The 15th Century in English Literature – “Barren period”

The 15th century in English literature is often referred to as a “barren period” due to the lack of major literary innovation; however, notable writers still contributed significantly to the preservation and transition of English literary traditions.

Major Writers of the 15th Century in English Literature

1. Sir Thomas Malory (1415–1471)

• Famous Work: Le Morte d’Arthur

• Contribution: Retold the Arthurian legends in English prose; a crucial link between medieval romance and Renaissance literature.

2. John Lydgate (1370– 1451)

• Famous Works: The Fall of Princes, The Siege of Thebes, The Troy Book

• Contribution: A monk and a disciple of Chaucer. He continued Chaucer’s style but was more moralistic and lengthy.

• Style: Didactic, allegorical, and highly influenced by French and classical sources.

3. Thomas Hoccleve (1368– 1426)

• Famous Work: The Regiment of Princes

• Contribution: A civil servant and a follower of Chaucer. His poetry included personal reflections and guidance for rulers.

• Specialty: Known for his autobiographical elements and plain style.

4. Robert Henryson ( 1425– 1500) – Scottish Poet

• Famous Works: The Testament of Cresseid, Moral Fables

• Contribution: Blended classical themes with Scottish culture. Considered one of the greatest Middle Scots poets.

• Notable for: Continuing Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde in a tragic, moral tone.

5. William Dunbar (1460–1520) – Scottish Poet

• Famous Works: The Golden Targe, Lament for the Makars

• Contribution: A court poet for King James IV of Scotland. His works show vivid imagery, satire, and a blend of seriousness and humor.

• Style: Rich and ornate with influence from Chaucer.

6. John Capgrave (1393–1464)

• Famous Work: The Life of St. Katherine

• Contribution: A theologian and historian. His works are important for religious and historical literature.

• Style: Scholarly and moralistic.

7. Reginald Pecock (1395–1460)

• Famous Work: The Repressor of Over Much Blaming of the Clergy

• Contribution: A bishop and reformer who wrote in English prose. He advocated for reason in religion.

• Importance: One of the first to use vernacular prose for theological arguments.

Conclusion

Although the 15th century lacked the brilliance of Chaucer or the Renaissance masters, it was a transitional period that:

• Preserved medieval traditions

• Experimented with prose

• Prepared the ground for Renaissance humanism and literary flowering

Writers like Malory, Lydgate, and Henryson ensured that literary traditions survived the turbulent political backdrop (like the Wars of the Roses) and evolved into the vibrant literature of the 16th century.

We find that in the 15th Century, a form of poem or song became very popular, and it was the ballads.

Popularity of Ballads in the 15th Century

What is a Ballad?

A ballad is a short narrative poem or song that tells a story, usually in simple language and structured in quatrains (four-line stanzas). They often focus on love, death, adventure, betrayal, or heroic deeds, and were passed down through oral tradition.

Why Ballads Became Popular in the 15th Century?

1. Oral Tradition & Folk Culture

   • Ballads were easy to remember and repeated by word of mouth.

   • They were a people’s literature—accessible to common folk, not just the elite.

2. Rise of Vernacular English

   • Latin and French influences were fading gradually, and English was becoming dominant.

   • Ballads helped preserve regional dialects and local history.

3. Political and Social Unrest

   • The Wars of the Roses and local feuds inspired tales of outlaws, rebellion, and justice.

   • Ballads became a way to express popular sentiment and folk heroism.

4. Entertainment & Education

   • Sung in marketplaces, taverns, and village gatherings, ballads were popular entertainment.

   • They often had moral lessons, serving an educational purpose too.

5. Printing Revolution

   • By the end of the 15th century, William Caxton’s printing press helped record ballads in written form.

Famous Themes & Subjects

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Style and Structure

• Simple, repetitive language for oral transmission

• Often used dialogue and dramatic action

• Refrains (repeated lines) were common

• Told in quatrains, often with ABCB rhyme scheme

Legacy of 15th-Century Ballads

• Formed the foundation of English folk poetry

• Inspired later poets like Coleridge (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) and Wordsworth

• Still influences folk music and storytelling traditions today

Conclusion

Ballads flourished in the 15th century because they were engaging, memorable, and spoke the language of the common people. They bridged the gap between oral tradition and literary culture, keeping alive the voice of everyday experience in the face of political and social change.

Read More:

The Middle English Period – Part I (1066 to 1250) STUDY ENGLISH LITERATURE

SONNET – INTRODUCTION | TYPES | RHYME SCHEME & POETS’ STUDY ENGLISH LITERATURE

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