Though the renaissance began in 1453, its effect on English life and literature was felt after 1500. For this reason, it is generally accepted that the Renaissance Period began at the beginning of the 16th century and continued till the Restoration in 1660. This period is called the Renaissance Period because the renaissance spirit was the main driving force that characterized the literature of this time. This period of 160 years is subdivided into four shorter ages after the names of the political rules:

1. Elizabethan Age (1558-1603)
2. Jacobean Age (1603-1625)
3. Caroline Age (1625-1649)
4. Commonwealth Period (1649-1660)