Literary history is timeless. Works of writing began as oral works to be written down long after their creation. These were then passed down from generation to generation in the form of stories, nursery rhymes, poems, etc. After the invention of paper by the Chinese, a new revelation occurred. Around 1440, a man named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. This mechanization of book creation radically influenced society then and still today. Through this journey of the English language and through its stages of development, many differences and similarities can be noticed within its topics, themes and writing styles. Starting with the Anglo-Saxon period (the almost incomprehensible language of Beowulf), through the medieval period (mixed with French and Latin, the language of Chaucer), to the English Renaissance (language of humanism) , and leading up to the 17th century (Cavaliers versus Puritans), it was certainly a long road to literary excellence. "Anglo-Saxon" is the term used to describe the invading Germanic tribes of southern and eastern Britain during the fifth century, and their creation of the English Empire. nation. This is why, in terms of literary themes, the literary genre belonging to the Anglo-Saxon period accentuated the notion of heroism. Anglo-Saxon literature did not begin with books, but rather with spoken verse and songs or poems, such as epic poems. The purpose of these forms of literature was to transmit tribal history and morals to the majority of an illiterate population. Warriors gathered in mead halls where they recited poems for hours for entertainment. The writing style of these poems was very catchy and memorable, so they could be easily recalled and thus retold. Voiced by ...... middle of paper ...... The poet, who refers to himself as "old Khayyám", is unable to commit to the belief in an afterlife. Therefore, he believes in living for today. As you can see, there are many differences and similarities between these distinct periods of literary history. The Anglo-Saxon period was one of heroism. The medieval period is that of chivalry and courtly love. The Renaissance period is one of rebirth and humanism. Finally, the 17th century is that of the Puritans and the cavaliers. Each period revolved around a new subject, theme and style of writing. However, no matter what differences our literature goes through, we always return to our roots, take out our beginnings and use them effectively. The English language has surely evolved at every stage of time and it will continue to reach new heights due to its predominant history..