The Reformation
The Reformation, a 16th-century religious movement, profoundly influenced English literature. As Henry VIII separated from the Catholic Church, English authors like John Milton and John Bunyan explored themes of individual conscience, divine authority, and religious freedom. The English Reformation's linguistic impact is evident in the translation of the Bible into English, notably the King James Version, which enriched the language and inspired writers. The Reformation also inspired theological and political writings, contributing to the development of modern English prose. Religious controversies and the questioning of established authority became recurring motifs in English literature, shaping the works of Shakespeare, Spenser, and later writers.