The GRE Subject Test in Literature in English assesses knowledge and understanding of literary texts, critical analysis, and interpretation skills.
Literary periods mark different eras in English literature, each with unique themes, styles, and social influences. From the Old English period to Postmodernism, recognizing these shifts helps you quickly identify the context of any text.
Knowing the period helps you interpret themes, language, and author intent. It also makes it easier to spot references and allusions.
Comparing a Victorian novel to a Modernist one reveals major changes in tone, structure, and worldview.
Spotting the difference between Shakespeare's poetic drama and Dickens's social commentary.
Connecting the Romantic love of nature in Wordsworth's poetry to the industrial anxieties in Victorian novels.
Literary periods organize English literature into eras, each with its own style and themes.