History of English Literature Volume 2 (of 3)

"History of English Literature Volume 2 (of 3)" by Hippolyte Taine is a detailed exploration of English literature during the Renaissance and Reformation. It looks at important writers and thinkers from these times and how they shaped literature and morality. The book looks at how the exciting art of the Italian Renaissance clashed with the new focus on morality that came with the Reformation. Important people like Luther and Milton are featured as examples of this clash. The book starts by comparing the Christian Renaissance in the south compared to the north of Europe. We discovers how Luther reacted to what he believed was Italy's eroding ethics, balanced against Germany's burgeoning spiritual strength. It shows how corruption and violence within the Church created big moral problems, which led to Luther's inner battles with guilt and his split from Church leaders. Taine shows how culture, religion, and literature all affect each other, suggesting that big changes in art and thought often come from social problems and people wanting clearer moral guidance.