woman, blending theology with personal vision.
Walter Hilton’s The Scale of Perfection: A contemplative work influencing later spiritual writing.
Secular Prose:
Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur (1485): Compiled French Arthurian romances into English prose, creating a cohesive narrative of chivalry and tragedy.
3. The Renaissance Shift (16th Century)
Humanist Influences:
Thomas More’s Utopia (1516, Latin; English trans. 1551): A philosophical dialogue imagining an ideal society, showcasing Renaissance humanism.
Reformation and Polemical Prose:
William Tyndale’s Bible translation (1520s–1530s): Influenced the King James Bible with its clear, powerful English.
John Foxe’s Acts and Monuments (1563): Protestant martyrology written in vivid, dramatic prose.
Early Fiction and Essays:
John Lyly’s Euphues (1578): A stylistic experiment in elaborate, artificial prose ("Euphuism").
Philip Sidney’s The Defence of Poesy (1595, written earlier): A critical treatise in eloquent, persuasive prose.
4. Legacy
By 1590, English prose had evolved from utilitarian records to a versatile literary form, paving the way for the essay (Bacon), the novel (Defoe), and modern nonfiction.