Arrange the following works in the chronological sequence of their year of publication:

A. Matthew Arnold's Culture and Anarchy
B. Thomas Browne's The Anatomy of Melancholy
C. P. B. Shelley's Defence of Poetry
D. Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan
E. Walter Pater's Studies in the History of the Renaissance

Choose the correct answer from the options below:

Correct option is D

Explanation:

The correct chronological order based on publication years is:
B → D → C → A → E

The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621) – Robert Burton

- The Anatomy of Melancholy was written by Robert Burton.

- It was published in 1621 and is a deeply philosophical work analyzing the concept of melancholy from multiple perspectives, including medicine, literature, and psychology.

- It is one of the earliest psychological analysis of depression and mental health.

Leviathan (1651) – Thomas Hobbes

- One of the most influential works of political philosophy, Leviathan was published in 1651.

- Hobbes argues for a strong central authority (absolute monarchy) as a solution to the chaotic nature of humanity without governance.  It advocates absolute sovereignty to prevent societal chaos.

- Influenced modern political thought, particularly the idea of the social contract.

A Defence of Poetry (1821, published 1840) – P. B. Shelley

- Written in 1821, but published posthumously in 1840, Shelley’s A Defence of Poetry is one of the most significant Romantic-era essays on the function of poetry.

- He argues that poets are the "unacknowledged legislators of the world."

-  A Romantic essay that defends poetry’s moral and revolutionary power, claiming poets shape societal consciousness.

Culture and Anarchy (1869) – Matthew Arnold

- This Victorian-era text was published in 1869 and critiques societal norms while advocating for culture and education as a means to improve society.

-  Advocates for culture and education as a means to combat social issues and materialism in Victorian society.

Studies in the History of the Renaissance (1873) – Walter Pater

- Published in 1873, Pater’s book examines the aesthetic movement and celebrates Renaissance art and philosophy.

- It had a significant influence on Aestheticism and Decadent literature.

- Analyzes Renaissance art and aesthetics, emphasizing "art for art’s sake."

- Influenced Oscar Wilde and the Aesthetic Movement.