ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

17th century in literature

Okay buddy, so in the 17th century, lots of people wrote stories, plays, and poems. They had to use pens and paper because there were no computers or phones like we have today. They wrote about all sorts of things like love, adventure, and even religion. Some of the most well-known writers from this time were William Shakespeare and John Milton.

One big thing that was happening was that people were starting to read more books. Before that, books were really expensive and only rich people could buy them. But now, printing technology was improving so books were becoming more affordable. This meant that more people could read and learn from them.

Another thing that was happening was that people were starting to write more in English. Before that, most writers wrote in Latin or French. But in the 17th century, English was becoming more popular and it became the language of literature.

So, that's a little bit about the 17th century in literature. It was a time when people were writing lots of cool and interesting stories, and more people were able to enjoy them because books were becoming more affordable.