Early 18th century

Definition

The early 18th century refers to the period from 1700 to 1750, marked by significant cultural, political, and literary developments in Europe. This era saw the rise of the novel as a prominent literary form, alongside the emergence of key figures such as Daniel Defoe, who greatly influenced narrative style and character development in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Daniel Defoe's novel 'Robinson Crusoe,' published in 1719, is considered one of the first novels in English literature and a prime example of early modern realism.
2. The early 18th century was characterized by a shift from poetry and drama to prose fiction as the dominant literary form in England.
3. Defoe's innovative use of first-person narrative allowed readers to connect more intimately with characters and their inner thoughts.
4. This period also saw the publication of other significant works such as 'Moll Flanders' and 'A Journal of the Plague Year,' further establishing Defoe's reputation as a leading novelist.
5. The rise of literacy and the increase in print culture during this time contributed to the popularity of novels and the development of new readership demographics.

Review Questions

• How did Daniel Defoe's writing style reflect the cultural changes occurring in the early 18th century?
  • Defoe's writing style was a reflection of the cultural shift towards realism and individualism in the early 18th century. His use of first-person narratives allowed readers to experience events from a personal perspective, fostering a deeper connection with characters. This emphasis on character development and personal experience mirrored societal changes where individual stories began to gain importance over collective narratives.
• Discuss how the rise of prose fiction during the early 18th century changed the landscape of English literature.
  • The rise of prose fiction transformed English literature by establishing new narrative techniques and character-focused storytelling. This shift moved attention away from traditional forms like poetry and drama, which had dominated earlier literary periods. Authors like Defoe began to experiment with realistic portrayals of everyday life, thus broadening the appeal of literature to a wider audience and laying the groundwork for future novelists.
• Evaluate the impact of print culture on literature in the early 18th century, especially concerning Defoe's contributions.
  • Print culture had a profound impact on literature in the early 18th century by facilitating the widespread dissemination of novels, thus transforming reading habits. As literacy rates rose, authors like Defoe capitalized on this growing market by producing engaging narratives that appealed to diverse audiences. Defoe's contributions not only exemplified the novel's potential for storytelling but also highlighted how print culture could shape public opinion and engage readers in contemporary issues.

Related terms

The Rise of the Novel: A literary movement during the 18th century that established the novel as a distinct genre, focusing on individual characters and their experiences.

Realism: A literary technique that aims to represent everyday life and society accurately, emphasizing plausible characters and events.

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.