Discuss the evolution of English from the 18th century to the present with reference to Terry Eagleton’s “The Rise of English.” [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★

Terry Eagleton (1943–present) is a leading literary critic. He wrote "Literary Theory: An Introduction" in 1983, and "The Rise of English" was its second chapter. In this essay, he traces English literature’s growth. It shows how literature changed from the 18th century. Eagleton explains its role in society, education, and power. He links it to class, religion, and empire. His analysis reveals literature’s hidden ideological uses. Let us move to the main discussion.

English in the 18th Century: In the 18th century, literature meant serious writing. It included essays, letters, sermons, and histories. Poetry or fiction was not the main. Upper-class writings were called "literary" then. Popular forms were ignored or rejected. So, literature supported elite class values. It was used to teach manners and taste. This helped the ruling class shape thoughts. Eagleton observes: 

"text-align: center;">"Literature, in the meaning we inherited, is an ideology."

The Romantic Period and Imagination: The Romantic Period (1798-1832) brought major change. Literature became about creativity and imagination. Poets became visionaries and deep thinkers. They fought against industrial society through art. Poetry showed emotions, truth, and protest. But some writers escaped real life. Romanticism had both protest and retreat. It helped make English about feelings and values. Eagleton shows that literature became political here. Symbols and imagination were tools of vision. He says literature was a new force. This period shaped modern literary meaning.

English Replaced Failing Religion: In the 19th century, religion lost power. People stopped believing as they did before. Science and change broke old faith. The ruling class needed a new guide. So, literature became the moral teacher. English gave values, emotions, and unity. It replaced religion in daily life. Eagleton writes,

“If one were asked to provide a single explanation for the growth of English studies… one could do worse than reply: ‘the failure of religion."

English and Empire Building: English also grew with imperial rule. British officers studied literature before going abroad. They read Shakespeare and Milton proudly. This gave them moral and cultural pride. Literature showed them as noble rulers. Eagleton says it ruled minds, not just lands. Even colonized students learned English texts. This spread British culture and power. He writes,

"English Literature rode to power on the back of wartime nationalism."

Scrutiny Movement and Its Limits: In the 20th century, English became central. F. R. Leavis (1895-1978) led the "Scrutiny: A Quarterly Review" journal. He wanted to save culture through literature. He praised books with deep moral power. They rejected mass media and popular art. They trained people to read deeply. But they ignored real social problems. They avoided class and political struggles. Eagleton says,

“The whole Scrutiny project was... absurd.”

To conclude, Terry Eagleton shows that English evolved with power. It was not just for beauty. English replaced religion and supported the empire. It helped shape minds and society. His essay makes us question literature’s role. English rose as a political and moral force.