The Age of Enlightenment

Definition

The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period encouraged the exploration of human rights, scientific reasoning, and artistic expression, which paved the way for developments in literature, philosophy, and culture. The movement significantly influenced the works of playwrights and authors, reflecting the ideals of rational thought and moral clarity in their narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Enlightenment coincided with the rise of modern science, leading to significant advancements in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and biology.
2. Key figures of this era included philosophers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Rousseau, whose ideas on governance and society influenced revolutionary movements worldwide.
3. Literature during the Enlightenment often featured themes of reason versus emotion, social critique, and moral questioning, reflecting a shift in societal values.
4. Molière's works exemplified Enlightenment ideals through satire that questioned societal norms and human behavior while promoting rational thought.
5. The impact of Enlightenment thinking can be seen in the dramatic shifts towards democracy and individual rights that emerged in Europe and America in the late 18th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Age of Enlightenment influence the themes and styles present in the works of Molière?
  • The Age of Enlightenment profoundly influenced Molière's writing by encouraging him to incorporate themes of reason and social critique into his plays. His use of satire served as a tool to challenge societal norms and question authority, reflecting the Enlightenment emphasis on individual thought. By portraying characters who exemplify folly or ignorance, Molière not only entertained audiences but also prompted them to reflect on moral values and human behavior within society.
• In what ways did Racine's tragedies embody Enlightenment ideals while still adhering to classical forms?
  • Racine's tragedies exemplified Enlightenment ideals by exploring human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of personal choices within a classical framework. His adherence to the unities of time, place, and action demonstrates respect for traditional forms while simultaneously delving into complex character psychology. This balance allowed Racine to depict profound human experiences that resonate with Enlightenment themes of reason and ethical inquiry, showcasing how personal struggle often reflects broader societal issues.
• Evaluate how Corneille's contributions to drama during the Age of Enlightenment reflect a shift in perspectives about heroism and individual agency.
  • Corneille's contributions to drama during the Age of Enlightenment illustrate a significant shift in perspectives on heroism and individual agency by portraying protagonists who grapple with moral conflicts and personal choice. His characters often face dilemmas that require them to balance personal desires against societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of individual agency in shaping one's destiny. This focus on internal conflict aligns with Enlightenment ideals about rational thought and self-determination, marking a departure from classical notions of heroism that prioritized fate or divine intervention over personal responsibility.

Related terms

Rationalism:

A philosophical belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge and a key component in understanding the world.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement focused on human values, education, and the potential for individual achievement, often associated with the Renaissance.

Social Contract: A theory suggesting that individuals consent to form societies and governments based on mutual benefit and collective agreement.